Medicare Coverage for Vehicle Modifications for Mobility Devices

When you suddenly need vehicle modifications to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility device, the questions come fast. Will Medicare help pay for a wheelchair lift? What about hand controls or a ramp? Can you get coverage for the accessible van itself?

The answers are more complicated than a simple yes or no. Medicare covers some adaptive equipment but not others, and knowing the difference can save you thousands of dollars—or help you understand where you'll need to look for other funding sources.

This article explains exactly what Medicare does and doesn't cover for vehicle modifications, what you need to qualify for coverage, and where to turn when Medicare won't pay.

What Medicare Part B Covers for Vehicle Modifications

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) that's medically necessary for use in your home. For vehicle modifications, this creates an important distinction: Medicare may cover certain adaptive equipment that helps you drive or operate your vehicle, but it won't cover modifications that help you get into or out of the vehicle.

Think of it this way—if the equipment helps you drive the car you already have access to, there's a chance Medicare will cover it. If it helps you enter or exit the vehicle, Medicare typically won't.

Types of Adaptive Equipment That May Qualify

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Part B may cover adaptive driving equipment such as:

• Hand controls for acceleration and braking
• Steering control devices (like spinner knobs)
• Left foot accelerators
• Remote ignition systems
• Power seat bases
• Wheelchair securement systems

All of these modifications share something in common: they're designed to help you operate the vehicle once you're already inside it. They're also portable equipment that can be moved from one vehicle to another in many cases.

The "Home Use" Requirement

Here's where coverage gets tricky. Medicare only covers DME that's necessary for use in your home. The question becomes: does your vehicle count as part of your "home" use?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services states clearly that Medicare will deny claims for equipment used only outside the home. This means you need to demonstrate that the adaptive equipment is necessary for essential activities related to your home life—not just general transportation.

For example, if you need hand controls to drive yourself to medical appointments or to purchase groceries because you can't access these services any other way, that strengthens your case. If you're seeking equipment primarily for recreational driving or social outings, Medicare is more likely to deny coverage.

What Medicare Does Not Cover

Medicare draws a clear line when it comes to certain types of vehicle modifications. Understanding what's not covered helps you plan for alternative funding sources from the start.

Medicare will not pay for:

• Wheelchair lifts and hoists - These are considered vehicle modifications rather than portable medical equipment
• Wheelchair ramps - Both portable and permanent ramps for vehicle access are excluded
• Dropped floors - Structural modifications to the vehicle itself don't qualify
• Automatic door openers - These are viewed as convenience features rather than medical necessities
• The wheelchair-accessible vehicle itself - Medicare doesn't cover the purchase price of vans or cars

According to Medicare.org, these exclusions exist because Medicare categorizes these items as vehicle modifications or "home improvements" rather than durable medical equipment. The logic is that these modifications become permanent parts of the vehicle structure, rather than portable equipment that serves a direct medical purpose.

Requirements for Medicare Coverage

If you're seeking Medicare coverage for adaptive driving equipment, you'll need to jump through several hoops. The process isn't quick, but following each step carefully increases your chances of approval.

Face-to-Face Mobility Evaluation

Before Medicare will consider covering any adaptive equipment, you must undergo a comprehensive mobility evaluation. This isn't a quick chat with your doctor—it's a formal assessment that examines your physical capabilities and determines what modifications you actually need.

The evaluation must be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional enrolled in Medicare. This typically includes:

• Physical therapists (PT)
• Occupational therapists (OT)
• Your primary care physician

The evaluation includes two main components. First, there's a clinical assessment where the evaluator tests your physical abilities, vision and perception, judgment and decision-making abilities, motor functions, coordination, muscle strength, and reaction time.

Second, there's a driving performance test where the examiner evaluates your behind-the-wheel performance using adaptive equipment. This shows whether you can actually operate a vehicle safely with the proposed modifications.

For many people, working with a driver rehabilitation specialist provides the most thorough evaluation. These specialists understand both the medical requirements and the technical aspects of adaptive equipment. You can find certified driver rehabilitation specialists through the American Occupational Therapy Association search tool.

