Skip to main content
The picture shows an elderly man in a wheelchair being pushed by a young woman. There is a V-MAX mini push aid for wheelchairs on the wheelchair, which is helping the woman to push.

Important customer information:
Groundbreaking BSG rulings

Date: 07/2024

News on the provision of medical aids in Germany

The latest judgments by the Federal Social Court (BSG) in April 2024 mark a significant turning point in the provision of medical aids by health insurance companies. For people with walking disabilities and limited arm or hand function, these decisions not only widen their range of movement, but also open up new possibilities for using their residual strength. These groundbreaking decisions have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of many people affected.

In this article, you will find all the important information about the judgments and what they could mean in practice.

Reading time: 4 - 6 minutes
You wish personal advice? Call us!
Information as PDF (german)

In order to give you a better overview, we will explain each of the following topics in more detail throughout this article.

1. Overview

In April 2024, the Federal Social Court (BSG) issued three groundbreaking judgments (Ref. B 3 KR 13/22 R, B 3 KR 14/23 R, B 3 KR 7/23 R) that will bring significant changes to the provision of medical aids by health insurance companies. These rulings relate in particular to extended mobility for people with walking disabilities and the usage of assistive devices to ensure independent living and to cover basic needs.

2. Key aspects of the judgements

Extension of the range of movement:

The definition of "close living environment" has been expanded. It is no longer enough for basic errands to be within walking distance. The range of movement today extends beyond the previously assumed 500 meters, and basic needs can often only be met on a larger scale.

The right to use their own residual strength:

People with limited arm or hand function have the right to use existing residual strength to prevent their condition from deteriorating.

Therapy planning:

The BSG has rejected the recognition of assistive devices as part of a therapy plan to ensure the success of medical treatment due to a lack of scientific evidence.

3. Implication for health insurance companies and affected persons

Consideration of living environment:

When approving assistive devices, health insurance companies must take account of the extended living environment and the independent lifestyle of those affected, particularly in rural areas.

Loading into the car:

Loading assistive devices into the car must be considered if driving is the method of transportation and meeting basic needs.

Use of limited abilities:

Those affected must not be relegated to a purely passive solution and have the right to use their existing abilities.

Principle of cost-effectiveness:

Health insurance companies can refer to aids that are functionally equivalent but less expensive within the framework of economic efficiency.

4. Potential general significance

The new BSG case law provides clarity on the usage of assistive devices within the home environment and the extended requirements for health insurance companies. It is important to be aware of these judgments and to take them into account when communicating with customers and health insurance companies. Health insurance companies should adapt to these new requirements and abandon the previous practice that 500 meters around the house is sufficient.

The picture shows an elderly man in a wheelchair being pushed by a young woman. There is a V-MAX mini push aid for wheelchairs on the wheelchair, which is helping the woman to push.

Summary: Extended provision of medical aids

In April 2024, the Federal Social Court (BSG) issued three important judgments on the provision of medical aids by health insurance companies. These concern:

  • Extension of the radius of movement: More than 500 meters around the living environment.
    Use of own residual strength: Affected persons may use their remaining muscle strength
  • Therapy planning: Assistive devices rejected as part of a therapy plan without scientific evidence.

Implications:

  • Living environment: Health insurance companies must take an extended living environment into account.
  • Loading into the car: Consider car journeys to cover basic needs.
  • Use of abilities: Right to active use of existing abilities.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Health insurance companies can refer to cheaper aids.

5. Potential significance for the provision of AAT add-on drives

The new judgments of the Federal Social Court (BSG) bring significant changes and opportunities for the provision of assistive devices, particularly in the area of mobile add-on drives, which offer many advantages for the end user compared to heavy power wheelchairs.


Consideration of the living environment:

Thanks to the new definition of "close living environment", which goes beyond the previous 500 meters, end users can now reach a much larger area independently. This means that errands, social activities and work commitments that were previously out of reach due to mobility restrictions can now be managed with ease. Our high-quality retrofittable add-on drives are specially designed to cover such extended ranges of motion and make everyday life considerably easier for those affected. The various ranges in kilometers can be found on the corresponding product page.

