Are Medicare Grants for Wheelchair Vans Available?
Many of the 44 million people covered under Medicare and a further 70 million covered under Medicaid programs live with mobility-related disabilities. Having a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can make a world of difference, so it’s natural to ask if there are Medicare options or Medicare grants for wheelchair vans or wheelchair accessible SUVs.
Accessible Vehicle InventoryVeteran Funding Programs
Are Wheelchair Vans and Conversions Available Through Medicare?
Unfortunately, wheelchair vans and conversions are very rarely covered under Medicare or Medicaid. Rules do vary from state to state — so it might be different in Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York — but you’ll generally find that Medicare only covers expenses deemed “medically necessary.” These rules are extremely strict, so few doctors will find circumstances where a wheelchair van would be considered necessary.
That means the following Medicare plans aren’t an option:
- A (Hospital)
- B (Medical)
- D (Prescription Drug)
How Can Medicare Grants Cover Wheelchair Vans?
Don’t despair after learning that Medicare won’t cover the purchase of a wheelchair van or modifications to your current vehicle. You may still be eligible for a Medicare grant. The majority of those grants come from non-profit organizations that receive their funds from state or local resources. There’s no guarantee, but you could be eligible for a grant to cover worn out equipment on vans or the purchase of a new vehicle.
What Options Are Available for Veterans?
Beyond Medicare, veterans may be eligible for assistance from one of several funding programs, including:
- Semper Fi Fund
- Vets First
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Help Our Military Heroes
- National Association of American Veterans
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Benefits Administration
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Operation Family Fund
- Coalition to Support America’s Heroes
There are Grants and Funding Programs Available to Help Keep You Mobile
Will Medicare pay for a wheelchair van? Probably not, but several wheelchair van grants are available to cover the purchase. To find out more about wheelchair-accessible vehicles or our conversion process, don’t hesitate to contact Freedom Motors USA today.