Medicare covers some mobility aids, but not all of them, and the coverage depends on which part of Medicare you have and whether a doctor says you need it

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) — items like walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and crutches — if a doctor writes an order saying the item is medically necessary. You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. Medicare does not cover mobility aids you buy for convenience or comfort, only those prescribed to treat a medical condition or help you move safely after an injury or surgery.

The catch is that Medicare has a specific list of approved items and approved suppliers. If you buy from a supplier Medicare does not recognize, or if you buy an item not on the list, Medicare will not pay. The process also takes time — usually two to four weeks — so you cannot walk into a store, buy a walker, and expect reimbursement the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating that a mobility aid is medically necessary; Medicare will not cover items you buy on your own.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and the item must be on Medicare's covered list — walkers, standard wheelchairs, and canes are covered, but scooters and specialized chairs often are not.
  • You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible, and the process typically takes two to four weeks.
  • If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower, so check your plan documents before ordering.
  • Rental is usually cheaper than purchase for short-term needs, and Medicare covers both options at the same 80/20 split.

Which mobility aids Medicare will pay for

Medicare covers standard walkers (two-wheeled and four-wheeled), canes, crutches, and manual wheelchairs. It also covers seat lifts, grab bars, and raised toilet seats. Scooters (three-wheeled or four-wheeled motorized devices) are covered only in specific cases — usually when you cannot walk more than a few feet, have tried a walker and it did not work, and your doctor documents this in detail.

Specialized wheelchairs with extra features, lightweight wheelchairs, and standing wheelchairs face stricter review. Medicare may deny these as "not medically necessary" even if your doctor prescribes them. Rollators (walkers with seats and hand brakes) are sometimes covered and sometimes not, depending on your specific situation and the Medicare contractor in your state.

The safest approach is to ask your doctor which item Medicare is most likely to cover for your condition, then confirm with a Medicare-approved supplier before you order. Suppliers know the rules in your state and can tell you upfront whether Medicare will pay.

How to get a prescription and order from the right supplier

Start by seeing your doctor. Tell them you need a mobility aid and ask them to write an order (called a "prescription" or "order for DME"). The order must state what item you need and why — for example, "patient requires walker due to balance disorder and fall risk." Your doctor does not need to send it anywhere; you keep it and give it to the supplier.

Next, find a Medicare-approved DME supplier. You can search for suppliers in your area on Medicare.gov by clicking "Find Care Providers" and selecting "Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics & Supplies (DMEPOS)." Call at least two suppliers and ask: (1) whether they accept Medicare, (2) whether they have the item your doctor prescribed in stock or can order it, and (3) what your out-of-pocket cost will be after Medicare pays its share.

Give the supplier your prescription and your Medicare card. They will submit the order to Medicare for approval. This step usually takes one to two weeks. Once Medicare approves it, the supplier will contact you about payment and delivery. Do not pay the full amount upfront — you should pay only your 20 percent share after Medicare approves the order.

What you will pay out of pocket

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the item. The approved amount varies by item and by region — a walker approved at $150 in one state might be approved at $140 in another. You also pay this 20 percent only after you have met your Part B deductible for the year (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly).

If you have not met your deductible yet, you pay the full approved amount until you reach $240, then Medicare starts paying its 80 percent. Once you hit your deductible, you pay only 20 percent for the rest of the year.

If you have a Medigap plan (supplemental insurance), it may cover some or all of your 20 percent share. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs depend on your specific plan — some cover DME with no copay, others charge a flat fee, and others follow the 20 percent rule. Check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service before you order.

Rental versus purchase

Medicare covers both renting and buying mobility aids at the same 80/20 split. For short-term needs — recovery from surgery, a temporary injury — renting is usually cheaper. For long-term or permanent needs, buying often costs less over time because rental fees add up.

Medicare has a rule called "capped rental": if you rent an item for 13 months, Medicare stops paying for rental and you own it. After that, Medicare covers maintenance and repairs but not a new rental. This rule protects you from paying rental fees forever, but it also means you should think carefully before renting something you might need for years.

Ask the supplier for a quote on both rental and purchase, and do the math. A walker might rent for $30 to $50 per month but cost $100 to $200 to buy. If you need it for more than three months, buying is usually the better deal.

What to do if Medicare denies your request

If Medicare denies your order, the supplier will send you a notice called an "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) that explains why. Common reasons for denial are: the item is not on Medicare's covered list, your doctor's order did not include enough medical detail, or the item is considered a luxury version rather than a standard one.

You have the right to appeal. Ask the supplier for the appeal form and instructions — they should provide this automatically. You can also ask your doctor to write a more detailed letter explaining why the item is medically necessary for you specifically. Send this letter with your appeal.

The appeal process takes four to six weeks. If Medicare denies the appeal, you can request a hearing before a Medicare official, but this step takes months. Many people find it faster to pay out of pocket for the item and move on, especially if the cost is under $300.

Items that look like mobility aids but Medicare does not cover

Canes with special handles, decorative canes, and canes made of exotic materials are not covered — Medicare covers only standard aluminum or wood canes. Compression socks, shoe inserts, and braces are covered under a different category (orthotics) and have their own rules. Stair lifts and elevators are not covered by Medicare; they are considered home modifications, not medical equipment.

Grab bars are covered if installed by a Medicare-approved supplier, but only in certain situations — usually after a fall or for someone with severe mobility loss. Bathroom safety equipment like shower chairs and bath benches are sometimes covered and sometimes not, depending on your condition and your state's Medicare contractor.

If you are unsure whether an item is covered, ask your doctor or call a Medicare-approved supplier. Do not assume that because something helps you move that Medicare will pay for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a mobility aid and ask Medicare to reimburse me?

No. You must get a doctor's prescription first, then order from a Medicare-approved supplier. If you buy on your own, Medicare will not reimburse you, even if the item is on the covered list. The supplier handles the Medicare paperwork, not you.

What if my doctor says I need a scooter but Medicare denies it?

Scooter denials are common because Medicare requires detailed proof that you cannot walk more than a few feet and that a walker did not work. Ask your doctor to write a detailed letter explaining your specific limitations. You can also appeal the denial and request a hearing, though this takes time. Some people pay out of pocket for a scooter while the appeal is pending.

Do I have to use a Medicare-approved supplier?

Yes, if you want Medicare to pay. Non-approved suppliers cannot submit claims to Medicare, so you would have to pay the full cost yourself. Using an approved supplier costs you nothing extra — the price is the same.

How long does it take to get a mobility aid through Medicare?

Plan for two to four weeks from the time you give the supplier your prescription. The approval step usually takes one to two weeks, and delivery takes another week or two. If Medicare denies the order, add four to six weeks for an appeal. For urgent needs, ask your doctor if you can rent a standard item from a local medical supply store while you wait for Medicare approval.

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover mobility aids differently?

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but many cover more — some have no copay for DME, others charge a flat fee instead of 20 percent. Check your plan documents or call your plan before you order to find out your exact costs.