Can a Beneficiary Simultaneously Qualify for a Wheelchair and a Seat Lift Mechanism?

Original Effective Date: 06/22/2004
Revision Effective Date: 11/01/2013

Question: Are there situations where a beneficiary can simultaneously qualify for a wheelchair and a seat lift mechanism (SLM)? 

Answer: No, coverage criteria for a SLM conflict with coverage criteria for a wheelchair; thus, a beneficiary cannot qualify for both items simultaneously. Specifically, in order to qualify for a SLM, the beneficiary must, once standing, be able to ambulate. Conversely, coverage criteria for a wheelchair require that the beneficiary be functionally non- ambulatory (unable to walk) within the home.

Last Updated May 05 , 2017