On February 15, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) that power seat elevation equipment on Group 3 power wheelchairs falls within the benefit category for durable medical equipment (DME).

CMS is proposing that the evidence is sufficient to determine that power seat elevation equipment is reasonable and necessary for individuals using power wheelchairs when all of the following conditions are met:

• The individual performs weight bearing transfers to/from the power wheelchair while in the home, using either their upper extremities during a non-level (uneven) sitting transfer and/or their lower extremities during a sit to stand transfer. Transfers may be accomplished with or without caregiver assistance and/or the use of assistive equipment (e.g. sliding board, cane, crutch, walker); and,
• The individual has undergone a specialty evaluation by a practitioner who has specific training and experience in rehabilitation wheelchair evaluations, such as a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT), that assesses the individual’s ability to safely use the seat elevation equipment in the home.

The proposed NCD is open for public comment for 30 days. The 30-day comment period will close on March 17, 2023.