Key takeaways:
Medicare covers mobility scooters, also known as power scooters, as durable medical equipment when they’re used in the home. You must have a diagnosis of limited mobility, an in-person exam, and a prescription for the scooter from a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional to get coverage.
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of a mobility scooter after you have met your annual Part B deductible. Medicare Advantage plans also cover power scooters.
You must use a Medicare-approved scooter supplier to qualify for coverage. If your request for coverage is denied, you can appeal the decision.
Mobility scooters help people with limited movement. They are also known as:
Power scooters
Power-operated vehicles
These assistive devices are typically smaller than manual and power wheelchairs. This allows them to provide more agile movement. Here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage for a mobility scooter.
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Does Medicare pay for mobility scooters?
Yes, if you meet eligibility requirements, your Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage plan will cover a mobility scooter. Whether you meet the requirements for this durable medical equipment (DME) depends on several factors. These include your diagnosis and your need to have a scooter at home for daily activities.
After you’ve met your yearly Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% coinsurance for the scooter. This means you’ll pay 20% of the costs and Medicare Part B will cover 80%. You may have different out-of-pocket costs with a Medicare Advantage plan.
How does Medicare Part B cover mobility scooters?
In general, Medicare Part B covers outpatient care and DME, including mobility scooters. To get coverage for a mobility scooter, it must be medically necessary and prescribed for use in your home.
You must get a prescription for a mobility scooter within 45 days of your in-person evaluation. Medicare typically covers one type of mobility aid for use at home. You can get either a power scooter, a manual wheelchair, or a power wheelchair. Your prescribing healthcare professional and your DME supplier must be enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare-approved DME suppliers
Once you have your scooter prescription, you can have it filled by a Medicare-approved DME supplier, who can bill Medicare for the device. They may need to get a prior authorization for your power scooter to be covered.
Your prescriber may be able to recommend an approved supplier. But you can also search Medicare’s online supplier directory to:
Find DME suppliers in your area
Confirm which suppliers carry power scooters
Compare your options
What is durable medical equipment? Durable medical equipment (DME) refers to medically necessary items for long-term use at home, such as hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and an array of mobility items and supplies.
Does Medicare cover DME? Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover a wide range of DME. But items considered home modifications — such as stair lifts — are not included.
Medicare and wheelchairs: Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover manual and power wheelchairs for enrollees who meet certain conditions.
Some suppliers charge the Medicare-approved amounts for scooters. In this case, you’ll pay less out of pocket. Shortly before and during delivery of your mobility scooter, your prescriber or supplier will visit you. This is to make sure you can adequately maneuver the device throughout your home.
How do Medicare Advantage plans cover mobility scooters?
Medicare Advantage coverage of mobility scooters meets or exceeds Medicare Part B benefits. But you may need a prior authorization from your plan for the power scooter to be covered.
How much will I pay out of pocket?
Your out-of-pocket costs for a mobility scooter will depend on factors such as:
Your Medicare coverage
The scooter model
Added accessories
Whether you need a heavy-duty (capacity of 301 to 450 lbs), a very heavy-duty (capacity of 451 to 600 lbs), or an extra-heavy-duty scooter (capacity of 601 lbs or more)
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Original Medicare
After you meet your Part B deductible for the year, you pay 20% coinsurance. Medicare covers the other 80% of the cost of the scooter with approved add-ons.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage that equals or exceeds Medicare Part B coverage. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on the scooter and approved accessories.
Medigap
If you have original Medicare, you may have Medigap supplement insurance. Some of the 10 Medigap plans cover Part B deductibles and excess charges. Every Medigap plan pays some or all of the Part B out-of-pocket costs for a covered scooter.
Financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs
If you have original Medicare and need help paying your 20% coinsurance for a power scooter, some organizations and programs may be able to help. Here are some options:
211: The 211 network, which you can reach by dialing 211, can connect you to relevant resources in your area. They may be able to direct you to DME reuse centers or to faith-based programs that provide power scooters or financial help.
ALS Association: Medicare covers people younger than 65 who have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The ALS Association provides state-specific resources for people with ALS and their caregivers.
Loan or rental programs: If you need a scooter for a long period, you may be able to find one through a DME loan or rental program. This can also help by, for example, giving you time to pay the coinsurance for your own scooter.
Suppliers who offer financing: Most Medicare-approved DME suppliers offer another payment plan. Be sure to compare scooter prices and financing terms before buying a power scooter.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Veterans with certain medical conditions or a service-connected disability may be able to get financial help for a power scooter from the VA.
