Policy Spotlight: Wheelchairs

Due to multiple factors regarding insurance policies that negatively impact wheelchair users’ access to mobility equipment, United Spinal continues to fight for improved access to mobility devices that meet wheelchair users’ needs for both medical necessity and functional mobility in the home and/or in the community in order to be able to fully participate in everyday activities.

Wheelchair users face constant insurance denials and delays in obtaining appropriate equipment resulting in health injuries and secondary health conditions such as pressure injuries (pressure sores) and rotator cuff and carpal tunnel injuries, due to overuse of their upper extremities

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Wheelchair Service & Repair Reform

Wheelchair service challenges and extensive repair delays for so many of us needs to stop. United Spinal has been hearing from our advocates from the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between and has taken the lead in making recommendations to state legislatures across the country.

guaranteed routine maintenance coverage through insurance (preventative maintenance)
empowering wheelchair users to self-repair certain items, (certain batteries, battery chargers, caster spheres, tire tubes – this is not an exhaustive list) that do not affect critical seating and positioning or electronics and cabling) – identify those repairs that minimize risk of injury. The wheelchair industry must make educational tools available to facilitate, and provide assistance and information regarding parts available for sale
guardrails around the provision of loaner chairs (chairs that are not fitted properly can lead to serious injury or death)
advocating for the use of telehealth for practitioners such as physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to enable clinicians to assist wheelchair users virtually for those individuals who are not able to get to a clinic for a wheelchair evaluation appointment
wheelchair providers must be accountable to service the chairs they provide with certified wheelchair technicians and seating and mobility professionals
eliminate the prior authorization requirement for complex rehab technology repairs and
provide a clear and transparent pathway with customer support to review repair needs and timely follow-up

United Spinal is also working on additional solutions regarding wheelchair technician staff hiring/training; back-up chairs; and, travel reimbursements to wheelchair users’ homes. If you are dealing with any wheelchair repair issues, or are aware of any state legislative action on wheelchair repair, please let us know by emailing policy@unitedspinal.org.

How can you help? Share Your Wheelchair Denial Story with United Spinal

United Spinal Association is calling for our members and all wheelchair users to share their stories of coverage denial for essential equipment with us.

Our wheelchair denial stories are powerful, and getting them in front of the right people is the best way to get policies and laws that support our independence and right to move about our community.

SHARE YOUR STORY