CMS Proposes Covering Basic Version of iBot Power Chair

BALTIMORE–CMS is proposing Medicare coverage for Johnson &
Johnson’s iBot 4000, minus the stair-climbing function and other
bells and whistles.

Manufactured by Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson
company, the power wheelchair relies on a computerized system of
sensors, gyroscopes and electric motors to climb stairs, travel
over uneven surfaces, elevate users to eye level with those who are
standing and even be operated remotely.

However, in a proposed decision memo issued April 28, CMS stated
that these features “do not serve a medical purpose or are
generally inappropriate for use in the patient’s home.”

CMS suggested providing coverage of the iBot when it is
programmed for standard function only–operating similar to a
traditional power chair–and “serves the same medical purpose of
improving a beneficiary’s performance of mobility related
activities.”

According to a National Coverage Determination released last
year, mobility assistive equipment is covered under Medicare’s DME
benefit category if it is “reasonable and necessary” to help a
patient with mobility-related activities of daily living such as
toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming and bathing in the home.

Independence Technology introduced the first generation of iBots
in 2004, but the retail-only product was met with lackluster sales.
The iBot 4000 was introduced late last year.

The power chair carries a price tag of about $29,000.

To view the proposed decision memo, click
here.