Brentwood, Tenn. (May 17, 2023) – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will cover seat elevation for power wheelchair users, effective immediately. “Seat elevation” refers to power wheelchairs with seats that can be raised or lowered vertically from a standard seat height. CMS determined that seat elevation will be covered specifically in complex rehab power driven wheelchairs (including Group 2 with power options that accommodate rehab features) for individuals performing weight bearing transfers while in the home, individuals performing non-weight bearing transfers to/from the chair in the home, or individuals performing reach to complete one or more mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs).

The coverage announcement is the culmination of public commentary, data sharing, and years of advocacy efforts by power wheelchair users, caregivers, clinicians across the country and the broad mobility community who recognized that seat elevation is a much-needed benefit for power wheelchair users.

“Numotion has long advocated in favor of this coverage. Seat elevation improves day-to-day accessibility and independence for power wheelchair users ,” said Mike Swinford, CEO of Numotion. “We will continue to fight for our customers and look forward to advocating alongside the disability community and the CRT industry to get comparable coverage for power standing systems.”

“This is a huge win for the disability community and is a true example of why advocacy is so important,” said Karen Roy, Numotion Brand Ambassador. “We are thrilled that this much needed feature is now covered for our power wheelchair customers.”

For more information about who qualifies for seat elevation coverage, visit: CMS Decision Memo.

For more information on the Medicare coverage determination process, visit: Medicare Coverage Determination Process.
 
About Numotion
Numotion is the nation’s largest and leading provider of products and services to help individuals with mobility limitations maximize their health, personal independence, and actively participate in everyday life. The Brentwood, TN based company has more than 150 locations in the U.S. and serves more than 300,000 people annually through a collection of brands. Through Numotion (www.numotion.com) the company works with clinicians and health plans to serve people living with disabilities with prescription-based products including individually configured Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), disposable urological and incontinence supplies, and other assistive technologies. Via CorLife (www.corlifedfe.com) the company serves workers compensation insurance carriers by coordinating a full spectrum of care for injured workers, including all forms of mobility equipment, medical supplies and home health care. With SpinLife, (www.spinlife.com) the company offers consumers online retail access to a wide range of mobility and lifestyle enhancement products designed to provide greater independence in and out of the home.