Does Medicare Cover Crutches? What You Need to Know

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for millions of Americans. It primarily serves individuals aged 65 or older, but also extends to certain younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. The program aims to help beneficiaries manage healthcare costs, encompassing a range of services and medical supplies.

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Crutches

Crutches are considered durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B. Durable medical equipment includes items that are primarily used for a medical purpose, can withstand repeated use, and are appropriate for use in the home. These items are generally expected to last for at least three years.

Coverage for crutches under Medicare Part B is contingent upon several specific conditions. A healthcare provider must deem the crutches medically necessary for your condition, illness, or injury. This medical necessity must be documented through a prescription from a physician or other authorized healthcare professional.

Furthermore, both the prescribing doctor and the supplier providing the crutches must be enrolled in Medicare. If a doctor or supplier is not enrolled, Medicare will not cover the cost of the crutches. Confirm their Medicare enrollment status before obtaining the equipment.

Your Costs for Crutches Under Medicare

When obtaining crutches through Medicare Part B, beneficiaries are responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs. After meeting the annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for the crutches. The beneficiary is then responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

For 2025, the annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $257. After the deductible is met, the 20% coinsurance applies to the Medicare-approved cost of the crutches.

It is important to ensure that the supplier accepts “assignment.” Accepting assignment means the provider or supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for the service or item. This prevents them from charging you more than the Medicare-approved rate, limiting your out-of-pocket expenses to only the deductible and coinsurance. If a supplier does not accept assignment, they may charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount, and you could be responsible for the full amount upfront, needing to seek partial reimbursement from Medicare later.

Steps to Get Crutches Through Medicare

To obtain crutches through Medicare, the initial step involves securing a prescription from your doctor or another healthcare professional. This prescription must explicitly state the medical necessity for the crutches. This medical documentation is fundamental for Medicare coverage.

Once you have a prescription, you need to find a Medicare-approved supplier for durable medical equipment. You can use Medicare’s official “Find Medical Equipment and Suppliers” search tool to locate authorized suppliers. It is crucial to confirm that the selected supplier accepts Medicare assignment to ensure your costs are limited to the deductible and coinsurance.

Medicare may cover crutches through either rental or purchase, depending on the specific item and your anticipated need. While some DME items are primarily rented, and others are purchased, Medicare sometimes allows a choice between renting or buying. If you anticipate needing crutches for a limited time, renting might be an option, whereas long-term needs could make purchasing more suitable.