Loading into the car:

With the need to accommodate the extended living environment and the ability to load aids into the car, AAT's mobile add-on drives offer a perfect solution. Our add-on drives are light and compact enough to be easily loaded into a vehicle, allowing flexibility of usage in both urban and rural environments. Unlike a heavy power wheelchair, a mobile wheelchair drive can be taken anywhere without the end user having to give up their usual mobility. Even transportation in small car trunks is no problem.

Use of limited abilities:

The BSG's judgment that people with limited arm or hand function may use their existing residual strength to prevent their condition from deteriorating supports the philosophy behind our SERVO residual strength booster. This means less dependence on passive aids and more active participation in everyday activities.

Our joystick-operated MAX-E and SOLO add-on drives also offer the end user independent mobility, as all important functions as well as assembly and disassembly can be carried out with just one hand. If capabilities deteriorate over time, both products can also be retrofitted as a pushing and braking aid.

Illustration shows: MAX-E add-on drive. The drive unit can be easily removed from the wheelchair and fits together with your wheelchair even in smaller vehicles.

Are you already familiar with our aids guide?

Discover not only interesting information on product demonstrations, prescription applications and reimbursement, but also many other topics relating to your assistive technology device. Our aids guide provides you with all the information you need for a smooth application and supply process.

Read the aid guide

The AAT product portfolio

Auxiliary drives: Increase mobility and make it easier to overcome inclines and longer distances. They are available either in the form of residual power assist systems or with a joystick for self-propelled wheelchairs.

Electric pushing and braking aids: Reduce the effort required by the attendant when pushing and braking the wheelchair, increasing mobility and independence.

Pure pushing aids: Support the attendant exclusively when pushing the wheelchair. They do not offer braking support, but are lighter and more compact.

Stair climbing aids / stair climbers: Transport wheelchair users or people with limited mobility up and down stairs. They are controlled by an attendant, are mobile and flexible.

Auxiliary drives for self-propelled units

An add-on drive can be a valuable addition to your manual wheelchair. An add-on drive increases mobility and makes it easier to overcome inclines and longer distances. When making your choice, you should pay attention to compatibility with your wheelchair model and whether the power drive meets your individual needs, such as the desired speed and range. The weight of the add-on drive is also important, as it increases the overall load of the wheelchair.

Seek advice from a specialist dealer to find the best add-on drive for your wheelchair and make sure that a test drive is possible to get a feeling for the handling and performance.

The picture shows a man in a wheelchair who controls his wheelchair himself using a joystick control unit. The wheelchair is fitted with an auxiliary drive from AAT - a MAX-E in the Black Edition. The picture shows a man in a wheelchair who controls his wheelchair himself using a joystick control unit. The wheelchair is fitted with an auxiliary drive from AAT - a MAX-E in the Black Edition.
Electrical add-on drive

MAX-E

More information
The picture shows a middle-aged man driving his wheelchair through a sunny city center. He is driving over cobblestones and steering his wheelchair himself using a joystick. The wheelchair wheels are fitted with a SOLO wheel hub drive that powers the wheels. The picture shows a middle-aged man driving his wheelchair through a sunny city center. He is driving over cobblestones and steering his wheelchair himself using a joystick. The wheelchair wheels are fitted with a SOLO wheel hub drive that powers the wheels.
Lightweight wheelchair drive

SOLO

More information
The picture shows a woman sitting in a wheelchair and riding along a river with her son. She is propelling the wheelchair herself with her arms. An AAT SERVO residual force booster is attached to the wheelchair to provide power assistance for the woman. The picture shows a woman sitting in a wheelchair and riding along a river with her son. She is propelling the wheelchair herself with her arms. An AAT SERVO residual force booster is attached to the wheelchair to provide power assistance for the woman.
power-assisted auxiliary drive

SERVO

More information

    Pushing and braking aids or pure pushing aids

    If you are looking for a mobility aid that requires less effort when pushing and braking, you should consider an electric pushing and braking aid. These are retrofitted to your wheelchair as an additional drive system to assist with pushing and braking. These systems reduce a lot of effort and increase your mobility and independence.

    Before you make a decision, you should also take advantage of a personal consultation and a test drive to find the right product for your needs. Our AAT employees will also be happy to answer your questions or arrange a demonstration of our mobility solutions at any time. We look forward to hearing from you!

