Warranty, Medicare & Financial Aid Guide
Warranty, Medicare & Financial Aid Guide
Before you spend money on parts like controllers, motors, actuators, or batteries, check whether the repair may be covered by a manufacturer warranty, Medicare, Medicaid, or a local assistance program. This page explains the common pathways and what to prepare.
DIY links: DIY Hub • Battery/Charging tests • Flash/Beep codes • Manuals & PDFs
Important: This page is general information (not legal/insurance advice). Coverage rules vary by plan, state, model,
and medical need. When in doubt, call your plan or your DME supplier and ask for the exact requirements.
Quick start (use this before paying for parts)
Step 1 — Identify the device
- Brand + model (sticker under seat/shroud, joystick, or frame)
- Serial number (photo it)
- Date purchased + where purchased (receipt if possible)
If you don’t have the manual, check our Manuals & PDFs page.
Step 2 — Decide your best “path”
- Warranty path: newer device, known defect, covered component
- Medicare/Medicaid path: device is medically necessary & you have a DME supplier
- Self-pay path: older device, out of warranty, quick local repair
- Assistance path: VA, nonprofits, loan closets, state assistive-tech programs
Money saver: Don’t replace a controller until you’ve proven batteries/connections are good.
Start here: Battery/Charging tests
Manufacturer warranty basics
What warranties typically cover
- Defects in materials/workmanship (not normal wear)
- Often tiered coverage (example: longer frame coverage, shorter electronics)
- Batteries may be covered separately (battery manufacturer warranty)
Always read the warranty insert for your exact model. Coverage length varies by brand and category.
What warranties usually do NOT cover
- Labor, travel fees, pickup/delivery (common)
- Damage from misuse, water intrusion, impact, improper storage
- Unauthorized modifications or non-OEM parts (common exclusion)
- Consumables: tires, tubes, upholstery, trim, wear items
Pro tip: Even if the part is free under warranty, you may still need to pay for installation.
Some people save money by using a local handyman/mechanic for simple installs (battery cables, connectors, etc.).
How to file a warranty claim (simple)
- Gather: model, serial, purchase date, and symptom description
- Take photos: failed part area, connectors, and any error display/code
- Call the dealer/manufacturer/provider and ask: “Is this covered? What documentation do you need?”
- Ask for: part number, RMA/claim number, and next steps
Before you approve any paid work
- Ask for a written estimate (parts + labor + trip fees)
- Confirm if diagnostics fee is credited toward repair
- If a part is warranty-covered, ask to separate: part = $0, labor = $___
- Keep old parts when possible (especially electronics)
Medicare (Original Medicare Part B)
Typical rule: Medicare covers durable medical equipment (DME) only when it’s medically necessary and
generally intended for use in the home. A treating provider must submit the required order/documentation through a DME supplier.
Common requirements
- Doctor/clinician treating the condition must provide a written order
- A Medicare-enrolled DME supplier typically handles paperwork/billing
- Some power mobility devices require prior authorization
- Costs depend on whether the supplier accepts assignment
Typical costs (Original Medicare)
- After the Part B deductible, people typically pay 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount
- Medicare typically pays the other 80% (approved amount)
- Repairs/replacement parts for Medicare-covered DME you own may also be covered (and warranty-covered repairs usually aren’t paid separately)
Heads up: If you have Medigap or Medicaid, your out-of-pocket may be lower.
If you need a new chair/scooter through Medicare
- Start with your treating provider: discuss your home mobility limitations
- Ask your DME supplier: “Do I need prior authorization for this model/code?”
- Keep notes and copies of any approvals
If you need repairs through Medicare
- Call your DME supplier and ask if the device is on file as Medicare-covered
- Ask: “Is this repair covered, and what documentation do you need?”
- If the unit is rented, repairs are often handled by the supplier as part of the rental
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans
Expect different rules
- Plans often require in-network DME suppliers
- They may have different prior authorization or documentation steps
- Copays/coinsurance can be different than Original Medicare
Best way to avoid surprises
- Call your plan and ask: “Which DME supplier should I use?”
- Ask: “Do you require prior authorization for power mobility or repairs?”
- Get the reference number for the call
Medicaid (state programs + waivers)
Medicaid is run by each state. Coverage, suppliers, and rules can be very different depending on where you live
and whether you’re in a managed care plan, long-term care program, or waiver program.
Common Medicaid pathways
- State plan DME: standard coverage with prior authorization (often required)
- HCBS waivers: home/community programs that may support equipment or related services
- Managed care: may require in-network providers and plan approval
What to ask Medicaid / your plan
- Is my device covered as DME? Do I need prior authorization?
- Which supplier/repair shop is in-network or approved?
- What documentation is needed from my provider?
- Are replacement batteries covered? How often?
Tip: If you’re denied, ask for the written reason and the appeal steps.
Many denials are documentation problems (missing notes, wrong code, missing PA).
Other ways to reduce repair costs
Veterans / VA
- If you’re a Veteran, ask your VA team about mobility equipment and repair support
- Many Veterans qualify for equipment service through VA channels
Nonprofits & “loan closets”
- Local chapters (ALS, MS, UCP, senior services) sometimes offer refurbished devices or parts
- Church/community “loan closets” may help with temporary equipment
Lower-cost repair options
- Ask for a parts-only quote (you supply labor) for simple installs
- Local handyman / small-engine / bicycle / automotive help can be cheaper for basic mechanical tasks
- Used/refurb parts can be a big savings (when compatible)
- If repair cost is near replacement cost, consider used/refurb equipment
If you’re already ready to escalate: Find a technician.
What to gather (fast approval / faster repair)
Device info
- Brand + model
- Serial number
- Photos of labels
Problem proof
- Symptom timeline (what happened first)
- Flash/beep count or display code
- Short video of the problem (if safe)
Basic test results
- Battery resting voltage
- Voltage under load (sag test)
- Any connector heat/discoloration
Best single “proof” for weak/cut-out complaints:
do the load/sag test.
Avoid scams (protect your benefits)
- Be skeptical of “free” mobility equipment offers. If someone asks for your Medicare number, slow down.
- Use reputable suppliers (and for Medicare/Medicaid, approved/enrolled suppliers).
- Review statements and report charges for items you didn’t order.
If you suspect fraud, contact your plan (or Medicare/Medicaid support line) and ask how to dispute the charge.
FAQ
Do warranties usually cover the technician’s labor?
Often, warranties cover the part but not labor, travel, or pickup/delivery. Always ask for a warranty quote that separates part cost from labor/travel.
Does Medicare cover repairs for a power wheelchair or scooter?
If the equipment is Medicare-covered and you own it, Medicare may cover repairs and replacement parts (coverage depends on medical need, supplier rules, and whether the repair is already covered by a warranty). Call your DME supplier and ask what documentation is needed.
Why did my plan deny coverage?
Denials are often documentation issues (missing clinical notes, wrong code, missing prior authorization, or out-of-network supplier). Ask for the written reason and appeal steps. Then fix the missing piece and resubmit.
Should I replace the controller first to “get it going”?
Usually no. Prove batteries and connections are good first. A weak battery pack can mimic controller/motor problems and trigger fault codes. Start with battery testing.