Mar 05, 2024

Summary of the Medicare Coverage for Wheelchairs and Scooters

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a government health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and people with certain disabilities. Medicare covers a variety of medically necessary healthcare services and equipment.

Does Medicare cover wheelchairs and scooters?

Yes, Medicare covers wheelchairs and scooters under certain conditions. To be covered by Medicare, a wheelchair or scooter must be:

Medically necessary: The wheelchair or scooter must be medically necessary for the user to safely and independently ambulate.
Prescribed by a doctor: The user must have a prescription for a wheelchair or scooter from a doctor.
From a Medicare-approved supplier: The wheelchair or scooter must be purchased from a Medicare-approved supplier.

How much does Medicare cover for wheelchairs and scooters?

Medicare covers 80% of the cost of a wheelchair or scooter. The user is responsible for the remaining 20% cost, and any additional costs, such as:

The deductible: The user must meet the Medicare Part B deductible before Medicare will begin to pay for a wheelchair or scooter.
Coinsurance: The user is responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved cost of a wheelchair or scooter.
Other costs: The user may be responsible for other costs, such as the cost of delivery, setup, and training.

How do I get a wheelchair or scooter through Medicare?

To get a wheelchair or scooter through Medicare, you can follow these steps:

Get a prescription for a wheelchair or scooter from your doctor.
Find a Medicare-approved supplier.
Purchase the wheelchair or scooter from the supplier.
Submit a claim to Medicare.

For more information

For more information on wheelchairs and scooters under Medicare, you can refer to the following resources:

Medicare website: https://www.medicare.gov/
Medicare Rights Center: https://www.medicarerights.org/
National Medicare Policy Center: https://www.ngsmedicare.com/medical-policy-contact-information

In summary:

Medicare covers wheelchairs and scooters under certain conditions.
Medicare covers 80% of the cost of a wheelchair or scooter.
To get a wheelchair or scooter through Medicare, you need a prescription from your doctor, and you must purchase it from a Medicare-approved supplier.

I hope this information helps you get a wheelchair or scooter through Medicare.