Does Medicare cover wheelchairs and walkers?
Usually covered
Medicare Part B covers walkers, manual wheelchairs, and power wheelchairs or scooters as durable medical equipment when they're medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
- Covered when A doctor confirms you can't be adequately served by a cane or manual wheelchair, which supports coverage for a power wheelchair or scooter.
- Not when The equipment isn't prescribed by a doctor as medically necessary, or is intended for use outside the home rather than for mobility within it.
- Not when You get the equipment from a supplier that isn't enrolled in Medicare — Medicare generally won't pay any part of the claim.
What flips the answer
- Covered when
A doctor confirms you can't be adequately served by a cane or manual wheelchair, which supports coverage for a power wheelchair or scooter.
- Not covered when
The equipment isn't prescribed by a doctor as medically necessary, or is intended for use outside the home rather than for mobility within it.
- Not covered when
You get the equipment from a supplier that isn't enrolled in Medicare — Medicare generally won't pay any part of the claim.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Usually covered
- Applies to
- wheelchairs and walkers · Medicare
- Covered when
- A doctor confirms you can't be adequately served by a cane or manual wheelchair, which supports coverage for a power wheelchair or scooter.
- Not covered when
- The equipment isn't prescribed by a doctor as medically necessary, or is intended for use outside the home rather than for mobility within it.
- Verified
- 2026-07-02 · 2 primary sources
Wheelchairs and walkers fall under Medicare's durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. Part B covers them when a doctor determines they're medically necessary for use in your home, writes an order, and you get the equipment from a supplier enrolled in Medicare.
For power wheelchairs and scooters specifically, Medicare requires more documentation — typically a face-to-face exam with your doctor confirming that a cane or manual wheelchair isn't sufficient for your mobility needs at home.
Standard Part B cost-sharing applies: after you meet the Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the equipment, and Medicare pays the rest, as long as both the doctor and the supplier are enrolled in Medicare.
What people typically pay
After meeting the Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and Medicare pays the rest (if your supplier accepts assignment). The exact dollar amount varies by the equipment and whether it's rented or purchased.
Without coverage, costs vary widely by device type, model, and features — walkers are generally the least expensive and power wheelchairs or scooters the most. Ask the supplier for the specific price before you buy.
Whether Medicare rents or buys the item, and whether your supplier accepts assignment, both affect what you ultimately pay.
How to actually get it covered
See your doctor and get an order documenting that the equipment is medically necessary for use in your home.
For a power wheelchair or scooter, complete the required face-to-face examination and get a written prescription from your treating provider; certain power wheelchairs also require prior authorization.
Get a written order or prescription from your doctor specifying the equipment as medically necessary.
Make sure your doctor and DME supplier are enrolled in Medicare, and ask whether the supplier accepts assignment before you get the equipment.
Give the supplier your doctor's order; they submit the claim and any required documentation (including prior authorization) to Medicare.
Confirm whether the item is a rental or purchase, and keep copies of your paperwork in case you need to appeal a denial.
Common questions
How much will I pay out of pocket for a wheelchair or walker under Part B?
After you meet the annual Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and Medicare pays the other 80%. The dollar amount depends on the equipment and whether Medicare has you rent or buy it. Choosing a supplier that accepts assignment keeps your share at the standard 20%.
Does Medicare rent the equipment to me or buy it outright?
It depends on the item. Medicare covers different kinds of equipment in different ways — you may need to rent it, buy it, or be able to choose. For some items, ownership transfers to you after you've made a certain number of rental payments.
What extra documentation does a power wheelchair or scooter require?
Medicare covers power wheelchairs and scooters only when medically necessary, and requires a face-to-face examination and a written prescription from a treating provider before it will cover one. Certain power wheelchairs also need prior authorization, which your DME supplier usually submits along with the required documentation. A prior authorization request can be denied if Medicare finds you don't medically require a power wheelchair or doesn't get enough information to decide.
What can I do if Medicare denies my wheelchair or scooter claim?
You generally have the right to appeal a Medicare coverage denial. Ask your doctor and supplier for stronger documentation showing the equipment is medically necessary for use in your home. If Medicare needs additional information on a prior authorization, your DME supplier may resubmit the request with the missing documents.
Do I have to use a specific supplier for Medicare to pay?
Your doctors and DME suppliers must be enrolled in Medicare. It's important to ask a supplier whether they participate in Medicare or will accept assignment before you get equipment. If a supplier doesn't participate or won't accept assignment, you may be charged more, and Medicare generally won't pay its share the same way — potentially leaving you responsible for more of the cost.
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