Prescription from a Medicare-Enrolled Provider

Once the evaluation is complete, you need a prescription from a healthcare provider who's enrolled in Medicare. The prescription must state that the adaptive equipment is medically necessary for use in your home environment.

Your doctor can't just write "patient needs hand controls" on a prescription pad and call it done. The prescription should include:

• Your specific medical condition and how it limits your mobility
• The type of adaptive equipment recommended
• Why this equipment is medically necessary
• How the equipment will be used for activities related to your home

The more detailed and specific the prescription, the better your chances of approval.

Using Medicare-Approved Suppliers

You must purchase your adaptive equipment from a supplier that's enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment. This is important because suppliers who accept assignment agree to charge only the Medicare-approved amount for the equipment.

If you buy from a supplier who isn't enrolled in Medicare or doesn't accept assignment, you could end up paying the entire cost yourself—even if the equipment would otherwise be covered.

You can search for Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers in your area at Medicare.gov.

Prior Authorization Requirements

Some types of adaptive equipment may require prior authorization before Medicare will agree to cover them. This means your DME supplier submits documentation to Medicare before you receive the equipment, and Medicare reviews it to decide whether to approve coverage.

The prior authorization process can take several days to several weeks. Plan ahead and don't assume coverage is guaranteed just because you have a prescription.

Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

Even when Medicare covers adaptive equipment, you're still responsible for part of the cost. Understanding the cost-sharing structure helps you budget appropriately.

The 80/20 Split

When Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment, Medicare typically pays 80% of the allowed amount, and you pay the remaining 20%. The allowed amount is the price Medicare sets for the equipment—not necessarily what the supplier charges.

For example, if Medicare's allowed amount for a set of hand controls is $800, Medicare pays $640 and you pay $160. If the supplier charges more than $800 but accepts assignment, they can't bill you for the difference.

Annual Part B Deductible

Before Medicare starts paying its 80% share, you need to meet your annual Part B deductible. For 2025, the Part B deductible is $257. If you haven't met your deductible yet when you purchase adaptive equipment, you'll pay the full cost until you reach $257 in covered expenses for the year.

How Medigap Can Help

If you have a Medigap policy (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance), it may cover some or all of your 20% coinsurance and your Part B deductible. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for adaptive equipment.

Keep in mind that Medigap is only available if you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can't purchase Medigap.

Typical Cost Ranges

The actual cost of vehicle modifications varies widely depending on the complexity of the equipment:

• Simple equipment like steering wheel knobs: $10-$15
• Hand controls: $200-$800
• Power seat bases: $1,000-$2,500
• Wheelchair hoists (not covered by Medicare): $400-$1,200
• Wheelchair lifts (not covered by Medicare): $1,000-$3,000 or more
• Complete vehicle conversion (not covered by Medicare): $15,000-$80,000

According to Discount Ramps, these costs can add up quickly, which is why alternative funding sources become so important for modifications Medicare won't cover.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Vehicle Modifications

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage for vehicle modifications may differ slightly from what we've discussed so far.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can also offer additional benefits that go beyond Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans include:

• Enhanced coverage for certain types of adaptive equipment
• Transportation benefits that may include rides to medical appointments in accessible vehicles
• Some plans may even cover minor home modifications, which could potentially include certain vehicle accessibility features

However, coverage varies significantly from plan to plan. What one Medicare Advantage plan covers, another may exclude entirely.

According to HelpAdvisor, some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage for vehicle modifications as part of their supplemental benefits, particularly for beneficiaries with severe disabilities who require frequent hospitalizations.

Checking Your Specific Plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your best move is to contact your plan directly and ask specific questions:

• Does your plan cover adaptive driving equipment beyond what Original Medicare covers?
• Are wheelchair lifts or ramps covered as a supplemental benefit?
• Does your plan offer any transportation services that might meet your needs?
• What documentation do you need to request coverage?
• Does your plan require prior authorization for adaptive equipment?

You can find detailed information about your plan's coverage in your "Evidence of Coverage" document, which your plan is required to provide annually.

The Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Evaluation

Whether you're seeking Medicare coverage or just want to make sure you get the right equipment for your needs, working with a certified driver rehabilitation specialist is one of the smartest steps you can take.

