Greg, Can you use another wheelchair provider, or are you stuck using Preferred? I've had my delays with them too so I may use United Seating [Phoenix] next time. AZ's Medicaid long term care program [ALTCS] contracts with Preferred [and a few others] to do durable medical and equipment repair. Not long ago the State Independent Living Commision [SILC] did a review of these providers and found they were being paid a lump amount each month/year so had no incentive to provide helpful and timely customer care. I think SILC was working with the state to change that policy to payment per service. I don't know where that stands. I know you're not going through insurance instead of Medicaid, but you definitely should have remedy for your terrible service. I'd threaten to report them to the Better Business Bureau, the State Attorney General, SILC, local tv stations, Permobil national, etc. Whatever agencies you can think of. You have been getting screwed! If you need any advocacy help give me a call. We have an Advocacy Unit here at the IL Center. Don.
