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Health Insurance Many of you have asked whether your health insurance company (or the VA) will pay for your FreeWheel. The answer in many cases is "YES!" In some instances you have to buy it yourself and then get reimbursed by your insurance company. The key is to have your primary care doctor, physical or occupational therapist "PRESCIBE" the FreeWheel for it's health benefits. Specifically reduced stress on shoulders (rotator cuff/arthritis), wrists, increased safety and ability to get to and from your place of employment, etc. It is "prescribed" under "Durable Medical Equipment", miscellaneous heading. Health Benefits A common health issue with rigid-framed wheelchair users is shoulder, wrist and hand injuries or strains. The FreeWheel dramatically reduces the incident of injuries as the longer wheel base, offered by the FreeWheel, reduces resistance and drag when rolling over broken sidewalks, curbs, carpet, gravel, dirt, grass, and snow.Increased mobility means better overall physical health for the wheelchair user. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, or using an electric wheelchair, FreeWheel users improve their strength and endurance due to living an active lifestyle. The FreeWheel is used by individuals to help them get from home to work, to their children's soccer games, to being used in the push part of a triathlon. Instead of living a sedate, inactive and unhealthy lifestyle, they are out getting the exercise they need to maintain and improve their health. Safety Benefits The FreeWheel reduces the risk of injuries due to falls. All wheelchair users know how the small front casters can catch on even the smallest of obstacles, making it easy for the wheelchair to tip forwad and the user to fall out. With the FreeWheel, the risk of falling is dramatically reduced. Uneven sidewalks, curbs, gravel or dirt trails are no longer death-defying obstacles, but easily navigated and overcome. Falling out of your chair is no longer an issue. In addition, there is no need to transfer from one type of chair ot another since the FreeWheel attaches to their existing rigid-frame wheelchair. Usability and Independence The FreeWheel was developed and tested by an engineer, who is a C6/7 quad. Even with the reduced hand, arm and torso strength he easily detaches the FreeWheel form the back of his chair and attaches it to his footrest.For the last 24-months the FreeWheel has been beta-tested by wheelchair users around the world. From low level para's to higher level quads, the FreeWheel was tested in homes, on the sand beaches of Costa Rica, the snow of Aspen, CO, and on dirt hiking trails from New Zealand to Egypt. For a hard copy of this article, please email Cindy at gofreewheel@live.com. Thanks and have a safe and healthy day! |