TMPPM 2008 > Texas Medicaid Services > Texas Medicaid (Title XIX) Home Health Services > Benefits

24.5.26 Mobility Aids

Medical appliances and equipment including mobility aids such as canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs are reimbursed to assist clients to move about in their environment.

Mobility aids are a benefit through Home Health Services when the following criteria are met:

•The client must be eligible for home health benefits.

•The criteria listed in this policy for the requested equipment must be met.

•The equipment requested must be medically necessary.

•Federal financial participation must be available.

•The client's mobility status would be compromised without the requested equipment.

•The requested equipment or supplies must be safe for use in the home.

Note: A mobility aid for a client under 21 years of age is medically necessary when it is required to correct or ameliorate a disability or physical illness or condition.

The following mobility aids are not a benefit of Home Health Services:

•Feeder seats, floor sitters, corner chairs and travel chairs are not considered medically necessary devices.

•Items included but not limited to tire pumps, a color for a wheelchair, gloves, back packs and flags are not considered medically necessary.

•Mobile standers are not a benefit of Title XIX Home Health Services.

•Vehicle lifts and modification.

•Permanent ramps, vehicle ramps and home modifications.

The Texas Medicaid Program does not reimburse separately for associated DME charges, including batter disposal fees or state taxes. Reimbursement for associated charges is included in the reimbursement for the specific piece of equipment. White canes for the blind are considered self help adaptive aids and are not a benefit of Home Health Services.

Note: THSteps-eligible clients who have a medical need for services beyond the limits of this Home Health Services benefit may be considered under THSteps-CCP.

Refer to: Section 24.3.1, "Eligibility."