Cheelcare’s Companion power-assist system has received verification from Medicare’s Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) contractor.
“Medicare reimbursement supports broader clinical recommendation of Companion and improves accessibility for wheelchair users by reducing reliance on private-pay funding,” Cheelcare, based in Markham, Ontario, said in a Jan. 26 announcement. “Historically, adoption of Companion within this network has been primarily concentrated within Veterans Affairs, vocational rehab, and workers compensation programs, due to the absence of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. This reimbursement represents a significantly larger addressable market, and the company expects this approval to accelerate sales activity across its existing U.S. dealer footprint.”
“PDAC approval of a product is a critical step that most DME [durable medical equipment] dealers require,” said Allan Boyd, Cheelcare’s vice president of growth. “This approval confirms that dealers may bill Medicare for Companion under HCPCS code E0986, which is expected to reduce financial barriers to providing medically necessary equipment for users who would otherwise be required to pay out of pocket. This makes our technology more accessible to end users who need it and gives therapists the ability to prescribe it without funding-related constraints.”
Companion is a front-mounted power-assist unit that weighs approximately 20 lbs. and can be easily disconnected when it’s not in use. It’s compatible with both rigid and folding frames. Q Controls, designed for riders with limited hand function, feature spring-loaded handlebars that can be pressed down to accelerate and pushed upward to brake.
Cheelcare noted “recent commercial momentum” for Companion, “with record assisted-device sales achieved in November and December 2025,” the company added.
“This [PDAC] approval marks an important milestone for Cheelcare,” said Eugene Cherny, CEO. “We believe we have a best-in-class product, have built a strong U.S. dealer network, and have invested ahead of this milestone to enhance our product, strengthen our quality systems, and expand manufacturing capacity at our new 16,000-square-foot facility. Together, these efforts position us well to capitalize on the growth and demand we expect to see as a result of this major development.”