What Driver Rehabilitation Specialists Do

Driver rehabilitation specialists are trained professionals—often occupational therapists with specialized certification—who assess your ability to drive safely and recommend appropriate vehicle modifications.

Their expertise goes beyond just clinical assessment. They understand:

• The technical specifications of different adaptive equipment options
• How various medical conditions affect driving ability
• Which modifications work best for specific mobility limitations
• How to ensure compatibility between your vehicle and the recommended equipment
• Safety considerations that might not be obvious to general healthcare providers

The Evaluation Process

A comprehensive driver rehabilitation evaluation typically includes several components. The specialist starts with a review of your medical history, current diagnoses, medications, and any previous driving experience with adaptive equipment.

Then comes the clinical assessment, similar to what we discussed earlier—testing your vision, strength, coordination, reaction time, and cognitive abilities related to driving.

The on-road evaluation is where things get practical. You'll actually get behind the wheel (or in a vehicle as a passenger, depending on your current abilities) to demonstrate your skills with various types of adaptive equipment. The specialist observes how you handle different driving scenarios and makes recommendations based on your performance.

Finally, the specialist provides a detailed report that includes:

• Your current driving abilities and limitations
• Specific adaptive equipment recommendations
• Training recommendations for using the equipment safely
• Documentation supporting medical necessity for Medicare coverage

Finding Certified Evaluators

You can locate certified driver rehabilitation specialists through several resources:

• The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) maintains a searchable directory
• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers a search tool
• Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles may maintain a list of approved evaluators
• Ask your doctor or physical therapist for referrals

According to MyPlanAdvocate, working with a qualified evaluator not only ensures you get appropriate equipment but also strengthens your case if you need to appeal a Medicare coverage denial.

Alternative Funding Sources When Medicare Won't Cover Costs

When Medicare won't cover the vehicle modifications you need—which is the case for most major accessibility features like lifts and ramps—you're not out of options. Multiple alternative funding sources exist, though they require research and often involve application processes.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

Every state operates a vocational rehabilitation (VR) program designed to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment. If you need vehicle modifications to get to work or pursue educational goals, your state's VR program may provide funding.

These programs focus specifically on employment-related transportation needs. If you can demonstrate that accessible transportation is a barrier to working, VR programs can potentially cover:

• Adaptive driving equipment
• Vehicle modifications including lifts and ramps
• In some cases, contribution toward purchasing an accessible vehicle

According to Driving to Independence, eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally you need to:

• Have a disability that creates a barrier to employment
• Be able to benefit from VR services in terms of an employment outcome
• Require vehicle modifications to pursue work or training

You can find your state's VR program through the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration website.

Medicaid Waiver Programs

Medicaid doesn't typically cover vehicle modifications under standard benefits, but many states offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs that can provide much broader coverage.

Medicaid waivers allow states to offer services beyond standard Medicaid benefits to help people with disabilities and chronic conditions remain in their homes and communities rather than requiring institutional care. Some state waiver programs include coverage for:

• Vehicle modifications including lifts, ramps, and hand controls
• Transportation services using accessible vehicles
• Assistive technology that includes vehicle adaptations

Coverage varies dramatically from state to state. Some states have robust waiver programs that cover substantial vehicle modifications, while others offer very limited assistance.

According to the Cerebral Palsy Family Network, to access Medicaid waiver funding, you typically need to:

• Be enrolled in Medicaid
• Apply for a specific waiver program (many states have waiting lists)
• Demonstrate that vehicle modifications are necessary to access medical care or community services
• Obtain medical documentation of necessity

Contact your state's Department of Health and Human Services or your state Medicaid office to learn about available waiver programs.

Veterans Affairs Benefits

If you're a veteran with a service-connected disability, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that may help with vehicle modifications.

The VA's Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grant Program provides:

• Up to $11,000 toward purchasing an automobile or other vehicle (one-time payment)
• Coverage for adaptive equipment installation
• Repair and replacement of adaptive equipment

The VA's Automobile Allowance Program is available to veterans who have service-connected loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, one or both hands, or permanent impairment of vision in both eyes.

