Will Medicare Pay for a Mobility Scooter?

According to research, 24% of Medicare recipients over 65 report needing and using a mobility scooter. In order to maximize comfort and accessibility, you might wonder if you or a loved one could get a mobility scooter under Medicare.

Will Medicare pay for a scooter? Possibly, but it depends on your Medicare plan, but there are different options available. To be as informed as possible about something as crucial as this, be sure to talk to your insurance provider and see the specific type of health insurance coverage you have.

Keep reading to find out if Medicare will pay for a mobility scooter. 

Will Medicare Pay for a Scooter?

Medicare has four different parts to it that cover different health sectors (Part A, B, C, D). If you are enrolled in Medicare, then you'll need to meet the specific requirements to have the mobility scooter paid for. Part B of Medicare is what you want to be looking at. 

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers the partial cost or even the rental fee of a power mobility device. This includes mobilized scooters and manual wheelchairs.

Will medicare pay for a knee scooter as well? Knee scooters do not meet the program's requirements, so they are not covered. If you meet the annual Part B deductible, Medicare will pay for 80% of the cost of a scooter.

Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C plans also cover mobility scooters while some plans cover motorized wheelchairs. The level of coverage varies. You'll need to check your plan to see what is covered and what you have to pay out of pocket.

What Makes Me Eligible? 

First, you need to be enrolled in original Medicare and meet the PMD eligibility requirements. You'll only be approved if you need a scooter to move around in your home. There is no coverage for scooters needed outside.

You'll need to meet with your doctor who takes Medicare, and they'll evaluate your medical condition and prescribe a mobility scooter if necessary. The doctor will create a prescription that lets Medicare that the scooter is necessary.

Here are the criteria you need to meet for Medicare to pay for your mobility scooter:

• You have a health condition that makes it difficult for you to move around in your home.
• Have difficulties with daily activities, like using the bathroom or getting dressed.
• Your home needs to be large enough to accommodate scooter use.

Once your Part B deductible is paid, Medicare may cover 80% of the cost to rent or buy a mobility scooter.

Making Life Easier

The last thing you want to worry about if you or someone you love has a disability is knowing how you're going to pay for the costs of necessities. That's why knowing exactly what type of insurance you have and what it covers is beneficial. This way, you'll be able to assess and plan accordingly.

So, will Medicare pay for a scooter? Depending on the plan you have and if you meet the requirements, Medicare can cover up to 80% of the costs. There are other Medicare plans that could help cover that last 20% as well.

If you're looking for mobility products, such as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, check out our mobility products!