CMS finalizes coverage for seat elevation systems
By HME News Staff
Updated 4:10 PM CDT, Tue May 16, 2023
WASHINGTON – CMS late on Tuesday posted a final benefit category determination and national coverage decision for seat elevation systems as an accessory to power wheelchairs.
Effective immediately, seat elevation for Medicare-covered power wheelchairs is now considered a clinically meaningful benefit to people with Medicare who perform transfers from power wheelchairs or use the chair for mobility related activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, toiletry, feeding and bathing.
“For too long, many people who use a power wheelchair could not access everyday items in their homes and may have struggled to get in and out of their device,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “This landmark Medicare decision to cover seat elevation is a major milestone that will improve the quality of life for so many who rely on this technology.”
CMS accepted a formal request from the ITEM Coalition to consider a benefit category and coverage of seat elevation systems earlier this year. Previously, CMS did not consider seat elevation equipment to be a statutorily covered option.
Based on comments and evidence reviewed as part of an initial proposal to include power seat elevation systems of Medicare-covered power wheelchairs, it was determined that the equipment serves a medical purpose in assisting with transfers in and out of a power wheelchair and with performing reaching activities.
See the final approval posted here: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?proposed=N&ncaid=309
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