Yeah, I could never use the travel chair full time -- not enough support. Will Medicare pay for it if they've already bought you another chair? Because the rule used to be one chair per crip, end of story, full stop. Can't get that bulky power chair around? Too bad, it's your responsibility to solve that problem. Can't afford the solution? Tough. In fact, it used to be that if they bought you one chair (for instance, a manual chair) and they approve a new chair (say a power chair), when the new chair is delivered Medicare would come and take the old chair away. I'm not making this up. I found all this out because I talked directly to a person at Medicare. Don't ask me what they do with all the used chairs. Fortunately, I had bought my manual chair myself, so I still had a chair I could use when I went to the store.

Chris

Is this the same Government that was reported, in an investigation of Gov't Contracts, paying 500.00 for toilet seats? Of course, that was for government buildings.

What are we??? Just the People!!! And, less than perfect, sick people, at that !!!

The rule is still same one chair per 5 years. they may make or approve adjustments to the chair within those 5 years. but rean't going to buy you another mobility device for 5 years. get this one: my mother had a stroke, she was given a cane paid my medicare of course. well she started falling more and more, even fall broke her arm. so doc ordered her a quad cane. medicare denied covering due to them already providing the standard cane within the 5 years.

and before the cane, she had a manual wheelchair but medicare did that on renting it for her. so once she rec'd the cane the wheelchair went back. of course it would have been nice to keep wheelchair to take her out and about where she couldn't manage to walk very far.

I totally agree. the amount of money the gov't spends on their stuff is amazing. yet ppl that require a device to maintain a quality of life good luck.

I have never understood this one either. Medicare will not cover anything for the bathroom like shower seats. Of course private insurance follows M-care's policies. I asked my insurance company why they would prefer to pay thousands of dollars when I fall in the shower, break a hip, need hip replacement, rehab etc... than just buying me a 50.00 shower seat. I got no answer <G>

The guys comes this morning to let me test a chair. not sure what or how many he is bringing. i am hoping he can bring the freestyle and q600.

later
marfla

Unbelievable, about your Mother, Marfla.

Let us know how it goes today. I hope they bring what you want and need.

Hugs,

Well the rep came and went. I am requesting/ordering a Pride Quantum 600 with rehab seating, tilt/recline, special cushioning/seating, programmable control (insurance may deny that part), etc...

Boy i was a nervous wreck trying these out today. Amazed that it only takes a minute amount of pressure on joystick for the chair to move.

Was scared coming up the ramp to front door. almost went on one side on first try.

definitely now have to talk with landlord about making some modifications. Whoever put the door on they put it on backwards. So it opens to the right which are the stairs. so to get chair into house, right now would have to go up ramp, open door, hold door pulling it open while i go back down the ramp. then once door is open fully, back up ramp.

my ramp is 30 inches wide, the chair is 26.5 too close for my comfort. So must get a wider ramp. hoping landlord will allow me to extend the platform part at door level about two feet out that is if doesn't cross property line. then get a wider longer ramp. if can then could go up ramp, and be able to face the door, open and in house. not sure what landlord will allow as when I signed the lease i signed as is. i had no idea at the time i would be needing a power chair. my revo scooter i can get up the ramp no problem but still have the door issue. but that is been workable until now.

will talk with landlord. the gentlemen across the street saw me in the yard and said to he could do the ramp/extension or what i need. so if landlord says ok, can get him to give quote see how much will cost.

I don't feel the landlord should have to pay because when I moved in and signed the lease I agreed i could manage with how things were already. my only clause i put into lease was that if my medical condition worsen and I couldn't manage living here, or need more care I would be released out of the lease. But I don't want to move. I love this little two room space. and its CHEAP!!!!!!! I only pay rent, electric, cable, yard, trash, etc... is included in rent.

Oh rep said it could take up to 8 weeks before I even get the chair. that is if insurance approves.

Guy I have been talking with about a conversion van called me this morning. he will have a van with low miles, power doors/hatch, power ramp, transfer seat in about 4-5 weeks. so that may work out too.

now just more of the waiting game to see what insurance does, and how long this process will actually be.

gentle hugs
marfla

All that red tape and waiting. What a pain in the pants.

I hope the time flys, Marfla.

it is a pain. and i feel even worse for those that have to wait months to get a chair and they have no other way to mobilize until they receive that chair. at least i can still walk briefly with crutches, and have a scooter if go to open spaces like disney.

just can't imagine having to wait so many months to get a chair that would get me out of bed, around my house, more independence. the system imo needs improvement. just shouldn't take months for someone to get a device they need. not talking about wanting but needing.