Your Choice in Mobility

Friendly Wheels, Issue 47
January 2012

Featuring Amigo owner Jean Csaposs

Amigo recently appeared in the national spotlight to continue to advocate for the reduction of Medicare waste. Amigo owner Jean Csaposs and Amigo's Jennifer Thieme Kehres appeared on Fox Business' the Stossel Show on the December 15, 2011 segment Government Healthcare Gone Wrong.

Jean Csaposs using her Amigo

Jean demonstrated her favorite features on her Amigo Classic while John Stossel rode an Amigo RT Express. "This, for me, is the only thing I would ever want to have," said Jean.

There are people who benefit greatly from power wheelchairs when they are medically necessary. While Jean chooses an Amigo, our main goal is for each individual to be able to choose the best mobility device for their needs.

Under the current Medicare reimbursement structure, it is easier for someone to receive a power wheelchair, which typically costs more, than to receive a POV/scooter.

"The playing field is not level right now," Kehres said on the Stossel Show. "We receive many calls from customers who want and could better use a mobility scooter. However, more than 70 percent of Medicare reimbursement for mobility equipment is spent on power wheelchairs while less than 3 percent is spent on power operated vehicles (POV/scooters)."

Since the segment aired, we have received many letters of support from Amigo owners and frustrated taxpayers voicing their concern.

After 20 years of using a POV/scooter, Terry Wascher was told by a non-Amigo dealer that she needed a power wheelchair to suit her needs.

Terry says, "I was told a specialist would be coming to my home and assessing my needs. He informed me that a 500 lb. power wheelchair would best fit my needs. I have had a POV/scooter for more than 20 years; I do not want a 500 lb. wheelchair that my family and friends cannot lift or handle."

"The specialist also said 'Medicare pays less than $1,000 for a POV/scooter, but would happily pay $8,000 to 10,000 for a power wheelchair.' What is wrong with this picture?," Terry said. "My legs may not work, but my mind does. I don't want to be told what will work for me in my home."

Jennifer Digmann using her

power wheelchair

While there are people who benefit from a POV/scooter, there are people who need a power wheelchair to meet their needs. Jennifer Digmann used to use an Amigo POV/scooter. She received her first Amigo ten years ago and at the time felt there was no other type of equipment that would have given her the range of freedom her Amigo did.

However, a year ago, Jennifer transitioned to a power wheelchair because it better suited her needs after ten years in a POV/scooter.

"The reality of my disease has progressed and worsened to the point where I now need a power wheelchair instead of an Amigo," Jennifer said. "It is very important to always have a choice in equipment, depending on the individual and their stage of disability."

We believe people with disabilities deserve a choice in the type of mobility equipment they receive. For more information, visit myamigo.com.

To support the reduction of Medicare waste, please contact Jennifer Thieme Kehres at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 989-921-5015 to share your support or your experience with mobility POV/scooters or power wheelchairs.