Medicare covers manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, and scooters, but only if a doctor prescribes them as medically necessary and you meet specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers three main types of mobility devices: manual wheelchairs (also called standard wheelchairs), powered wheelchairs (electric wheelchairs), and motorized scooters. The device you get depends on your medical need, what your doctor prescribes, and whether you can safely operate it. Medicare does not cover every wheelchair or every person who wants one — the device must be for a condition that limits your ability to walk, and you must be homebound or nearly homebound to use it.

The coverage rules are the same whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan, though some Advantage plans may have different rules about which suppliers you can use. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on whether the device is rented or purchased and what your plan covers.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating that a wheelchair is medically necessary for your condition before Medicare will consider paying for it.
  • Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved amount for a wheelchair after you meet your Part B deductible; you pay the remaining 20 percent.
  • Manual wheelchairs are usually rented through Medicare, while powered wheelchairs and scooters may be purchased, and rental versus purchase affects your cost.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved supplier (called a Durable Medical Equipment or DME supplier) to get coverage; buying from a non-approved seller means you pay the full cost yourself.
  • The approval process typically takes two to four weeks after your doctor's order reaches the supplier, and Medicare may request medical records to confirm the need.

Manual Wheelchairs: What Medicare Covers

A manual wheelchair is a standard chair you propel yourself by pushing the wheels. Medicare covers manual wheelchairs when a doctor prescribes one and you cannot walk safely or far enough to meet your daily needs. The wheelchair must be appropriate for your home — meaning it fits through doorways and can be used in your living space.

Medicare typically pays for manual wheelchairs through a rental arrangement rather than a purchase. You pay 20 percent of the approved rental amount each month after your Part B deductible is met. The rental usually continues until the total paid reaches the purchase price, at which point the wheelchair becomes yours. This arrangement protects you from paying more than the device is worth if your needs change.

If you need a manual wheelchair with special features — such as a reclining back, elevated leg rests, or a seat cushion for pressure relief — Medicare may cover those additions if your doctor documents why they are medically necessary. A basic manual wheelchair costs less, so Medicare's approved amount is lower; a chair with more features costs more and Medicare's approved amount is higher.

Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters: Purchase Versus Rental

Powered wheelchairs and motorized scooters are treated differently from manual wheelchairs. Medicare usually covers these as a purchase rather than a rental, meaning you own the device from the start. You pay 20 percent of the approved purchase price after your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80 percent. The approved amount varies by device type and features, but a basic powered wheelchair typically falls in the range of $3,000 to $6,000, and a scooter in a similar range, though these amounts vary by supplier and region.

A powered wheelchair is for someone who cannot propel a manual chair due to weakness, pain, or limited arm function. A motorized scooter is for someone who can sit upright and steer but cannot walk far. Medicare distinguishes between them because they serve different medical needs. Your doctor must specify which type is appropriate for your condition.

Once you own a powered wheelchair or scooter, Medicare does not pay for repairs or replacement parts, though some Advantage plans may offer coverage. You are responsible for maintenance and eventual replacement. This is an important difference from rental, where the supplier handles repairs.

How to Start the Process: Doctor's Order and Supplier Selection

The first step is a conversation with your doctor. Tell your doctor that you are having difficulty walking or moving around your home and ask whether a wheelchair or scooter might help. If your doctor agrees, they will write an order (called a prescription) that describes the device type and explains why it is medically necessary. The order must be specific — for example, "manual wheelchair due to severe arthritis limiting arm strength" or "powered wheelchair due to spinal cord injury affecting lower extremity function."

Next, you need to find a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier that is approved by Medicare. You can search for suppliers in your area on the Medicare website under "Supplier Locator" or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask for a list. Not all medical supply stores are Medicare-approved, so verify before you contact them. Once you have chosen a supplier, give them your doctor's order. The supplier will submit the order to Medicare along with your medical information.

