Does Medicare Cover Walkers and Wheelchairs?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). If your doctor prescribes the equipment as medically necessary for use inside your home, Medicare will pay 80% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

To get coverage, you must meet specific requirements. First, you need a face-to-face examination with your doctor, who must write a prescription stating that your condition requires the equipment to perform daily activities like bathing, dressing, or moving around your house. Second, you must purchase or rent the equipment from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. If your supplier isn't enrolled, Medicare won't pay, and you'll be stuck with the full bill.

When it comes to the type of equipment, Medicare follows a step-by-step approach. They will only cover the most basic equipment that meets your medical needs. For example, if a walker is sufficient for you to get around your home safely, Medicare will not pay for a wheelchair. If a manual wheelchair works, they won't cover a power scooter.

This is where the system gets frustrating. You might want a power scooter to get around the neighborhood or go to the grocery store, but Medicare's rule is strict: the equipment must be necessary for use inside your home. If you can walk around your house but need a scooter for the store, Medicare won't cover it. Straight answers, no surprises - that's how we operate. We want you to know exactly what to expect so you aren't caught off guard by a denied claim.

For power wheelchairs and scooters, the rules are even tighter. Your doctor must document that you cannot use a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair safely. You also need prior authorization for certain types of power equipment, meaning Medicare must approve the request before the supplier delivers the item.

If you have Traditional Medicare, your Part B covers the DME. But remember, you still owe that 20% coinsurance. This is where your Medicare path matters.

If you chose the Traditional Medicare path and added a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, your Medigap policy will typically cover that 20% coinsurance. For example, if you have Plan G, once your Part B deductible is met, the plan pays the rest. You get your equipment with zero out-of-pocket cost at the time of purchase.

If you chose the Medicare Advantage path, your coverage for DME depends on your specific plan's rules. You will likely have a copay or coinsurance, and you must use the plan's network of approved suppliers. You may also face stricter prior authorization requirements. The supplement decision comes AFTER you choose Traditional Medicare - it's a component of the Traditional path, not an alternative to Advantage.

Navigating Medicare's rules for medical equipment shouldn't be a full-time job. You need your mobility, and you need to know it's covered. If you're looking at your options and want to make sure you have the right coverage in place before you need it, we can help. We'll walk you through every option and make sure your plan fits your life.