subject: Reducing the Cost of Your Wheelchair Vehicle [print this page] Reducing the Cost of Your Wheelchair Vehicle
Anyone who is looking to buy a wheelchair vehicle is concerned about the cost and what options may be available. One of the first questions asked by those who are new to handicap purchases is if Medicare will pay any portion of the purchase. Unfortunately, the policies of Medicare consider the conversion van a deluxe item and they do not cover it because it is used outside the home and is therefore not medically necessary.
This might sound cold, but Medicare is not the only source for assistance for the physically challenged. Some states offer assistance through special programs in financing. If funds are available, you will need to apply as soon as you can because it can take several months for an application to be approved.
A wheelchair vehicle may be a part of a federal assistance program, too. A disabled veteran may be approved for a lift installed on an existing vehicle or a conversion that will transport the mobility equipment. In most cases, if the disability is service related, a scooter or wheelchair is furnished by the government.
There may be grant money provided by organizations or individuals in the private sector. You may check with your local government to ascertain if any such grants are available to you for the purchase of your wheelchair vehicle or related handicap products or services.
If you present your needs and personal information to a mobility specialist, they will provide you with all the sources that you may contact about financial help with your wheelchair vehicle purchase. They will also work with the Veteran's Administration to get you any assistance that you are due.
Some shoppers want to convert their own vans to save money on the overall cost. While this might sound like a good proposition, it is most probably not feasible. First, the van has to meet certain criteria to be able to receive the conversion. It is more expensive to retrofit some vans than it is others.
Even if your van is one that can be converted, there can be a long waiting period before you will get it back. Financing is not usually an option on just a conversion, but it can be rolled into the cost of the van that is already converted.
Getting a van that meets your needs is expensive, so it is important to take advantage of any programs federally or locally that can reduce the cost to you. Consult with a mobility specialist for an estimate of what you can expect to pay.
