Does Medicare Pay for a Walker? Your Costs & Coverage

Medicare helps individuals access necessary medical equipment to support health and mobility. Understanding Medicare’s coverage for medical equipment can help beneficiaries navigate their benefits effectively.

Medicare’s Role in Walker Coverage

Walkers are covered by Medicare Part B as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). DME includes devices that can withstand repeated use, are used for a medical reason in the home, and are expected to last at least three years.

Medicare has rules for DME, including options to rent or buy. Depending on the item, Medicare may require rental, purchase, or offer a choice. Walkers, including rollators, are listed among the types of DME covered by Medicare.

Meeting the Coverage Requirements

For Medicare to cover a walker, specific conditions must be met to establish medical necessity. The walker must be medically necessary for the user’s condition or injury, as determined by a doctor. This means the device is required to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, or its symptoms. A mobility limitation that significantly impairs the ability to perform daily activities in the home is a common reason for medical necessity.

A doctor must provide a written order for the walker, stating the medical reason for its need. This order should include the diagnosis and justification for the specific type of walker. Documentation must confirm that the functional mobility deficit can be resolved with the walker and that the beneficiary can safely use the device. The walker must be obtained from a Medicare-enrolled supplier that accepts assignment.

The Process for Obtaining a Walker

The process for obtaining a walker involves several steps. First, obtain a written prescription or order from your doctor. This document, provided by a Medicare-enrolled healthcare provider, outlines your specific medical need for the walker. A face-to-face examination where your mobility limitations are documented is typically part of this initial assessment.

Once you have the doctor’s prescription, find a Medicare-approved supplier. You can locate these suppliers through resources such as the Medicare.gov supplier directory. Confirm the supplier is enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment, meaning they agree to accept Medicare’s approved payment amount.

Provide the supplier with your doctor’s order. The supplier then handles direct billing to Medicare for the walker and arranges for delivery.

Your Financial Responsibility

When Medicare covers a walker, beneficiaries incur out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Part B covers walkers as Durable Medical Equipment, but the annual Part B deductible must be met before Medicare begins to pay. For example, in 2024, the Part B deductible was $240, and in 2025, it is $257. After the deductible is satisfied, Medicare generally pays 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 who “accepts assignment” to ensure that the 20% coinsurance is based on the Medicare-approved amount. If a supplier does not accept assignment, they can charge more than Medicare’s approved amount, and you would be responsible for the difference, in addition to the 20% coinsurance. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) or other secondary insurance plans can help cover these out-of-pocket costs, including the Part B deductible and coinsurance.