How Much Does Medicare Pay for a Walker?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program providing coverage for millions of eligible individuals across the United States. It helps beneficiaries manage healthcare needs, including access to various medical equipment. Understanding how Medicare covers durable medical equipment (DME), such as walkers, is important for those who rely on these aids for mobility and independence.

Medicare Coverage for Walkers

Walkers are categorized as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) by Medicare. DME is designed to withstand repeated use, serves a medical purpose, is generally not useful to someone without an illness or injury, and is appropriate for home use. For coverage, a walker must also be expected to last at least three years.

Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance, covers walkers when medically necessary. A doctor or healthcare provider enrolled in Medicare must confirm this necessity. A written prescription or order from this physician is required, indicating the specific medical need for the walker’s use in the home environment. Medicare generally covers standard walkers and rollators if these conditions are met. The durable medical equipment supplier must also be enrolled in Medicare for the coverage to apply.

Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

When Medicare Part B covers a walker, beneficiaries are responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs. This includes an annual deductible that must be met before Medicare begins to pay its share. For 2025, the Medicare Part B annual deductible is $257. After this deductible is satisfied, Medicare covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for the walker.

The beneficiary is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. It is important to choose a supplier who “accepts assignment.” When a supplier accepts assignment, they agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. This protects beneficiaries from charges beyond the deductible and coinsurance. If a supplier does not accept assignment, they may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, and the beneficiary could be responsible for “excess charges.”

How to Get a Medicare-Covered Walker

Obtaining a Medicare-covered walker involves several steps. The process begins with your treating physician, who must determine that a walker is medically necessary for your condition. This assessment leads to a written prescription or order for the specific type of walker required.

Next, find a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier that is approved by Medicare. Resources like Medicare’s official supplier directory can assist in locating authorized suppliers. The chosen supplier will collaborate with your doctor to gather all necessary medical documentation to support the claim for Medicare coverage.

Once documentation is complete, the Medicare-approved supplier submits the claim directly to Medicare on your behalf. After Medicare processes the claim, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) detailing what Medicare paid and your remaining financial responsibility. You will also receive a billing statement from the supplier. If coverage is denied, an appeals process is available for review of the decision.

Additional Medicare Coverage

Other Medicare plans can influence coverage and costs for walkers. Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans are required to cover at least all Original Medicare benefits, including durable medical equipment like walkers.

However, Medicare Advantage plans may have different rules regarding provider networks, prior authorization requirements, and cost-sharing amounts, such as copayments or coinsurance. Beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan should review their specific plan’s details to understand potential out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, or Medigap, can help manage costs. These plans work with Original Medicare to cover some out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare does not, such as the Part B deductible and coinsurance for a walker.