Why did Uncle Sam pay $18K for a wheelchair?

[Kirsten]

Why did Uncle Sam pay $18K for a wheelchair?

Andrew Kirk, OF THE RECORD STAFF
Posted: 09/07/2010 05:06:29 PM MDT

Parkite Margie Schoenberg is worried about the future of Medicare after being one of its beneficiaries.
The services have significantly increased her quality of life, but she thinks it is suspicious how much everything costs.

http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_16014433

[Rovingrebel]

If it was more equipment than she needed why didn't she just refuse the extra features on the chair?

[fledchen]

If it was more equipment than she needed why didn't she just refuse the extra features on the chair?

That's what I wondered, too, but I'm not very knowledgeable about how Medicare pays for things. It may be that they will only pay for equipment as it is specifically prescribed and people can't go with different options, even if those options cost less. It's one of the many problems with the medical model of disability.

[Rovingrebel]

yes, they will pay for what is prescribed, as long as the medical record support the equipment and all features as medically necessary. However she has a say in the process in deciding what will be ordered for her working with her doctors and therapists.

[Shidash]

It is possible that it could be a progressive mobility issue. If that is the case they often like to buy things in advance as it can be cheaper than getting it modified later on.

[Kirsten]

I interpreted it as something along the lines of $400 hammers, ie the government being over charged because they don't have oversight to check out what something is really worth.