Does Medicare Pay for Crutches? What You Need to Know

Crutches provide essential support and stability for individuals recovering from injuries or managing mobility challenges. Medicare offers coverage for these devices, helping beneficiaries access the equipment needed to support their recovery and daily living. This coverage is available under specific conditions, ensuring that the equipment is medically appropriate and obtained through proper channels.

Medicare Coverage Requirements for Crutches

Crutches are classified by Medicare as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). This equipment must withstand repeated use, serve a medical purpose, be generally not useful to someone without an illness or injury, be used in the home, and be expected to last for at least three years. For crutches to be covered, they must be medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific illness or injury.

Coverage for crutches primarily falls under Medicare Part B, which addresses outpatient care and medical supplies. Both the prescribing doctor and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare and agree to accept assignment. This means they accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for the equipment.

How to Get Your Crutches Covered by Medicare

Obtaining crutches through Medicare begins with securing a medical order. Your doctor must provide a written prescription for crutches, confirming their medical necessity for your condition.

After receiving the prescription, locate a Medicare-approved supplier for Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You can use Medicare’s online supplier directory or ask your doctor for recommendations. Confirm the chosen supplier is enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment.

Before crutches are provided, the supplier should verify your Medicare coverage. Maintaining records of your prescription and supplier information is advisable for your personal documentation.

Understanding Your Costs for Crutches

When Medicare Part B covers crutches, beneficiaries have financial obligations. After the annual Part B deductible ($257 for 2025) is met, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount for Durable Medical Equipment. The beneficiary is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

For example, if the Medicare-approved amount for crutches is $100, and the deductible has been met, Medicare would pay $80, and you would pay $20. If a supplier does not accept assignment, they may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, and you would be responsible for these excess charges. Supplemental insurance plans, such as Medigap policies, or Medicare Advantage plans, may help cover these out-of-pocket costs, though specific benefits vary by plan.