How to get a power scooter covered by Medicare
Here are three steps to follow to get Medicare to cover your power scooter:
Meet with a healthcare professional. A Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional will meet with you in person to evaluate your physical condition. If they believe it’s medically necessary for you to have a power scooter at home, they will write a prescription.
Check your plan. Your DME supplier may need a prior authorization for your power scooter to be covered by original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. This is particularly true if you’re prescribed a heavy-capacity scooter, which is for people who weigh 301 lbs or more.
Evaluate your costs. For the first 13 months, most power scooters are rented. After that, you own the device outright. You must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier who agrees to “accept assignment” for your scooter order. Otherwise, you could be charged for the entire amount. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can find out about your plan’s cost-sharing details in your evidence of coverage or by contacting your plan.
Who qualifies for a mobility scooter?
To be eligible for a mobility scooter covered by Medicare, you must be diagnosed with an illness or injury that causes limited mobility. In addition, you must meet all of the following criteria:
You have a condition that causes significant difficulty moving around at home.
You’re unable to perform daily activities — such as bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom — even with the help of a cane, a crutch, or a walker.
You can safely get on and off a power scooter, or someone can help you use the device.
Your prescriber and DME supplier both accept Medicare.
Your prescriber or supplier has visited your home to verify that you can use a power scooter there.
What types of durable medical equipment does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers only certain types of DME. This includes items needed to function at home with a medical condition, a disability, or an injury. For Medicare to recognize an item as DME, it must be:
Durable (able to be used repeatedly)
Used for a medical reason
Useful to someone who is sick or injured
Used in the home
Able to last at least 3 years
Power scooters qualify as Medicare-covered DME. But some mobility aids that may be helpful for people who need power scooters, such as stair lifts and ramps, are considered home modifications. Original Medicare will not cover those items, but some Medicare Advantage plans may.
How often can a Medicare enrollee get a power scooter?
Typically, you can get Medicare to cover a power scooter once every 5 years. You may be able to get a replacement sooner if you experience loss, theft, or damage beyond repair in an accident or a natural disaster.
For rented power scooters that are less than 5 years old, Medicare Part B will cover repairs and maintenance up to the cost of a replacement. Typically, the supplier will pick up the rented equipment and take care of the repairs. Medicare covers the cost of borrowed equipment while the scooter is being fixed.
What to do if your claim is denied
If Medicare denies you coverage for a power scooter and you believe you are eligible, file an appeal. The appeals process is different for Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage, so check with your plan for details.
Frequently asked questions
Some people have their Part B coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs covered if they qualify for certain programs. For instance, if you are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, you have no or very low cost sharing for your healthcare needs. So you may well be eligible for a free scooter.
As of January 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reduced the time to approve a standard prior authorization request to no more than 7 calendar days. The time frame for expedited requests remains 2 days.
Several lightweight scooters are covered by Medicare. But Medicare doesn’t cover all lightweight scooters. Including batteries, the Go Go Elite Traveller 2 4-Wheel and the Buzzaround LT 3-Wheel are less than 85 lbs, the Spitfire Scout 3 is 85 lbs, and the Go Go Ultra X 3-Wheel is less than 100 lbs. Medicare Advantage plans may offer more flexibility in coverage, especially for portable scooters. The models available to you depend on your prescription and the stock of the DME supplier you choose.
Medicare covers a wide range of assistive and mobility devices, including:
Some people have their Part B coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs covered if they qualify for certain programs. For instance, if you are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, you have no or very low cost sharing for your healthcare needs. So you may well be eligible for a free scooter.
As of January 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reduced the time to approve a standard prior authorization request to no more than 7 calendar days. The time frame for expedited requests remains 2 days.
Several lightweight scooters are covered by Medicare. But Medicare doesn’t cover all lightweight scooters. Including batteries, the Go Go Elite Traveller 2 4-Wheel and the Buzzaround LT 3-Wheel are less than 85 lbs, the Spitfire Scout 3 is 85 lbs, and the Go Go Ultra X 3-Wheel is less than 100 lbs. Medicare Advantage plans may offer more flexibility in coverage, especially for portable scooters. The models available to you depend on your prescription and the stock of the DME supplier you choose.
Medicare covers a wide range of assistive and mobility devices, including:
The bottom line
Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover mobility scooters, also known as power scooters. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your plan, your prescription, and your durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. If you have original Medicare and Medigap, your insurance supplement may cover some or all of your Part B out-of-pocket costs. A Medicare-approved healthcare professional will need to evaluate your condition in person and write a prescription stating that a power scooter is medically necessary. If you need financial help, you may have access to organizations or programs that help pay for or lend DME.
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References
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