Does TRICARE cover a power wheelchair?
Yes, if medically necessary. A scooter or a power chair, not both.
Does TRICARE cover a power wheelchair?
TRICARE's answer is "Yes, if medically necessary." You need a doctor's order and, in the West, approval from TriWest before delivery. TRICARE "won't pay for a scooter and an electric wheelchair at the same time," so choose the one that fits daily life best.
A power wheelchair can give back independence at home and outside. TRICARE covers one when it's medically necessary, with a few rules worth knowing first.
Steps
- Talk with the doctor. The doctor decides whether a power wheelchair is medically necessary, or whether a manual wheelchair or scooter fits better.
- Get the order. TRICARE covers equipment when a physician prescribes it. The order should say why a power wheelchair is needed.
- Approval from TriWest. In the West, TriWest approves a power wheelchair before it's delivered. Intake helps you gather what's needed.
- Scooter or power chair. TRICARE pays for one or the other, not both at the same time.
- Accessories that make it work. Accessories that make the chair usable for the condition, like a cushion, can be covered with the doctor's order. TRICARE names a car lift for a wheelchair as an example.
- Repairs later. TRICARE covers repairs to equipment you own when they're needed to keep it working.
- TRICARE For Life. If you have TRICARE For Life and live in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, Medicare's rules apply too.
Checklist
- Doctor agrees a power wheelchair is needed
- Order says why
- Chose a power wheelchair or a scooter (not both)
- Asked about a cushion or car lift if needed
- TRICARE For Life? Medicare's rules checked
- Called intake or sent a request
In TRICARE's words
Yes, if medically necessary.
Does TRICARE cover power wheelchairs and scooters? — tricare.mil
TRICARE won't pay for a scooter and an electric wheelchair at the same time. If you have TRICARE For Life coverage and live in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory, you must also follow Medicare’s rules.
Does TRICARE cover power wheelchairs and scooters? — tricare.mil
Repairs to equipment that you own when needed to make the item serviceable.
Equipment in this guide
Follow the instructions from your doctor and the equipment maker.