Veterans should contact their local VA office or call the VA directly to determine eligibility and begin the application process.

Manufacturer Rebate Programs

Most major automobile manufacturers offer reimbursement programs for customers who need to modify their vehicles for accessibility. These programs can provide $1,000 to $2,500 toward the cost of adaptive equipment.

According to Discount Ramps, manufacturer rebate programs typically include:

• General Motors: Up to $1,200 for adaptive equipment on Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles
• Ford: Up to $1,000 through the Ford Mobility Motoring Program
• Honda: Up to $1,000 for qualifying adaptive equipment
• Toyota: Up to $1,000 through the Toyota Mobility Program
• BMW: Up to $2,500 for adaptive modifications
• Volvo: Up to $1,000 for adaptive equipment

Requirements vary by manufacturer, but generally you need to:

• Purchase or lease a new vehicle (usually within one year)
• Install adaptive equipment through a qualified installer
• Submit receipts and documentation within a specified timeframe
• Provide medical documentation if required

Nonprofit Organizations and Foundations

Numerous nonprofit organizations provide grants and financial assistance for vehicle modifications. Many focus on specific conditions or populations.

Some examples include:

• Alyssa V Phillips Foundation: Provides financial support for people with cerebral palsy, including assistance with vehicle modifications
• Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation: Offers grants to people with spinal cord injuries, with preference for those with demonstrated financial need
• Chive Charities: Provides funding for accessible modifications for veterans, first responders, and people with rare medical conditions
• Special Kids Fund: Connects donors of used modified vehicles with families who need them
• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA): Offers assistance for people with neuromuscular diseases
• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): Local chapters may offer grants for vehicle modifications

According to Special Needs Answers, grant application criteria and deadlines vary significantly from one organization to another. Some have specific application periods, while others accept applications year-round.

State Assistive Technology Loan Programs

Many states offer low-interest loan programs specifically designed to help people with disabilities purchase assistive technology, including vehicle modifications.

These Assistive Technology Act Programs provide loans with:

• Interest rates significantly lower than commercial loans
• Flexible repayment terms
• No discrimination based on credit history related to disability
• Coverage for both equipment and installation costs

You can find your state's Assistive Technology Program through the AT3 Center.

Steps to Take When Seeking Coverage

Navigating the coverage process for vehicle modifications requires organization and persistence. Following these steps in order increases your chances of success.

1. Schedule a comprehensive mobility evaluation - Contact a driver rehabilitation specialist or ask your doctor for a referral to a qualified evaluator. Don't skip this step, as the evaluation provides the foundation for everything that follows.
2. Obtain a prescription from your Medicare-enrolled provider - Make sure your doctor includes specific details about your medical condition, functional limitations, and why the adaptive equipment is medically necessary for home use.
3. Get documentation of medical necessity - Beyond the prescription, gather any additional medical records that support your need for adaptive equipment. This might include physical therapy notes, occupational therapy evaluations, or specialist reports.
4. Research Medicare-approved suppliers in your area - Use the Medicare supplier directory to identify enrolled suppliers who carry the equipment you need.
5. Verify the supplier accepts Medicare assignment - Before making any commitments, confirm that the supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full (minus your cost-sharing).
6. Understand your cost-sharing responsibility - Calculate what you'll owe based on your deductible status and the 20% coinsurance. Ask the supplier for an estimate.
7. Keep copies of all documentation - Maintain your own file with copies of prescriptions, evaluations, supplier quotes, and any correspondence with Medicare or your provider.
8. Follow up on prior authorization if required - If your equipment requires prior authorization, stay in touch with the supplier to monitor the status and provide any additional information Medicare requests.

Common Coverage Denials and How to Appeal

Even when you follow all the rules, Medicare sometimes denies coverage for adaptive equipment. Understanding why denials happen and how to appeal them can make the difference between paying thousands of dollars out of pocket or getting the coverage you deserve.

Why Medicare Denies Vehicle Modification Claims

The most common reason Medicare denies coverage for adaptive equipment is the "primarily for use outside the home" determination. Medicare's definition of durable medical equipment specifically requires that it be used in the home environment.

