OUR BRANDS
Guide to Wheelchairs for Disabled Children
If your child has a disability or medical condition that affects his or her ability to walk or perform tasks of daily living, they may qualify for a power chair. Wheelchairs for disabled children are a great choice for kids so they stay active and engage with their peers. There are many wheelchairs designed for children available on the market. Read on for some helpful guidelines on how to choose a wheelchair for disabled child, as well as obtaining funding for one.
Does My Child Qualify for a Wheelchair?
To determine your child’s eligibility for a wheelchair, schedule an appointment with his or her regular physical therapist or doctor. This person will evaluate your child and then write a prescription for a power wheelchair if your child needs it for day-to-day living. Your child’s physical therapist or doctor will need to submit a prescription to a durable medical equipment (DME) provider within 45 days of the examination. The DME provider will also need to evaluate the child’s home to determine if your child can maneuver an electric wheelchair safely through the home.
Medicare Coverage for a Power Wheelchair
Although the federal government initially designed Medicare as a health insurance program for people over age 65, it has evolved over the years to include unmarried children under age 22 with certain chronic medical conditions. Parents must also meet certain requirements to receive Medicare for their child. Medicare will only pay for a wheelchair for disabled child when it is medically necessary. During a face-to-face exam with your child’s physician, the doctor will consider first the use of a cane, walker, manual wheelchair or electric scooter before considering a wheelchair for disabled child and writing a prescription. You must have the prescription and supporting medical records sent to the DME provider before Medicare pays for a wheelchair.
Wheelchair for Disabled Child and Medicaid Funding
Because Medicaid is a state-funded program, each state determines its own eligibility requirements. Your family must meet initial income and asset limits to qualify for your specific state’s program. Once qualified, you may be able to get Medicaid to cover a wheelchair for disabled child either fully or partially. The best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your local Medicaid office. You will need to fill out required paperwork. We recommend that you bring your ID, as well as documents that provide proof of income. Obtain more information on Medicaid funding.
Choosing the Best Wheelchair for Disabled Children
Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid funding may determine which power wheelchairs your child qualifies for in terms of reimbursement. When choosing the best wheelchair for your child, there are a few things to think about. First, consider the weight capacity of the wheelchair. It’s recommended to choose a wheelchair with a weight capacity that is greater than your child’s body weight. Another consideration in choosing a wheelchair for disabled child is whether your child will primarily use the wheelchair indoors or outdoors. The Jazzy® Sport 2 is a good option for indoor use because it can maneuver tight corners with ease. If your child is extremely active, you might consider finding a wheelchair that is more portable and easier to take from one place to another. Find out other great tips in choosing a wheelchair for disabled child.