Cane

Cane A. Medicaid defines a cane as an assistive device held in the hand and used for support during ambulation. This includes canes of all materials, single, quad or three pronged, adjustable or fixed. B. Medicaid covers canes for all beneficiaries when prior authorized by the Utilization Management and Quality Improvement Organization (UM/QIO), the Division of Medicaid or designated entity for rental up to purchase amount or purchase when indicated and all the following criteria met: 1. [Reserved]; and 2. When condition or injury causing impaired ambulation and when there is a potential for ambulation. C. Tips, handgrips, adjustment features or other accessory items are inclusive in the rental or purchase of the cane. D. Straight, single post canes may be either fixed or height adjustable. Medicaid covers straight canes for the following indications: 1. To relieve stress on a joint in post-surgery beneficiaries. 2. To aid beneficiaries with decreased balance due to vestibular, neurological, or orthopedic conditions. E. Three prong or quad canes may be either fixed or height adjustable. Medicaid covers these canes for the following indications: 1. For beneficiaries who require an added base of support (BOS) provided with the cane for stance and ambulation. 2. For beneficiaries who have achieved increased ambulation skills and no longer require a walker but still need an assistive device with a wider BOS than a straight cane will offer. F. All canes issued to children should be height adjustable to provide for growth. G. Some beneficiaries may require two (2) canes for greater stability.