Does Medicare Cover Zinger Chairs?

Medicare Benefits Solutions
Feb 26, 2021

The Zinger Chair is a mobility device that helps many people regain independence and enhance their life’s quality. Superficially, it may look similar to a conventional wheelchair, but there are distinct differences in how the Zinger Chair provides transportability assistance compared to a traditional wheelchair. 

Conventional Wheelchairs Versus the Zinger Chair

The Zinger Chair has the functionality of a motorized wheelchair or electric scooter with a battery-operated motor. In contrast, with a traditional wheelchair, to travel, riders must propel themselves by gripping hold of the rear wheels’ hand rims, or another person can push the chair by using handles positioned on opposite sides of the wheelchair’s backrest. 

Another difference between the two transportation devices is the wheel structure. The Zinger Chair has small wheels that give the mobility device the advantage of turning tight corners, which is not as feasible with traditional wheelchairs that have larger sized wheels. The inflated rear wheels of the Zinger Chair have multi-terrain adaptability. Conventional wheelchairs have narrow wheels that make riding on gravel or grass strenuous. 

Motorized Wheelchairs Versus the Zinger Chair

The one feature both motorized wheelchairs and the Zinger Chair have in common is a battery pack. Outside of this indispensability, the function and build of a Zinger Chair are markedly different from a motorized wheelchair. Manufacturers design a motorized wheelchair for extended use. For example, these mobility aids need accessible features and provide immense cushion comfort for the rider. The average motorized wheelchair has a more vigorous battery and motor than a Zinger Chair because it is typically in use for longer hours to eliminate the need to switch out the battery pack or recharge often. 

A Zinger Chair has a lightweight aluminum frame designed for effortless transport. A typical motorized wheelchair might not roll onto a ramp that connects on the backside of an automobile, or it may need modifications so that it can fit inside of a vehicle. The Zinger Chair has a heavy-duty build but can fold for facile storage in small cars without any extra adjustments. 

The Zinger Chair and Medicare Recipients

Under the Part B plan, Medicare benefits cover various kinds of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters. The purpose of the Zinger Chair is for it to serve its users as a personal electric vehicle. Its intended design is not for use as a mobility assistance device masquerading as medical equipment. 

Medicare Part B coverage is applicable only for durable medical equipment that Medicare recipients use in their house and which has a doctor’s endorsement that it is medically necessary. The Zinger Chair gives users maneuverability in much the same way as a motorized or traditional wheelchair, unfortunately, it does not meet the literal description of the scope, nature, or meaning of what Medicare terms as durable medical equipment. 

Each year, the authoritative policies that impose the Medicare benefits’ coverage terms are subject to reform. It would be prudent for Medicare recipients to remain abreast of annual term changes. One day, new policies may permit transportability devices like the Zinger Chair to be eligible for coverage as a piece of durable medical equipment.