FROM:           PAUL SWATSENBARG

Deputy Administrator, Division of Medicaid

Effective for dates of service on or after August 1, 2002, any client living in an ICF/MR in need of a wheelchair may obtain one from a qualified Medicaid supplier and have the purchase billed to Medicaid.  The wheelchair must be authorized prior to dispensing using the same guidelines applied to all Medicaid clients.  This includes requests for specialized wheelchairs.  The purchase will be the most cost-effective equipment that meets the client's medical need.

Current policy stipulates that ICF/MR facilities provide wheelchairs for clients as content of care.  Under the new policy, the wheelchair is the property of the client, not the facility.

Revisions will be made to Rules Governing Medicaid Provider Reimbursement to reflect the new

policy.

If you have any questions, please contact Elvi Antonsson at (208) 334-5795, xt. 17.

PS/ea