10/19/2006
Medicare Cuts Wheelchair Funding

Several suppliers say they won't be able to provide affordable power wheelchairs when cuts in Medicare reimbursements go into effect next month.

The government says it will no longer pay for powered wheelchairs for most Medicare recipients as of November 15th. Officials say that's because of fraud in the current system and that Medicare reimbursements for certain power wheelchairs were far higher than the prices paid by consumers and suppliers.

Most suppliers have supported overhauling the system, as many companies have abused it. But they say the government has gone too far.

Patricia Meier, a 63-year-old quadriplegic and Medicare recipient at Box Elder, says she needs to replace the powered wheelchair she's used for five years that prevents sores. Without Medicare it could cost her up to $20,000.
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