Medicare may request additional documentation from your doctor — such as recent medical records, test results, or a detailed explanation of your condition — to confirm that the wheelchair is necessary. This review usually takes two to four weeks. If Medicare approves the order, the supplier will contact you to arrange delivery and fitting. If Medicare denies the order, your doctor can appeal the decision by providing more information.

What Medicare Will Not Cover

Medicare does not cover wheelchairs for people who can walk safely, even if walking is slow or painful. The device must be for someone who is homebound or nearly homebound — meaning they cannot leave home without considerable effort or information, or they leave only for medical appointments. If you can walk around your neighborhood or go to the store, Medicare will likely deny coverage.

Medicare also does not cover accessories that are not medically necessary, such as custom paint, upgraded wheels for outdoor use, or convenience features. A seat cushion for pressure relief is covered if your doctor documents that you are at risk for pressure sores; a cushion for comfort alone is not. Repairs and replacement parts after purchase are your responsibility, except for items covered under a supplier's warranty.

Wheelchairs purchased from non-Medicare-approved suppliers are not covered, even if the device is identical to one Medicare would pay for. You must use an approved supplier to receive coverage.

Your Out-of-Pocket Cost

Your cost depends on your Part B deductible and whether you are renting or purchasing. For 2024, the Part B deductible is $240, though this amount may change each year. Once you meet the deductible, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount and you pay 20 percent.

For a manual wheelchair rental, you might pay $50 to $100 per month (20 percent of the approved rental amount) until the total paid reaches the purchase price. For a powered wheelchair or scooter purchase, you might pay $600 to $1,200 (20 percent of a $3,000 to $6,000 approved amount) as your share, depending on the device and your deductible status.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your cost-sharing may be different. Some Advantage plans cover wheelchairs with no copay or a flat copay instead of 20 percent coinsurance. Check your plan documents or call your plan to learn your specific costs before you start the process.

What Happens If Medicare Denies Your Request

If Medicare denies coverage, the supplier will send you a notice called a "Notice of Non-Coverage" or "Explanation of Benefits" that explains the reason. Common reasons for denial include: the doctor's order does not clearly state medical necessity, your condition does not meet Medicare's definition of homebound, or the device type is not appropriate for your condition.

You have the right to appeal. Your doctor can submit additional medical records or a detailed letter explaining why the wheelchair is necessary. The appeal process takes additional time — usually four to six weeks — but many denials are overturned when more information is provided. Ask your supplier or your doctor's office to help you file the appeal; they are familiar with what Medicare needs to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any wheelchair I want, or does Medicare limit my options?

Medicare covers wheelchairs that are medically necessary and appropriate for your home. You cannot choose a wheelchair based on color or style preference, but you can work with your supplier to select from available options that meet your medical need. If your doctor prescribes a specific feature — such as a reclining back — Medicare will cover it if medically necessary.

What if I need a wheelchair temporarily, like while I recover from surgery?

Medicare covers temporary wheelchairs if your doctor prescribes them. For a manual wheelchair, you rent it and pay monthly until the rental cost equals the purchase price. If your condition improves and you no longer need the chair, you can return it and stop paying. For a powered wheelchair or scooter, you purchase it, so returning it does not reduce your cost.

Does Medicare cover a wheelchair if I have a Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans must cover wheelchairs under the same rules as Original Medicare. However, your out-of-pocket cost may be different — some plans charge a copay instead of coinsurance, or may have different approved suppliers. Contact your plan before you start the process to learn your specific costs.

Can I buy a wheelchair myself and have Medicare reimburse me?

No. Medicare only pays when you use a Medicare-approved DME supplier. If you purchase a wheelchair on your own, Medicare will not reimburse you, even if the device is identical to one Medicare would cover. Always verify that your supplier is Medicare-approved before you begin.

What if my wheelchair breaks down or needs repairs?

If you are renting a manual wheelchair, the supplier is responsible for repairs. If you purchased a powered wheelchair or scooter, you are responsible for repairs and maintenance after the manufacturer's warranty ends. Some suppliers offer extended warranties or repair plans for an additional cost. Ask your supplier about repair coverage before you purchase.