    Request now
    The picture shows a younger woman pushing an older man in a wheelchair through a thriving city. A castle can be seen in the background. There is an AAT push aid on the wheelchair to help the woman push the wheelchair. The picture shows a younger woman pushing an older man in a wheelchair through a thriving city. A castle can be seen in the background. There is an AAT push aid on the wheelchair to help the woman push the wheelchair.
    The pushing aid

    V-MAX mini

    More information
    The picture shows an elderly woman pushing an elderly man in his wheelchair through a city center with cobblestones. The wheelchair is fitted with a V-MAX² pushing and braking aid from AAT Alber Antriebstechnik, which supports the woman when pushing and braking the wheelchair and thus offers greater safety. The picture shows an elderly woman pushing an elderly man in his wheelchair through a city center with cobblestones. The wheelchair is fitted with a V-MAX² pushing and braking aid from AAT Alber Antriebstechnik, which supports the woman when pushing and braking the wheelchair and thus offers greater safety.
    The pushing and braking aid

    V-MAX²

    More information
    The picture shows a slim, middle-aged man pushing another man in an XXL wheelchair along a country lane. The wheelchair occupant has a very high body weight, which is why there is a V-MAX+ braking and pushing aid at the back of the wheelchair, which supports the accompanying person when pushing and braking the wheelchair. The picture shows a slim, middle-aged man pushing another man in an XXL wheelchair along a country lane. The wheelchair occupant has a very high body weight, which is why there is a V-MAX+ braking and pushing aid at the back of the wheelchair, which supports the accompanying person when pushing and braking the wheelchair.
    The strong pushing- and braking aid

    V-MAX+

    More information

      Stair climbers for wheelchairs or with integrated seat unit

      A stair climber for wheelchairs, also known as a mobile stair climber, is an aid that has been specially developed to transport people in wheelchairs up and down stairs. It contains a drive unit in which the motor is located and one or two climbing legs.

      A bracket attached to the rear of the wheelchair allows the user's own wheelchair to be securely attached to the stair climber. It is operated by an attendant who controls the mobile stair climber. You can find more information about stair climbers in this article: What is a stair climber for wheelchairs?

      These stair climbers are also available with an integrated seat unit and enable the transportation of people with limited mobility without their own wheelchair. You can find out more about these stair climbers in the following article: What is an electric stair climber with integrated seat?

      Das Bildzeigt einen Mann, der in seinem Rollstuhl sitzt und von einer Frau mit Hilfe eines angebauten Treppensteigers über eine Treppe transportiert wird. Das Bildzeigt einen Mann, der in seinem Rollstuhl sitzt und von einer Frau mit Hilfe eines angebauten Treppensteigers über eine Treppe transportiert wird.
      The stair climber for wheelchairs

      s-max

      More information
      Das Bildzeigt einen Mann, der in seinem Rollstuhl sitzt und von einer Frau mit Hilfe eines angebauten Treppensteigers über eine Treppe transportiert wird. Das Bildzeigt einen Mann, der in seinem Rollstuhl sitzt und von einer Frau mit Hilfe eines angebauten Treppensteigers über eine Treppe transportiert wird.
      The versatile stair climber

      s-max sella

      More information
      Das Bildzeigt einen Mann, der in seinem Rollstuhl sitzt und von einer Frau mit Hilfe eines angebauten Treppensteigers über eine Treppe transportiert wird. Das Bildzeigt einen Mann, der in seinem Rollstuhl sitzt und von einer Frau mit Hilfe eines angebauten Treppensteigers über eine Treppe transportiert wird.
      The universal stair climber

      c-max

      More information
        Request now

        You may also be interested in the following topics:

        Das Bild zeigt einen Detailausschnitt einer Schiebe- und Bremshilfe V-MAX². Zu sehen ist der Bediengriff der Schiebehilfe mit einigen Funktionen, wie dem EIN/AUS-Schalter, Akkuanzeige und Geschwindigkeitseinstellung.

        How do I order an AAT product?

        Your way to your medical aid

        We want to make the provision of our high-quality AAT products as easy as possible for you. For this reason, we have created a comprehensive aid guide to accompany you every step of the way.

        Read medical aid guide

        Medical supply store search (within germany)

        Your way to your medical aid

        Individual and personal advice is our top priority. Use our specialist retailer search to find our partners in your region.

        Specialists in your area