If Medicare reviewers determine that the primary purpose of your adaptive equipment is to enable you to drive outside your home for non-medical reasons, they'll deny the claim.

Other common denial reasons include:

• Lack of sufficient medical documentation
• Equipment prescribed by a provider not enrolled in Medicare
• Equipment purchased from a non-enrolled supplier
• Failure to complete required face-to-face evaluation
• Equipment not considered medically necessary
• Improper billing codes or missing information

How to Document Home Use Necessity

To overcome the "outside the home" objection, you need to build a strong case that the adaptive equipment is essential for activities directly related to your home life.

Your documentation should explain how the adaptive equipment enables you to:

• Travel to medical appointments when no other transportation is available
• Purchase groceries and household necessities
• Access pharmacies to pick up essential medications
• Transport yourself for medical treatments (dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy)
• Maintain employment that's conducted from home or requires minimal travel
• Care for dependents who rely on you

The key is demonstrating that without this adaptive equipment, you would be unable to perform essential activities that support your ability to remain in your home environment.

The Appeals Process Step-by-Step

If Medicare denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process has five levels, and you can move through them if you're not satisfied with the decision at each level.

• Level 1: Redetermination - Request a redetermination within 120 days of receiving your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) that shows the denial. Submit additional documentation that supports medical necessity and home use. A different Medicare contractor reviews your case.
• Level 2: Reconsideration - If the redetermination upholds the denial, request reconsideration within 180 days. A Qualified Independent Contractor (QIC) who wasn't involved in the first decision reviews your case.
• Level 3: Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing - If your claim is worth $200 or more, you can request a hearing before an ALJ within 60 days of the reconsideration decision.
• Level 4: Medicare Appeals Council Review - If the ALJ denies your claim, request review by the Medicare Appeals Council within 60 days.
• Level 5: Federal District Court - If your claim is worth $1,880 or more (amount for 2025), you can file a lawsuit in federal district court within 60 days.

According to Medicare.gov, most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or Level 2, so don't be intimidated by the five-level structure.

What to Include in Your Appeal Letter

Your appeal letter should be clear, organized, and focused on facts rather than emotions. Include:

• Your name, Medicare number, and contact information
• The date of the denial and the claim number
• The specific item or service that was denied
• Why you believe the denial was incorrect
• New or additional documentation that supports your case
• A clear statement of what you're requesting

Attach supporting documents such as:

• Updated prescriptions with more detailed medical necessity statements
• Letters from your doctor explaining why the equipment is essential for home use
• The driver rehabilitation specialist's evaluation report
• Documentation of your specific medical conditions and functional limitations

How a Solace Advocate Can Help

The process of securing coverage for vehicle modifications—or finding alternative funding when Medicare won't pay—can be overwhelming. A Solace Advocate can provide the support and expertise you need to navigate this complex landscape.

Your advocate can start by explaining the difference between adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications, and which category your needs fall into. This clarity helps you understand what coverage to pursue and where to focus your energy.

When it comes to documentation, your advocate can coordinate with your medical team to obtain the necessary prescriptions, evaluations, and medical necessity statements. They know what information Medicare requires and can help ensure your healthcare providers include the right details in their documentation.

Preparing for driver rehabilitation evaluations is another area where advocates provide value. They can help you understand what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to ensure the evaluation addresses all the factors that will strengthen your coverage case.

If you're struggling to find Medicare-approved suppliers in your area who carry the specific equipment you need, your advocate can research options and help you verify which suppliers accept assignment.

When denials happen, your advocate reviews the denial letter with you, explains the reason for the denial, and develops a strategy for your appeal. They can draft appeal letters, gather supporting documentation, and stay on top of deadlines throughout the appeals process.

Perhaps most importantly, when Medicare coverage isn't an option, your advocate researches alternative funding sources specific to your situation. They can identify state vocational rehabilitation programs you might qualify for, help you navigate Medicaid waiver applications, connect you with relevant nonprofit organizations, and explain manufacturer rebate programs.

