Does Medicare Cover the Cost of a Walker?

Medicare, a federal health insurance program, provides coverage for millions of Americans, primarily those aged 65 or older and certain younger individuals with disabilities. Among the covered items is Durable Medical Equipment (DME), a category encompassing various medical supplies and equipment designed for repeated use.

Medicare Part B Coverage for Walkers

Walkers are generally covered under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) as Durable Medical Equipment. This coverage extends to walkers, including rollators with wheels, provided they are medically necessary. Durable Medical Equipment refers to items that are reusable, primarily for a medical purpose, suitable for use in the home, and expected to last for at least three years. If the equipment meets these criteria and is prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled doctor, Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. This coverage applies after the beneficiary has met their annual Part B deductible, assuming the supplier accepts assignment.

Meeting Coverage Requirements

Medicare coverage for a walker hinges on specific conditions and documentation. A doctor must confirm the walker’s medical necessity due to a specific medical condition or injury that impairs mobility. This means the walker is required to diagnose, manage, or treat an illness, injury, condition, or its symptoms.

A written prescription or order from the treating physician is also required for coverage. This order should typically include the patient’s diagnosis and the specific type of equipment needed. Furthermore, the walker must be obtained from a supplier enrolled in Medicare that accepts assignment. Using a Medicare-approved supplier ensures that the equipment meets program standards and that billing is handled correctly.

Steps to Obtain a Covered Walker

Obtaining a Medicare-covered walker begins with securing the necessary medical order. An individual should visit their doctor to get a written prescription for the walker, which confirms its medical necessity for their condition. This prescription is a foundational document for Medicare coverage, detailing the specific type of walker required.

After obtaining the doctor’s order, the next step involves finding a Durable Medical Equipment supplier. It is important to locate a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment. This ensures that the equipment comes from a trusted source that adheres to Medicare’s pricing agreements. Once a suitable supplier is identified, the beneficiary will need to provide their Medicare information along with the doctor’s order. The supplier then handles the provision of the walker and manages the billing process directly with Medicare.

Understanding Your Costs

When obtaining a walker through Medicare Part B, beneficiaries have specific financial responsibilities. Before Medicare begins to pay its share, the annual Part B deductible must be met. For 2025, the annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $257.

After the deductible is satisfied, Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for the walker. The beneficiary is then responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. It is important to use a supplier that accepts assignment, as this means they agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment, limiting the beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs to the deductible and coinsurance.

Additional insurance, such as Medigap policies, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored coverage, may help cover the 20% coinsurance and/or the Part B deductible. These supplemental plans can significantly reduce the financial burden on beneficiaries.