Paying for durable medical equipment can be a trying process. Whether you’re submitting a claim for the first time or you are a seasoned professional, it can be difficult to determine how to pay for a wheelchair. No matter your need, this page will help you learn the basics about funding the purchase of your new Broda equipment.
What are my purchasing options?
There are many methods to pay for a Broda wheelchair. Below are some examples. If you can’t afford to purchase a Broda wheelchair, then you can rent one from a qualified partner.
- Private Pay & Out of Pocket
- Flexible Private Payments – Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
- Public Insurance & Government Funding
- Private Insurance Funding
- Non-Profit Foundations and Non-Government Organizations
- Equipment Rental
- Rent-to-Own
Purchasing for a Business or Medical Facility?
Click here to learn about commercial financing (US Only)
Does insurance cover mobility equipment?
Broda wheelchairs and chairs are classified as durable medical equipment (DME) or home medical equipment (HME). These types of purchases are often covered by insurance or other funding assistance. These reimbursement processes can be complex, and many people have difficulty understanding and navigating the payment and procurement processes. Coverage varies by individual plan, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine your eligibility.
Does Medicare cover a Broda wheelchair?
So, does Medicare, Medicaid, or other public government insurance cover the cost of manual wheelchairs? This is one of the most common questions we receive. The short answer is: Yes, but eligibility can vary by the state and individual. While payment can be made with cash or credit, you can also use funds from an insurance program.
Public, governmental, or other privately managed care insurance programs include:
- Medicaid (US)
- Medicare (US)
- Medicare Advantage Plan (US)
- Assisted Device Program (CA-ON)
- TRICARE / TFL or CHAMPVA / CFL (US)
- Veteran’s Association (VA) Benefits (US)
- Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (US)
- Social Security Disability (US)
- Long Term Care Insurance (US)
- Other Private Health Insurance
You can also use supplemental insurance plans such as Medicare Supplemental Insurance (US) .
Will one of these programs pay for a Broda wheelchair?
Whether or not a Broda wheelchair will be covered by any of these programs is a complicated question. It depends on the occupant’s needs and the type of wheelchair prescribed. It can also vary with program eligibility based on financial, geographic, and other qualifying factors. If you have multiple payment sources, including financial assistance and out-of-pocket payments, then you can combine them to share the cost.
Many have questions about paying for a Broda wheelchair, so we are here to help. Since the Broda team has over four decades of seating and positioning experience, we have the resources to get you started.
Can I rent a Broda wheelchair?
Yes! You can lease a Broda wheelchair from our global network of local, trusted partners. Renting can be an excellent solution for short-term needs such as rehabilitation and end-of-life care. Similarly, renting is useful if you are unable to make a full purchase. If you’re having trouble purchasing a Broda wheelchair, then renting might be the best route.
Contact us when you’re ready to get started renting your Broda wheelchair
How to get insurance to pay for your Broda wheelchair
First, Demonstrate Medical Necessity
In order for most of these public or private insurance programs to pay for manual wheelchairs or seating equipment, there are requirements. For instance, a user must have a condition that prevents them from moving around in their home and completing their activities of daily living. Their level of immobility must also require more than the use of a cane or walker. Furthermore, the wheelchair must be medically necessary for daily life inside the home, and not just for temporary trips or outings.
Surprisingly, even in the cases a user primarily occupies a power wheelchair or scooter, some programs will also cover a backup manual wheelchair as well. Whether or not a manual wheelchair’s purchase is covered, it is recommended to have a manual wheelchair on hand in case of battery failure, maintenance, or other common issues with power chairs. Not only are Broda wheelchairs an excellent backup, they save energy and are great to use on days you don’t need a power wheelchair.
Learn More: How Broda’s Wheelchairs Compliment the Needs of a Powered Chair or Scooter User
Next, Document Medical Necessity
Many types of medical professionals can recommend the proper equipment needed to provide a better quality of life. The following clinicians can all prescribe or recommend the right wheelchair for you or a loved one. A good guideline is the higher degree of medical authority (MD, DOT, DPT, etc.), the better chance the insurance program will accept the order and pay for the equipment.
- Doctors (MD/DO)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
- Occupational Therapists (OT/DOT)
- Physical Therapists (PT/PTA)
- Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP)
- Hospital Discharge Planners
- Home Health Nurses
Clinicians use many mobility assessment tools and protocols utilized to properly evaluate and document the need for a wheelchair. These can be conducted in–home, inside long-term care facilities, or by appointment at a seating clinic. Of course, the evaluation process should be a collaboration between the healthcare professional, the caregiver, and the patient. Clinicians can provide excellent observational knowledge of the patient’s condition, living environment, and behavioral state in an unbiased way. This is especially true if the patient has cognitive difficulties. In the event that medical need is established, insurance will then process the claim and reimbursement amounts.
Finally, Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Regardless of your circumstances, getting insurance to pay for the purchase of medical equipment is not an easy task. In summary, if you have questions about how to pay for a Broda wheelchair, then contact your insurance carrier for specific information. When you are ready to order, Broda is here to help!
If you would like more information on how to submit a claim to your insurance company for a Broda wheelchair, read our Insurance Claim Guide here.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Broda with your specific situation and we can walk you through How to Order.