VA versus Medicare - power chairs and orthotic devices

5. Power Chair

VA
i) The assigned VA neurologist arranges an appointment at a wheelchair clinic held at the VA center. At the clinic, an occupational therapist (OT) measures the patient for a chair and discusses with a representative of the prosthetics department the features that should be included in the chair, such as tilt and recline features. Within about 30 days, the VA delivers a new chair to the patient and provides information on its use. There is no charge to the patient for the chair, and the VA will provide an additional chair as needed. It also provides adaptive devices required as the patient becomes less capable of operating the chair, including caregiver controls.

Medicare
i) Under Medicare, PALS must locate a contractor who generally helps with Medicare processing. Medicare will provide only 1 wheelchair per patient, you have a co-pay, and Medicare does not cover devices that allow the caregiver to operate the chair.

6. Orthotic Devices

VA
i) Under the VA, orthotic devices such as hand splints and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are provided at no charge and can be custom fitted by VA contractors who measure you in the VA medical center.

Medicare
i) Under Medicare, the patient must visit a specialist for a prescription, find a provider who can supply the orthoses, and pay a copay.