How Much Does a New Wheelchair Cost? (2024)

FAQs

How much does a new wheelchair cost? ›

The average cost of a new wheelchair is between $500 and $1,500, but it really depends upon what kind of wheelchair you're shopping for. You can find manual wheelchairs priced as low as $100, while the cost of a power wheelchair can be as high as $30,000.

Wheelchairs can be from $200-$45,000+. Insurance may cover all, part or none of the cost. It all depends upon the coverage you have.

You may have to get prior approval (known as “prior authorization”) for certain types of power wheelchairs before Medicare will cover the wheelchair cost. Your DME supplier should: Request “prior authorization” Send the request and required documents to Medicare.

Getting an NHS wheelchair

Ask a GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. You'll need to do this before you can get an NHS wheelchair. The local wheelchair service will decide if you need a wheelchair and, if so, what type. You might be able to get a voucher.

Depending on the type of wheelchair needed, costs can range all the way from $90-$9,000, with an average price of $4,455.

Medicare only covers a wheelchair or scooter replacement once every five years except in limited circ*mstances. Medicare covers wheelchair and scooter repairs. When you're renting, there's no extra charge to you for repairs because they're part of the rental agreement.

In California, Medi-Cal (also known as "Medicaid" in other states) covers durable medical equipment, which includes manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs.

The most common type of chair would be the manual wheelchair. This type of chair is self-propelled, and it is not assisted by the use of a battery or an auto propelling system. This type of chair is suited for someone who has control over his or her upper limbs.

Disabilities may be orthopedic (relating to the bone and muscles) or they may be neuromuscular (relating to the nerves and muscles). For example, some of the more common kinds of mobility impairments are amputations, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and more.

How long does it take for Medicare to approve a wheelchair? ›

Your provider or supplier must send the prior authorization request to the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC). The DME MAC will respond within 10 business days (sooner if your health would be harmed by going without equipment), either approving or denying your request.

Medicare coverage is the same for people who qualify based on disability as for those who qualify based on age. For those who are eligible, the full range of Medicare benefits are available. Coverage includes certain hospital, nursing home, home health, physician, and community-based services.

If your insurance doesn't cover any wheelchair costs, you should look into Medicaid. Medicaid provides free electric-powered wheelchairs if you're eligible. You can also apply for Medicaid in addition to Medicare for more cost coverage when you buy a wheelchair.

A doctor must first assess your ability to walk and move before they provide you with a wheelchair prescription. If your doctor determines that you'll benefit from using one, they will send your prescription and supporting medical information to an insurer-approved wheelchair supplier.

To be eligible, individuals must meet certain criteria, such as having a permanent or long-term mobility issue that significantly affects their ability to walk.

The typical lifespan of a custom wheelchair is approximately 5 years - depending on the type of chair and the environment where it is being used. Some people live very active lives and put lots of wear and tear on their wheelchair. Power wheelchairs have many actuators and electronics that will break over time.

In general, wheelchairs are only approved by Medi-Cal about once every five years. The frequency you need a new wheelchair can sometimes be open to interpretation. If any of your medical conditions change enough to warrant a different wheelchair, you might get approved for one sooner.

High quality manual wheelchairs can last between 5 to 10 years or more when properly maintained. The lifespan can vary based on the materials used (e.g., steel, aluminium, titanium), the environment in which it's used (indoor vs. outdoor, smooth vs. rough terrain), and the level of care it receives.

With electric wheelchairs, users get enhanced mobility, state-of-the-art features, and the backing of rigorous testing. The costs associated with design, specialists, certifications, and superior customer service contribute to the final price tag.