Survey Reveals Challenges in Mobility Device Acquisition for U.S. Users

The Mobility Device User Survey (MDUS), conducted by the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) in spring 2023, revealed critical insights into the experiences of Medicare, Medicaid, and privately insured mobility device users in the U.S. Approximately 5.5 million Americans rely on mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters, which are categorized as durable medical equipment (DME).

Since the Medicare coverage changes in 2005, the acquisition of mobility devices has been fraught with challenges including stringent in-home use requirements that restrict devices to within-home activities and exclude community engagement. The survey findings emphasize widespread dissatisfaction with these limitations, pointing to lengthy approval processes, restrictive insurance policies, and frequent denials of necessary device components impacting user autonomy and quality of life. Moreover, users reported severe impacts due to the CMS Competitive Bidding Program launched in 2011, which has exacerbated issues related to device quality and repair services. The need for legislative and regulatory reforms to accommodate both in-home and community mobility needs is evident, as current policies undermine the full integration and functional independence promised by disability rights laws.