Blog, Policy

Great News! Seat Elevation Policy Win for Power Wheelchair Users

  • We are closer now than ever to Medicare coverage of seat elevation in certain power wheelchairs.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) just released its proposed decision to expand the benefit for mobility devices, advancing health equity for all people with disabilities.

United Spinal Association is ecstatic to be closer now than ever to Medicare covering seat elevation in certain power wheelchairs.

“Seat elevation” refers to power wheelchairs with seats that can independently be raised or lowered by people with limited use of both their arms and legs. This feature improves the independence and health of those who need it.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services released its proposed decision to expand the seat elevation benefit for mobility devices, advancing health equity for all people with disabilities. Most of United Spinal’s 60,000-plus members are wheelchair users and their families. If finalized, this decision would improve the quality of life of United Spinal’s members and all eligible power wheelchair users.

Alexandra Bennewith, VP, Government Relations, gave a huge sigh of relief when she saw CMS’s announcement. “I couldn’t believe my eyes! I know that the community we serve will truly benefit by being able to do the same things everyone else can do, like reaching for cookies in their highest kitchen cabinets and having eye contact with friends and colleagues,” says Bennewith. “And, of course, being able to perform activities of daily living in their own homes and getting all the health benefits that seat elevation can give. We thank all the advocates and wheelchair users who have helped get us this far.”

“This decision is huge, and it is a true example of why advocacy is so important,” adds United Spinal Grassroots Advocacy Manager Annie Streit. “My power wheelchair seat elevation allows me to have more independence in my home, and independence is something that is extremely important to so many people in the disability community. Being able to reach something in an upper cabinet may not mean that much to some, but for power wheelchair users, it is a life changer.”

There is a 30-day comment period with a March 17 deadline, after which advocates expect this decision to be finalized.  If finalized, this will be a huge win for all whose lives will be improved by access to seat elevation.

For more information on United Spinal Association’s extensive advocacy program to improve the quality of life of all wheelchair users, visit our advocacy page.