Mobility Equipment Equipment & Supplies
Mobility aids and equipment including wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other devices to help maintain independence.
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Equipment Types
Browse subcategories of mobility equipment equipment covered by Medicare
Power Wheelchairs
Electric-powered wheelchairs for individuals with limited upper body strength or severe mobility imp…
Browse Power WheelchairsManual Wheelchairs
Self-propelled and transport wheelchairs for individuals who need mobility assistance.
Browse Manual WheelchairsMobility Scooters
3-wheel and 4-wheel power scooters for individuals with mobility limitations who can operate a scoot…
Browse Mobility ScootersWalkers & Rollators
Standard walkers, wheeled walkers, rollators, and knee walkers for balance and gait support.
Browse Walkers & RollatorsCanes & Crutches
Single-point canes, quad canes, forearm crutches, and axillary crutches for ambulatory support.
Browse Canes & CrutchesStair Lifts & Ramps
Stairlift chairs, wheelchair ramps, and home modifications for accessibility.
Browse Stair Lifts & RampsMedicare Coverage for Mobility Equipment
What Medicare Covers
Medicare Part B covers mobility equipment — including walkers, wheelchairs, and power scooters — when prescribed by your doctor for use in your home.
Key coverage rule: Medicare covers mobility equipment for use inside your home. If you need equipment only for outdoor activities, you may not qualify under Medicare's home use criteria.
Walkers and rollators: - Standard walkers and rollators are covered when medically necessary - Your doctor must document that you have a condition that makes walking difficult or dangerous - Typical cost: $0–$40 after meeting your Part B deductible and 20% copay
Manual wheelchairs: - Covered when your doctor certifies you cannot walk or have extreme difficulty walking - Medicare pays for a standard wheelchair; upgraded features may require an additional payment
Power wheelchairs (Power Operated Vehicles — POVs): - Covered for patients who cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair - Requires a face-to-face exam with your doctor and written documentation - Prior authorization is required for power wheelchairs
Power scooters: - Covered when you can walk short distances but cannot walk long enough to complete daily activities - Must be prescribed and documented as medically necessary
Your cost: After your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount. You pay 20%. With a Medicare Supplement plan, your 20% may be covered.
Medicare coverage for mobility equipment has specific medical necessity requirements. Your doctor's documentation is critical.
How to Get Mobility Equipment: Step by Step
The Ordering Process
Step 1: Doctor visit (face-to-face exam) For power wheelchairs and scooters, Medicare requires a face-to-face exam with your doctor within 45 days before ordering. Your doctor evaluates your mobility limitations and documents why a power device is medically necessary.
Step 2: Written order Your doctor provides a detailed written order specifying the type of mobility device, the medical diagnosis, and how the device will be used. For complex power wheelchairs, a physical or occupational therapist evaluation may be required.
Step 3: Prior authorization (power wheelchairs) Power wheelchairs require Medicare prior authorization before the supplier can order the equipment. This process takes 10–14 business days. Walkers and manual wheelchairs do not require prior authorization.
Step 4: Supplier evaluation and fitting A qualified supplier measures you and assesses your living environment to select the right equipment. This is especially important for power wheelchairs — an ill-fitting chair can cause injury.
Step 5: Delivery and instruction Equipment is typically delivered within 5–14 business days after insurance approval. The supplier demonstrates how to use and maintain the device safely.
Step 6: Follow-up and repairs Your supplier is responsible for repairs under warranty. Medicare covers repair costs for rented equipment. For purchased equipment, Medicare may cover repair costs if the repair is medically necessary.
Tip: Keep records of all medical appointments, doctor notes, and insurance correspondence related to your mobility equipment. This documentation is valuable if a claim is denied and you need to appeal.
Mobility Equipment Comparison
Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate mobility device based on your diagnosis and functional limitations.
| Feature | Walker/Rollator | Manual Wheelchair | Power Scooter | Power Wheelchair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Balance/fall prevention, can walk short distances | Cannot walk; can use arms to self-propel | Can walk some; needs longer distance help | Cannot self-propel wheelchair; poor arm strength |
| Medicare coverage | Part B, standard criteria | Part B, cannot walk criteria | Part B, prior auth may apply | Part B, prior auth required |
| Typical approval time | 3–7 days | 5–10 days | 7–14 days | 14–21 days (prior auth) |
| Indoor use required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Common HCPCS codes | E0130–E0149 | K0001–K0195 | K0800–K0802 | K0835–K0899 |
Find Mobility Equipment Suppliers Near You
Medicare-approved DME suppliers in your area
Related Conditions
Medical conditions commonly treated with mobility equipment equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare covers power scooters for indoor home use when medically necessary. If you only need a scooter for outdoor activities or trips to the store, Medicare may not cover it. Your doctor must document that you cannot perform daily activities inside your home without the device.
Medicare prior authorization for power wheelchairs typically takes 10–14 business days. Your supplier submits your doctor's documentation and the request to Medicare. Make sure all paperwork is complete to avoid delays — missing documentation is the most common cause of slowdowns.
Yes. Medicare pays for the least costly medically appropriate device. If you want a higher-end model, you may pay the difference between what Medicare reimburses and the higher-cost item. Your supplier must inform you in writing of any upgrade charges before you agree to them.
Medicare covers repair costs for medically necessary DME. Contact your supplier — if the chair is still being rented, repairs are typically covered under the rental. If you own it, Medicare Part B may cover repairs. The repair must be medically necessary and the supplier must be Medicare-enrolled.
A rollator (wheeled walker with a seat) is a higher level of walker that Medicare covers. Your doctor can update the prescription to specify a rollator if it better meets your medical needs. In some cases, a physical therapist evaluation can support the upgraded prescription.
No. Medicare does not cover stair lifts, grab bars, bathroom safety equipment, ramps, or home modifications. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits for these items. Medicaid may cover them for qualifying low-income beneficiaries.