Long-Term Care

Increase in fraud leaves disabled without power wheelchairs

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, October 25, 2006

After November 15-the start of the Medicare reimbursement cuts-many power wheelchair suppliers say they will no longer provide the mobility device for most Medicare recipients, reported the Associated Press (AP). Residents with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and similar conditions might find themselves without power wheelchairs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said these changes are necessary to eliminate the increase of fraud. CMS said power wheelchair purchases increased by 2,705% between 1995 and 2003. In eight years, that is an increase from $43 million to $1.2 billion dollars, the AP reported.

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