Does Medicare Pay for Wheelchairs and Scooters?
Medicare pays 80% of the cost for a wheelchair or electric scooter if you need one to get around your house.
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Your doctor has to confirm that you need a wheelchair or scooter to function safely in your house. You also have to make sure your doctor and the company you get the wheelchair or scooter from take Medicare.
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs?
Medicare covers wheelchairs if your doctor decides you need help getting around your house.
You have to meet the following requirements for Medicare to pay for your wheelchair or scooter.
- You're unable to move around your home because of a medical condition.
- You can't do daily activities like getting dressed or bathing by yourself even if you already have a crutch, cane or walker.
- You can safely use your wheelchair or you have someone who can help you use it.
Either your doctor or wheelchair supplier also has to visit your home before you can be approved for a wheelchair or scooter. They'll make sure that you can use your equipment inside your house. For example, a doctor may deny you Medicare coverage if your doorways are too narrow for a wheelchair to get through.
It's important to remember that not all doctors and suppliers take Medicare. Even if a doctor or supplier works with Medicare, they may not accept the price Medicare is willing to pay. Ask your doctor and wheelchair provider if they "accept assignment," which means they won't charge you an extra cost beyond what Medicare will pay.
Medicare doesn't cover equipment that's mainly needed for getting around outside the home. That means Medicare won't pay for a wheelchair if you can walk short distances inside your home without trouble.
Your doctor will also decide whether you need a motorized or nonmotorized wheelchair. To get a motorized wheelchair, your doctor has to confirm that you're unable to use a regular wheelchair. You also have to be able to get in and out of the wheelchair by yourself.
How often will Medicare pay for a wheelchair?
Medicare only pays to replace your wheelchair or scooter once every five years, except in a few special circumstances. For example, if your wheelchair no longer works and cannot be repaired, Medicare will pay for a new one even if it's been less than five years. You can only get one wheelchair or scooter through Medicare at a time, and you may be responsible for day-to-day routine maintenance.
However, Medicare pays for wheelchair and scooter repairs and also covers replacement batteries.
Will Medicare pay for a mobility scooter?
Medicare covers scooters the same way it covers wheelchairs.
That means you have to meet the same requirements, including having trouble getting around your own home. Your doctor also has to visit your home to confirm that you can use the scooter without trouble, like difficulty navigating cluttered rooms or fitting through narrow doorways and halls.
Your doctor will approve you for the cheapest mobility equipment that fits your needs. That means Medicare won't pay for a mobility scooter if you can operate a regular wheelchair, because wheelchairs are cheaper.
Your doctor will also make sure that you're able to get on and off the scooter by yourself or have someone like a family member or home health aide to help you, and that you can safely maneuver the equipment.
Does Medicare cover knee scooters?
Original Medicare does not pay for knee scooters.
Although Medicare covers the cost of buying or renting many types of "durable medical equipment" (DME), knee scooters do not meet Medicare Part B coverage requirements because crutches can accomplish a similar function at a lower price.
However, some Medicare Advantage plans may pay for some or all of the cost of a knee scooter. Medicaid may cover knee scooters if you dual qualify for both programs.
How much does Medicare pay for scooters and wheelchairs?
After you pay your Part B deductible, Medicare pays for 80% of the cost for a wheelchair or scooter.
You have to pay the remaining 20%, which is called "coinsurance." If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs may be different. And if you have a Medicare Supplement plan, you might not pay anything.
Wheelchairs can cost as little as a few hundred dollars for a basic nonmotorized model and as much as several thousand dollars for more expensive motorized wheelchairs. Mobility scooters can similarly run from less than $1,000 to $4,000 or more.
A 20% coinsurance on a $4,000 mobility scooter would cost you $800 in out-of-pocket costs after you've met your annual deductible, which is $257 in 2025.
How to get a wheelchair through insurance
Most health insurance plans cover wheelchairs, although they may have restrictions similar to Medicare coverage.
Your doctor likely has to confirm that you need the wheelchair to be able to function, for example. You'll also probably have to pay your deductible before you have any coverage. You might have to pay for a portion of the cost for the wheelchair or scooter, called coinsurance, even after you've met your deductible.
The best way to find out if your health insurance covers wheelchairs and scooters is to look at your plan documents or call your company.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for wheelchairs and scooters?
Yes, Medicare will pay for most of the cost of a wheelchair or scooter if your doctor confirms you need one to get around your home. Medicare covers 80% of your costs after you've paid your $257 Part B deductible.
What kind of wheelchair will Medicare pay for?
Medicare pays for regular, non-motorized wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs and scooters, depending on your needs. If you can safely use a non-motorized wheelchair, Medicare will cover that instead of a more expensive powered option. But if you can't use a manual wheelchair, Medicare will pay for a powered wheelchair or scooter.
How long does it take for Medicare to approve a wheelchair?
It can take weeks or months to get a wheelchair through Medicare, depending on how quickly you can get an appointment with your doctor. You have to see your doctor in person to discuss getting a wheelchair. Then, either your doctor or the company you're getting the wheelchair from has to visit your house to make sure you can safely use the wheelchair.
Sources
Info for wheelchair and scooter eligibility requirements came from Medicare.gov.
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