Aug 14, 2024

Rule change helps Iowans get repairs on their wheelchairs more quickly

Posted Aug 14, 2024 8:49 PM

(Radio Iowa) - You will no longer need a doctor's prescription in order to get Medicaid-funded repairs to your wheelchair.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has removed the requirement following concerns about barriers and delays. State Representative Josh Turek (TUR-ek), a Democrat from Council Bluffs who uses a wheelchair, sponsored a bill last session to change the rule.

He says that unnecessary requirement could delay repairs for weeks, plus, the state was paying for the person's transportation to the doctor’s office and for the appointment itself. H-H-S’s change to the requirement went into effect last month.