Acquiring a wheelchair is a massive boon for mobility and independence. Still, purchasing a new one can cause a particular "sticker shock." This begs the question of how they became so expensive.

Read here to find out why wheelchairs are so expensive and if there's anything you can do to mitigate the cost.

Why Can't I Buy A Wheelchair Online?

You could purchase a wheelchair online, but you may be sacrificing expertise, comfort, or quality to "cut out the middleman." People needing a wheelchair visit ATPs and other distributors and professionals to achieve higher care and independence.

Purchasing a chair online may seem like a great idea, but visiting an ATP is about creating a rapport and cooperating to find the chair that best fits your lifestyle and needs. Your own research can only go so far, and of course, you have the best knowledge of your needs, but our ATPs are experts in matching the wheelchair to the person.

Purchasing or acquiring a wheelchair is inherently a collaborative experience where the ebay results come from cooperation between you, your ATP, and your primary care physician.

What Are Wheelchairs So Expensive?

Acquiring a wheelchair is shockingly similar to acquiring a car. The make and model of your chair/car can create higher upfront purchase costs, while mileage and condition can increase the need for repairs and maintenance.

Purchasing a wheelchair has more caveats and exceptions, but the point stands. More factors impact the actual cost of your wheelchair:

1. Insurance

Like all medical costs, insurance is the most significant contributor to the cost of health and well-being. While insurance can cover a percentage of your chair, it is also responsible for the sticker price on a new chair, and it isn't always accurate to the actual value.

For example, if you're in the hospital and are administered one dose of Tylenol, your bill may equate that dose to $15, even though you could buy multiple bottles of acetaminophen from the pharmacy for that amount. That "inflation" of the actual value also happens to your wheelchair.

This isn't all bad, however; since you (hopefully) are operating with insurance, you may be able to have them cover a portion of the cost. Medicare can cover up to 80% of the cost. Consult your physician and insurance to see how much you qualify for after your deductible.

2. Steps to Qualify

There are multiple steps to qualify for a wheelchair through insurance, but our team strives to make the journey as streamlined as possible. Briefly, the steps should look like this:

1. Speak with your doctor. Determine if a wheelchair suits you and have them complete the necessary documents.

2. Contact insurance and find out their approval requirements. They may require medical records, functional assessments, and a prescription.

3. Complete the claim. Insurance will process your claim to decide if you qualify.

4. Choose your chair. Work with a provider like Freedom Mobility to find your ideal chair if approved.

It is a simple but difficult process with only four steps. Visits to the doctor and mobility provider cost money and could necessitate multiple visits. Those costs add up and can contribute to the overall price of a new wheelchair.

3. Repairs

Working with an ATP can land you a new wheelchair custom-made to your needs. But when something goes wrong, it may require a custom solution. There's a chance you can find a part that you need, but are you equipped to make a lasting fix?

We recommend letting our techs provide any repairs you may need to ensure that you aren't compromising your independence. These repairs are painless, but over the lifetime of using a wheelchair, you may need multiple repairs. These visits add to the cost of ownership in a big way.

4. Accreditations

Being an accredited company is crucial to our values and care and should be vital to any other mobility provider. It's more than a club; it's being a part of a group committed to providing the best care. By being an accredited institution across multiple committees, we are holding ourselves to the highest standard of care and have to pay our dues for the honor of being part of the community.

Any mobility provider you visit should have a laundry list of accreditations before you work with them because an accreditation means you are receiving quality care from a quality source.

5. ATP Expertise

While assistive technology professionals aren't doctors, they are the experts in their field. When it comes to wheelchairs and other assistive technologies, they're the best. This only manifests with years of training and continuing education to keep them at the forefront of their field.

These experiences, whether educational or experiential, are crucial, and we waste no expense making sure our ATPs offer the best knowledge and customer service to our clients.

6. Accessories and Attachments

Depending on your needs, you may look into accessories and attachments to make your user experience more enjoyable. This could include a footrest, a table, a cup holder, bags, or anything that simplifies the ride.

While these attachments aren't mandatory, they contribute to the user's overall well-being and can elevate the user's day-to-day use experience.

Find Your Perfect Mobility Device Today

With all this in mind, starting your search for the perfect mobility device can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Our qualified team of ATPs and experts is primed and ready to get you rolling.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation and reclaim your independence.