Studies Show Scooters Improve Health, Cut Costs (NAPSA)—A new national study indicates each Medicare recipient who retains mobility through the use of a power wheel- ee e a e pr A 08 Reg chair or scooter saves taxpayers more than $5,300 over a three- year period after paying back Medicare’s original expenditure. These findings show that using Medicare benefits to provide power mobility equipment for those whoqualify is an investment that pays dividends to taxpayers as well as the individuals using the device. Total savings, which may be in the billions of dollars, are the result of individuals remaining healthier overall than others who do not have the benefit of mobility assistance. That’s one of the key findings of a yearlong study carried out by RRC Ine., a nationally recognized research group with broad healthcare expertise. The study was initiated by The SCOOTERStore on behalf of the durable medical equipmentindustry. The researchers utilized comprehensive data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a sample of five percent of all Medicare beneficiaries in the years 1994 to 2001. Dr. Donald R. House, president of RRC, said that in addition to the quality of life enhancementfor recipients of power vehicles, Medicare receives net dollar savings from purchasing such equipment for those whose mobility problemsrequire such assistance. “We found thatstatistically significant savings persisted for at least 12 quarters after obtaining the powered vehicle. “These research findings are consistent with declarations made by many of those utilizing this equip- ment and other published works. The powered vehicle appears to enable qualified individuals to . 2 ce & @ Researchers have determined that helping a person maintain freedom and independence through power mobility equipment saves Medicare money. remain mobile longer, which reduces total Medicare claims over this period,” he said. Doug Harrison, president and founder of The SCOOTER Store, said that the academic study was undertaken to quantify the relationship between a person’s ability to maintain his or her freedom and independence through power mobility equipment and overall health. “When we call on our customers to see how they are doing and to answer any questions, almost without fail they appear happier, healthier and more able to enjoy life after they have regained their mobility,” he said. “The study findings confirm more than a decade of experience and anecdotal evidence that we have seen on the positive health impact of retained mobility. “This is good news for the elderly, good news for the Medicare system and good newsfor the U.S. taxpayer,” Harrison said. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.thescooterstore.com.
