Rant incoming: Aetna will pay 80% towards the Bowhead Corp Era assuming it’s purchased through an in-network provider (durable medical equipment supplier, or DME), 50% if out of network. Great.

Why is this a problem? Because Bowhead sells direct.

Thus far, I have contacted over a dozen DMEs, all of whom are unwilling to order the Era and code it through my insurance. I have never, in my entire adult life, ordered a piece of mobility equipment through insurance. This is why. I’m looking at having to cover the entirety of this chair out of pocket. Initial quote: $14,103.

God forbid we need equipment that doesn’t break our backs to transfer in and out of a vehicle, or that fits in the overhead of a plane.

People with disabilities deserve freedom of choice as to how we get around, and access to the lightest, most durable equipment available; it precludes shoulder injury down the line and makes life more worth living.

I’m just now starting to feel the early twinges of shoulder trouble after 9 years of using a chair, and using the 50lb Freedom Chair as an everyday chair is becoming unmanageable.

The Bowhead Era weighs 6.6lbs, and packs down small enough to fit in the overhead of a plane. It would truly change my day-to-day life. Additionally, it is infinitely adjustable. The designer of this chair has used his prototype for the last 13 years. This will be the first and last everyday wheelchair I ever need.

More info on the chair can be found here:

Bowhead Era

Thank you for your time and consideration.