Does Medicare Provide Coverage for Walkers?

Medicare can provide coverage for essential medical equipment, which assists individuals in managing various health conditions. Walkers, as a common type of mobility aid, may be covered under certain circumstances. Understanding Medicare’s provisions for such equipment can help beneficiaries access the support they need.

What Medicare Part B Covers for Walkers

Walkers are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) by Medicare, falling under the coverage of Medicare Part B. This part of Medicare assists with costs for medically necessary equipment prescribed for use in the home. Covered types include standard walkers with no wheels, rolling walkers with two, three, or four wheels (often called rollators), and some specialized walkers like knee walkers.

Medicare Part B helps cover the cost of these items once a beneficiary meets their annual deductible. For 2025, the Medicare Part B deductible is $257. After this deductible is met, Medicare typically pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for the walker, leaving the beneficiary responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. The Medicare-approved amount is the fee Medicare sets for the item. This cost structure applies whether the equipment is purchased or rented, depending on the item and circumstances.

Meeting Coverage Requirements

For a walker to be covered by Medicare Part B, several conditions must be met, primarily revolving around “medical necessity.” This means the walker must be deemed reasonable and necessary to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, or medical condition, and it must meet accepted medical standards. A doctor or other treating healthcare provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, must prescribe the walker. The equipment must also be for use in the beneficiary’s home, though it can be used outside the home once covered.

Additionally, the supplier providing the walker must be enrolled in Medicare and agree to accept assignment. Accepting assignment means the supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for the service. This arrangement protects the beneficiary from being billed for amounts above Medicare’s approved charge. If a supplier does not accept assignment, they can charge more, and the beneficiary would be responsible for the difference between the Medicare-approved amount and the supplier’s charge, in addition to the coinsurance and deductible.

Steps to Get a Covered Walker

Obtaining a Medicare-covered walker begins with a visit to a doctor or other healthcare provider. The provider will assess the medical need for the walker and issue a written prescription or order.

The next step involves finding a Medicare-approved supplier who accepts assignment. Beneficiaries can use the supplier directory on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance in locating approved suppliers in their area.

When discussing options with the supplier, beneficiaries should clarify whether the walker will be purchased or rented. Medicare may require certain items to be rented for a period before ownership transfers, while others can be purchased directly. The supplier will also manage the necessary paperwork and forms for Medicare billing. Choosing a supplier who accepts assignment helps prevent unexpected costs.

Considerations for Durable Medical Equipment

Durable Medical Equipment, including walkers, may require maintenance, repairs, or eventual replacement. If a beneficiary owns the equipment, Medicare typically covers repairs when necessary to make the item serviceable, provided they are not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. For rented equipment, the supplier is responsible for all repairs and maintenance, with no additional charge to the beneficiary.

Replacement of DME is generally covered under specific circumstances. Medicare may cover a new item if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair due to an accident or natural disaster. Equipment may also be replaced if it has reached its reasonable useful lifetime, which Medicare generally defines as five years from the date the item was first used.