Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters?
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 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.
Table of contents
Mobility scooters — also called power scooters, power mobility devices, and power operated vehicles — help people with limited movement. These assistive devices are typically smaller than manual and power wheelchairs, which allows them to provide more agile movement.
Here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage for a mobility scooter.
Will Medicare cover a mobility scooter?
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 type of durable medical equipment (DME) depends on factors like your diagnosis and your need to have a scooter at home to accomplish daily activities.
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After you have met your yearly Part B deductible, you will be responsible for paying a 20% coinsurance for the scooter. This means you will pay 20% of the costs and Medicare Part B will cover 80%. Medicare Advantage plans cover mobility scooters at the same rate as or above Medicare Part B benefits.
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, the scooter must be considered medically necessary and prescribed for use in your home.
You have to get a prescription within 45 days of your in-person evaluation. Medicare typically covers one type of mobility aid for use at home, so you can either get a power scooter or a manual wheelchair or power wheelchair.
Your prescribing doctor or other healthcare professional and your DME supplier both 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 has met the requirements to bill Medicare for the device. The supplier may need to get a prior authorization for your power scooter to be covered.
Your doctor 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
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Some suppliers charge the Medicare-approved amounts for scooters, in which case you’ll pay less out-of-pocket. Just before and during delivery of your mobility scooter, your prescriber or supplier will visit your address to make sure you can adequately maneuver the device throughout your home.
How do Medicare Advantage plans cover mobility scooters?
Medicare Advantage plans cover mobility scooters at the same rate as or above 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
Any added accessories
Whether you require a heavy-duty scooter (i.e., if you weigh 285 lbs or more)
Original Medicare
After you meet your Part B deductible for the year, you pay 20% coinsurance and 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 any approved accessories.
Medigap
If you have original Medicare, you also may have Medigap supplement insurance. Some of the 10 Medigap plans cover Part B deductibles. But all Medigap plans pay 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 affording your 20% coinsurance for a power scooter, there are organizations and programs that may be able to help. Here are some options:
ALS Association: Medicare covers people who are younger than 65 and have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The ALS Association provides state-specific resources for individuals with ALS and their caregivers.
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Veterans with certain medical conditions or a service-connected disability may be able to get financial assistance for a power scooter from the VA.
211: The 211 network, which you can reach by dialing 211, can connect you to applicable resources in your area. For example, an operator may be able to direct you to DME reuse centers or faith-based programs that provide power scooters or financial assistance.
Loan or rental programs: Even 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 give you time to raise the coinsurance amount for your own scooter.
Suppliers who offer financing: Most Medicare-approved DME suppliers offer financing or some other type of payment plan. Be sure to compare scooter prices and financing terms before selecting a supplier for your power scooter.
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 your healthcare professional. Your Medicare-enrolled doctor or other healthcare professional should 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 stating that.
Check your plan. As mentioned, your DME supplier may need a prior authorization for your power scooter to be covered by original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan.
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 directly.
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 to having limited mobility, 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, crutch, or walker.
You can safely get on and off a power scooter, or you have someone to 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 only covers certain types of DME, which includes items needed to function at home with a medical condition, disability, or 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
Generally able to last 3 years or more
Power scooters qualify as DME covered by Medicare. But some mobility aids that may be helpful for people who need power scooters, such as stairlifts and ramps, are considered home modifications and not DME. 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 loaned 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. Since the appeals process is different for Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage, you’ll need to check with your plan for details.
The bottom line
Original Medicare (through Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans cover mobility scooters, also known as power scooters. Your specific out-of-pocket costs will depend on the scooter model and your coverage. If you have Medigap, you may be able to use it to cover some or all of your Part B out-of-pocket costs.
Your 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 durable medical equipment (DME).
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References
ALS Association. (n.d.). Find resources and support.
CMS.gov. (2023). Power mobility devices.
Drake, E. (2023). Does the VA pay for mobility scooters? A guide for veterans. Restore Mobility.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Compare Medigap plan benefits.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). How do I file an appeal?
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Search for medical equipment and suppliers.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Wheelchairs and scooters.
Medicare.gov. (2024). Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment and other devices.
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). Coverage of power wheelchairs and scooters.
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). DME repairs and maintenance.
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). Evidence of coverage (EOC).
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). Prior authorization requirements for power wheelchairs and scooters.
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). Renting and buying DME.
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). Replacing DME.
