Tips & Advice

Medicaid Funding for Adaptive Tricycles

February 22, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT

The Rifton Adaptive Tricycle in blackAs most of you undoubtedly know, for children with disabilities exercise such as cycling with a special needs tricycle can be therapeutic as well as fun. Cycling may provide a variety of health benefits unavailable through other medical interventions. For example, children with severe mobility limitations may have few, if any, other options for strengthening their cardiovascular system. In fact, cycling may be the best option for improving stamina, range of motion and coordination, and for strengthening muscles. But how often have we heard that trikes are not covered by Medicaid?

One New York-based organization heard that too many times, and did something about it. Neighborhood Legal Services, a fabulous advocacy group in Buffalo, put together a great primer on how to get coverage for an adaptive trike, and we’re pleased to share it again today. Even though it’s written from a New York perspective, the basic principles should apply in every state.

For additional funding options, many of which are specifically for adaptive trikes, check our expanded funding resources listing.

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samera musallet | May 01, 2012
please my 7 year old girl needs a Adaptive tricycle to help her go around get her legs moving and be happy she loves the tricycle at school and i think if she has one it will help her alot please help me help her feel better and happy.thanks may God bless you.
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Eileen | May 02, 2012
I agree that all states should have medicaid pay for adaptive tricycles. Do you know if madicaid in California pays for the tricycles? Where can I find this information to share with my parents? Eileen
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Elena Noble, MPT | May 03, 2012
Hi Eileen, States Medicaid offices vary in what they’ll pay for and what they won’t. Your best bet is to call a durable medical equipment provider in your area and ask them. If you’re not sure who to call in your area call us at 800-571-8198 and we’d be happy to try to connect you with a good provider. Elena
Mary | March 15, 2014
Medicaid denied my son an adaptable tricycle in 2007. They put it on a wish list with Children's Medical Services. It took a long time to get a stroller for him and I don't think they will pay for a tricycle, even now. My son is now an adult. He is Down's syndrome and A.S.D. It would greatly help him to have a tricycle since he no longer attends school due to seizures. Florida is one of the worst states for this kind of funding. I would like to know how I can go about getting him a one. I hope you can help me with this. Thank you for your time.
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Elena | April 04, 2014

Hi Mary,

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. You could start at our funding page for a list of alternate ideas, resources and organizations that provide help with funding adaptive equipment. We certainly hope you find a way through. Elena

JULIE | August 05, 2014
Do you know if medicaid ( Molina ) in Washington state will cover this? If so I would love to get my 6 year old son who has down syndrome, he has low muscle tone and is just beginning to walk but I know this will help strengthen his muscles along with allowing him great enjoyment.
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Elena | August 08, 2014

Hi Julie,

I forwarded your question to an ATP in WA state and this was his reply: "No, we've never had WA Medicaid cover. Though, a good number of children with Medicaid in our state also have access to DDD funds (Department of Developmental Disabilities). This is a separate pool of money in which they are allotted each year to cover things that aren't covered by Medicaid (i.e. additional therapy, communication devices, Trikes, etc). Generally, they require a written denial from Medicaid in order to access these funds. The amount available is usually enough to cover something like a Trike."

You could also try Rifton's funding assistance page for other sources to try besides Medicaid:

Elena

Fanny | February 12, 2015
Hi do you know if the adaptive tricycle are covered here in Chicago Illinois? My son will be 4 son and he still doesn't know how to ride a bike. And I know how badly he wants to learn because he sees his big sister ride I'm the summer and he feels left out. 😞
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Elena Noble | February 23, 2015
Hi Fanny, 

Yes, adaptive tricycles can be covered in Chicago, but it all depends on a good letter of medical necessity. See the link in the above article "how to get coverage for an adaptive trike" for good tips to writing a successful letter.

Best, Elena

Judy | March 23, 2016
My 17 year old has CP and low muscle tone. He's used the bikes at therapy and loves them. Does Texas help with cost of these bikes. He likes to go outside but is limited to activities due his gait and muscle tone. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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Jen | October 30, 2017
I just wana say i called for a trike a few yrs ago. My husbands had ins thru enployer and so i called about a trike the rep refused to even submit for consideration stating shes worked there for over 10 yrs and provate ins wont cover as its considered recreational. I demanded ahe submit to ins anyway. She did. She called nw a week befire xmas and said my son was the first child shed ever seen ins cover trike..100%..demand they attenpt to file w private ins. I cant imagine how many parentw were told this bc someone assumed
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Holly Browning | December 21, 2017
Hi my 6 year old daughter is one of 5 little girls she wants nothing more to play and run and have fun with her sisters she just had surgery to help with the walking she wear braces on both legs and has no movement on her right arm. She had a stroke at birth and has cp and elspisey. She really wants to ride a bike and be like her big and little sisters thank you for your time
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Anne Brady | December 14, 2020
Is there a Rifton company in Ireland. My 32 yr old son has never had a bike in his life. I really would like to give him the opportunity. He has Angelman syndrome and neurofibramotis. He has watched your videos and although non verbal gets very excited when he was watching the kids riding their bikes. He can only walk very short distances and is walking high on his toes with very little foot base. Thank you.
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Elena | December 14, 2020

Hi Anne,

Thank you for reaching out to Rifton and sharing about your son. We do have a distributor in Ireland, Glencar Medical. Please see their contact details below.

Glencar Medical
Phone: +353 1 890 0201
Website: http://www.glencar.ie

Francey | April 05, 2023
So what about a Developmental Disabiled child that is over 21 but still developmentally disabled. A DD adult may be 30 years old chronologically but 8 years old cognitively. An 8 year old in an adult body with cerebral palsy needing exersize as well as Socialization with other children.???
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Doris | August 29, 2023
My 11 year son loves it he just got out of surgery and he always use it at home and in school. So it can help walk better and as a mom I really do recommend this tool for kids that disabled.
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