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Do you debate getting new disability-related equipment?
Lately, the charger for my wheelchair has been giving me trouble. I think the cord has been wrapped around it one too many times.
Here’s my dilemma, do I go through insurance to get a brand-new charger when I’m planning on getting a different chair in a year or so?
I’m sure I could find a decent used one but then I’d be paying out of pocket. Plus, it’s not in the budget. I guess that’s what insurance is for, but I can’t help feeling guilty knowing it’s not for the long haul.
Do you agonize over decisions like this, or am I making a mountain out of a molehill?
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8 Replies
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I wouldn’t say I agonize over it, but it’s definitely worth considering and weighing the options. Because our wheelchairs are our livelihoods, I would go directly to insurance for a new one. If you feel like you can afford a new one, that might be a quicker process. Are you afraid that if you go through insurance, they won’t pay for a new wheelchair?
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I guess my hang-up is that it’s not totally broken yet. That and I feel like I’m probably switching brands when I go for a new chair, so it seems silly to get a new charger I’d only be using for a year or so. I’ve never had a new chair denied, have you?
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I haven’t had a full chair denied, but I’ve had parts on a new chair denied that we had to appeal. Fortunately, I see a physical therapist once a year for Spinraza who helped me through the process.
You have the Permobil F3, right? That’s what I have right now, and I never grew to like it. How long have you had your chair?
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Yes F3, I got in in 2020, so the countdown is on. It’s not the worst chair in the world but I’ve never liked it either. It’s not one thing I can pinpoint, rather lots of little nuances I don’t care for. What is it you’re not fond of? You struggled with seating didn’t you? There are pieces I hope I can carry over to the next chair but if I switch brands that can be challenging.
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Something like a charger is not particularly expensive …at least in parts. The red-tape involved in getting something like a brand new wheelchair almost necessitates insurance paying more than they ought to do to their own rules. Case in point, my prior chair’s joystick went dead after putting in paperwork for a new chair. Instead of rushing through the approval for delivery of a new chair, I was forced to replace the very expensive joystick until they finally decided my chair ought to be replaced. Don’t assume we live in a world with common sense particularly now. Do what you must for your best outcome because I assure you no one else is looking out for us.
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Yeah, I probably shouldn’t stress over a charger. Totally get what you speak of. All these rules in place to save money, then situations arise like your joystick and it comes back to bite them. My last chair needed several maintenance parts like tires and batteries, so I had all of it done to have a reliable backup before I got my new chair. I knew when I got the new one nothing would be covered on the old one. Glad I did because I’ve needed it a couple times. Whenever I see a price-tag on equipment I just shake my head.
Out of curiosity what kind of chair do you have and do you like it?
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I went with the Invacare AVIVA STORM RX Power after years of using Quantum rear wheel drive wheelchair. I hate mid-wheel and front wheel drive chairs . My Quantum was nice but it was big and a little glitchy. I had lots of issues with the joystick not behaving properly and for it’s size, it had lousy traction . My new chair is smaller and fits me better. It’s control is much simpler …no fancy screen …but more responsive. Traction better but not as good as prior Invacare chairs. Both have seat elevation and tilt. New chair is a bit lower and fits so much better under tables.
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That one is on my list to check into along with the Quantum. After not loving the front or mid wheel drive either I think I have to go back to rear wheel drive. What don’t you like about fwd or mwd? I have my reasons but would love to hear yours.
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