Does Medicare Cover Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Other Walking Aids?

HealthCare Writer

Updated on November 17th, 2021

Reviewed by Diane Omdahl

We aim to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We follow strict editorial standards to give you the most accurate and unbiased information.

If you have trouble walking and your doctor has prescribed a walking aid, Medicare will likely pay for part of the bill. Here’s an overview of what’s covered and how best to use the coverage available to you.

If You Have Original Medicare

Medicare Part B covers doctor-prescribed walking aids deemed medically necessary for use in your home.1 Walking aids may be prescribed temporarily, such as crutches, to help recover from a broken leg. They may also be prescribed for a permanent condition, such as a wheelchair for a patient with a spinal injury or advanced Multiple Sclerosis.

What Is Durable Medical Equipment?

Walking aids fall under the category of durable medical equipment. They include crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and motorized wheelchairs.

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To buy or rent durable medical equipment (DME), Medicare recipients must use a DME supplier. That company must have enrolled with Medicare and agreed to Medicare’s reimbursement rates. Your prescribing doctor must also have done the same. Your doctor can help you find a nearby supplier and determine if buying or renting makes sense.2

What Are Your Costs?

With Medicare Part B, you’ll be responsible for the 20% coinsurance and any Part B deductible that is still applicable before the coinsurance. (The Part B deductible for 2022 is $233.3) For equipment such as motorized scooters, pre-approval may be necessary. Some Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, will cover the deductible. Check with your Medigap insurer to find out if your policy offers this coverage. Once the deductible is met, any policy will pay the 20% coinsurance. 

If You Have Medicare Advantage

If you purchased a Medicare Advantage plan, it must cover walking aids. 

Check with your insurer to see how much out-of-pocket costs you’ll face when you rent or buy a walking aid. And be careful which supplier you use. Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to rent or purchase equipment through an in-network provider.

One final note on Medicare coverage: The durable medical equipment category is rife with Medicare fraud.4 Always make sure to have a doctor’s prescription and use a Medicare-approved supplier (or supplier approved by your Medicare Advantage plan) to avoid scams.

If You Have Private Insurance

Private insurers also offer coverage for prescribed walking aids. Depending on your plan, you may need an assessment from your healthcare provider.

Whenever a mobility aid is prescribed, call your insurer before buying to check how your coverage works.

Choose the plan that covers your needs and fits your budget.

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You may also need to use a DME supplier that accepts your insurance. Keep in mind, however, that you can still be turned down for coverage if you don’t have the proper prescription or assessment.

As with Medicare, private insurers offer coverage under certain conditions. Mobility limitations must prohibit you from achieving daily activities, such as dressing or bathing. You must also be able to use the mobility aid safely.5



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  1. U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Wheelchairs and Scooters.” medicare.gov (accessed January 8, 2020).

  2. U.S. Government Website for Medicare. “Wheelchairs and Scooters.” medicare.gov (accessed January 8, 2020).

  3. Medicare costs at a glance. medicare.gov. Accessed November 17, 2021.

  4. Senior Medicare Patrol. “Durable Medical Equipment Fraud.” smpresource.org (accessed January 8, 2020).

  5. Aetna. “Ambulatory Assist Devices: Walkers, Canes, and Crutches.” aetna.com (accessed January 8, 2020).