Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) such as walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds and commode chairs when a doctor or treating provider prescribes it for use in the home. After the Part B deductible you usually pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, and you should use a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Items Medicare treats as convenience or home modifications, such as stair lifts, ramps and grab bars, are generally not covered.
Medicare helps pay for many mobility aids, but the rules about prescriptions and suppliers decide whether you are covered.
What Part B usually covers
| Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|
| Canes, crutches, walkers, rollators | Prescribed for home use |
| Manual wheelchairs | Medically necessary for mobility in the home |
| Power wheelchairs and scooters | Face-to-face exam and written order required |
| Hospital beds | Prescribed for home use |
| Commode chairs | Prescribed |
| Patient lifts | Prescribed |
What is generally not covered
- Stair lifts, ramps and home modifications.
- Grab bars, bath benches and raised toilet seats in most cases.
- Hearing aids under Original Medicare.
- The chair portion of a lift chair.
Costs
You pay the Part B deductible, then usually 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. Some items are rented rather than bought. Medicare Advantage plans cover the same DME but may have different rules and supplier networks.
Steps
- See your doctor and get a written order describing the need.
- Choose a Medicare-enrolled supplier, ideally one that accepts assignment.
- Ask about rental versus purchase and repairs.
- Keep copies of orders and receipts.
Other funding
Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, state assistive technology programs, nonprofits and loan closets can help with items Medicare does not cover. See caregiving.
For choosing equipment, see measuring for a wheelchair, walker vs rollator and ramps.
Browse funding and caregiving.
Common questions
Does Medicare pay for a wheelchair?
Yes, when it is medically necessary for use in the home and prescribed by your doctor. Power wheelchairs need a face-to-face exam and written order.
Does Medicare cover stair lifts or ramps?
Generally no. Original Medicare does not treat them as durable medical equipment.
Does Medicare cover lift chairs?
It may cover the seat-lift mechanism if it is medically necessary, but not the chair itself.
What does Medicare-enrolled supplier mean?
A supplier approved to bill Medicare. Suppliers that accept assignment agree to the Medicare-approved amount, which limits what you pay.