Medicare Payment Rules Clarified for Premium Lightweight Wheelchairs.
This law changes Medicare payment rules to ensure beneficiaries can access ultralight manual wheelchairs made from premium materials like titanium or carbon fiber. While Medicare will pay the standard amount, suppliers are allowed to charge the patient the difference in cost for these high-end models. Patients must receive a notice detailing their potential out-of-pocket expenses before the purchase.
Key points
Medicare will create separate billing codes for ultralight wheelchairs, distinguishing those made with titanium or carbon fiber starting January 1, 2026.
Beneficiaries can choose premium wheelchairs but may be responsible for paying the cost difference above the standard Medicare payment.
Suppliers must inform patients about potential extra charges before they rent or buy the specialized wheelchair.
Introduced
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