Five Steps to a New Mobility Vehicle Purchasing a handicap accessible vehicle is a big decision that involves a significant financial commitment. For that reason, you want to make sure you’re working with mobility dealers capable of providing you with the information and adaptive solutions you need at an accessible price. The following will give you a quick step-by-step overview of how to purchase a handicap van conversion or wheelchair accessible vehicle, and how to make modifications for your current vehicle. Locate a Mobility Equipment DealerA local NMEDA mobility equipment dealer should be your first stop in the buying process. They’re ready to assist and evaluate your personal needs based on your specific situation, including how your needs may change over time. They can also help you determine what types of equipment will work in the various vehicle types and models. See a mobility dealer before you buy a vehicle to ensure the mobility equipment you need will work in the vehicle you want.
Unlike an automotive dealer, their emphasis is on mobility equipment and providing the perfect solution to each of their clients. They will also be able to provide valuable information about any funding assistance that may be available to you. See your mobility dealer first! Consult a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)If you’d like to drive a wheelchair conversion van, truck or car, you may need to see a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist for evaluation. Your consultation will result in a prescription that lists the precise equipment you will need and may result in driving lessons with the new equipment.Make Your Final Selection and PurchaseFollowing the initial consultation, it’s time to decide if you want to purchase a new or a used vehicle. While used wheelchair vans, SUVS, truck and cars are a great option for some, if you require more a more comprehensive or specific conversion, you might require a custom-built mobility vehicle. Consult with your NMEDA mobility equipment dealer near you to fully determine which option is best for you.
Training on Your New Mobility EquipmentAfter your mobility equipment purchase, you’ll need to learn how to use it. If the equipment is used for driving, it may require several training sessions with your CDRS. It’s important to get very familiar with the equipment within your vehicle to ensure you’re staying safe while on the roads.Mobility ReimbursementsWhen available, submit your Mobility Assistance Reimbursement Application to the appropriate vehicle manufacturer. The step-by-step process may differ from company to company, so it’s best to visit the website for your particular vehicle manufacturer and download the correct forms. Financing Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle can be expensive. Finding funding for these purchases can be a challenge, if you don’t know where to look. Fortunately, NMEDA dealers are specially trained to guide you to programs that may apply to you. Government Funding For Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Veterans Affairs Agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and various related agencies can provide valuable information, services, and assistance to people with special needs. Get a Rebate on Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Purchase Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer rebate assistance to customers when they purchase handicap accessibility products. Each NMEDA member manufacturer has their own program. Things to Know Before Purchasing Mobility Equipment Online There are differences between purchasing a new handicap vehicle online compared to in-person. NMEDA advises you to purchase adaptive equipment face-to-face from a reputable establishment near you to guarantee a good product fit, service and safety. WC19 – Wheelchairs for Use as Seats in Motor Vehicles WC19 is a voluntary industry standard that establishes minimum design and performance requirements for wheelchairs that are occupied by users traveling in motor vehicles. A wheelchair that complies with all the requirements of this standard is considered to provide a reasonable measure of safe and effective seating during vehicle ingress/egress, during normal transportation, and during a vehicle collision.
A priority for NMEDA is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of consumers. If you are unhappy with your mobility purchase and would like to file a formal complaint against a NMEDA dealer, visit our Mediation page.e-fix add-on drive / wheelchair motorSmall - light – swiftConverts a manual chair into a lightweight power wheelchairEasy to dismantle and ideal for transportingEasy to handleFits to almost every wheelchairProduct Informatione-fix in motion: It’s so easy:Your wheelchair is simply retrofitted with the e-fix components – and you’re ready to drive.Ideal for transportation: No single component weighs more than 19.84 lbs.What's the process for getting Medicare to pay for an electric mobility scooter or power wheelchair? My 76-year-old mother has arthritis in her knees and hips, and has a difficult time getting around anymore. Getting an electric-powered mobility scooter or wheelchair for your mom that's covered by original Medicare starts with a visit to her doctor's office.
If eligible, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost, after she meets her $147 Part B deductible. She will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent. Here's a breakdown of how it works. Your first step is to call your mom's doctor and schedule a Medicare required, face-to-face mobility evaluation, to determine her need for a power wheelchair or scooter. For your mom to be eligible, she'll need to meet all of the following conditions. If eligible, your mom's doctor will determine what kind of mobility equipment she'll need based on her condition, usability in her home, and ability to operate it. It's also important to know that Medicare coverage is dependent on your mom needing a scooter or wheelchair in her home. If her claim is based on needing it outside her home, it will be denied as not medically necessary, because the wheelchair or scooter will be considered as a leisure item. If the doctor determines your mom needs a power scooter or wheelchair, he or she will fill out a written order or certificate of medical necessity (CMN) form for her.
Once she gets that, she'll need to take it to a Medicare approved supplier within 45 days. If your mother happens to live in one of Medicare's competitive bidding areas, you'll need to get her device from specific suppliers approved by Medicare. To find approved suppliers and competitive bidding suppliers in your area, visit medicare.gov/supplier or call 800-633-4227. Once you choose an approved supplier, they will send a representative to assess your mom's home measuring her doorways, thresholds and overall space to ensure she gets the appropriate mobility device. If your mom has a Medicare supplemental policy, it may pick up some, or all of the 20 percent cost of the scooter or wheelchair that's not covered by Medicare. If, however, she doesn't have supplemental insurance, and can't afford the 20 percent, she may be able to get help through Medicare Savings Programs. Call your local Medicaid office for eligibility information. Or, if you find that your mom is not eligible for a Medicare covered scooter or wheelchair, and she can't afford to purchase one, renting can be a much cheaper short-term solution.