Your advocate keeps track of all the deadlines and documentation requirements across multiple funding sources, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. They serve as your single point of contact, coordinating between your medical team, equipment suppliers, and various funding programs—so you don't have to manage multiple complicated conversations on your own.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare and Mobility Vehicle Modifications

Does Medicare cover the cost of a wheelchair-accessible van?

No, Medicare does not cover the purchase price of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't pay for the vehicle itself, and Medicare Part B typically doesn't cover structural modifications like wheelchair lifts, ramps, or dropped floors either. However, Medicare Part B may cover some portable adaptive driving equipment that qualifies as durable medical equipment, such as hand controls or steering devices. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits that might include limited assistance with transportation or vehicle modifications, but this varies by plan. You'll need to explore alternative funding sources like state vocational rehabilitation programs, Medicaid waivers, manufacturer rebate programs, or nonprofit grants for most vehicle accessibility features.

Can I get a wheelchair lift covered by Medicare?

Medicare typically does not cover wheelchair lifts for vehicles. These lifts are considered vehicle modifications rather than durable medical equipment, and they don't meet Medicare's criteria for coverage under Part B. The main issue is that wheelchair lifts are structural modifications that become permanent parts of the vehicle rather than portable medical equipment. Additionally, Medicare views these as primarily enabling access to transportation outside the home, which falls outside the scope of DME coverage. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer enhanced benefits that include coverage for certain vehicle accessibility features, so it's worth checking with your specific plan. Most people seeking wheelchair lift coverage need to pursue alternative funding through Medicaid waiver programs, state vocational rehabilitation services, nonprofit grants, or manufacturer rebate programs.

What's the difference between adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications?

Adaptive equipment refers to portable devices that help you operate a vehicle once you're inside it, such as hand controls, steering aids, left foot accelerators, and wheelchair securement systems. These items can often be moved from one vehicle to another and are focused on the act of driving itself. Vehicle modifications, on the other hand, involve structural changes to the vehicle that help you enter, exit, or accommodate mobility devices, such as wheelchair lifts, lowered floors, extended height roofs, and ramps. Medicare may potentially cover some types of adaptive equipment when deemed medically necessary for home use, but generally does not cover vehicle modifications. This distinction is crucial because it determines what funding sources you should pursue and what documentation you'll need.

How do I find out if my Medicare Advantage plan covers vehicle modifications?

Start by reviewing your plan's "Evidence of Coverage" document, which outlines all covered benefits including any supplemental benefits beyond Original Medicare. Look specifically for sections on durable medical equipment, home modifications, or transportation benefits. Next, call your plan's customer service number (found on your insurance card) and ask specific questions about coverage for adaptive driving equipment, wheelchair lifts, and vehicle accessibility modifications. Ask whether any coverage requires prior authorization, which suppliers you must use, and what documentation you need. If possible, get any coverage information in writing. Some Medicare Advantage plans include transportation benefits that might provide rides to medical appointments in accessible vehicles, which could be an alternative solution to modifying your own vehicle. Consider scheduling a meeting with your plan representative to discuss your specific needs and explore all available options.

What should I do if Medicare denies my claim for adaptive equipment?

First, carefully read your Medicare Summary Notice to understand the specific reason for the denial. Common reasons include lack of medical necessity documentation, use of non-enrolled suppliers, or determination that the equipment is primarily for use outside the home. You have the right to appeal, and you should request a redetermination within 120 days of receiving the denial notice. Gather additional documentation that addresses the denial reason—this might include a more detailed letter from your doctor explaining medical necessity, documentation of how you'll use the equipment for home-related activities, or the driver rehabilitation specialist's evaluation report. Submit your appeal in writing with all supporting documents. If the first-level appeal doesn't succeed, you can continue through additional levels of appeal. Consider working with a patient advocate who can help you craft a strong appeal, gather the right documentation, and navigate the process. Keep copies of everything you submit and note all deadlines in your calendar.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.

Related Reading

• Will Medicare Pay for a Mobility Scooter?
• Will Medicare Cover Mobility Scooter Batteries and Repairs?
• Will Medicare Cover Wheelchair Ramps?
• Will Medicare Pay for a Walker?
• Does Medicare Cover Rollator Walkers?

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