Medicare covers walkers as durable medical equipment, but only under specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers a walker if your doctor writes an order saying you need one for mobility, and if you meet Medicare's definition of medical necessity. You cannot straightforward buy a walker and ask Medicare to reimburse you. Your doctor must document that the walker is medically necessary — meaning it treats a condition, prevents injury, or helps you move safely — and you must use it in your home. Medicare will not pay for a walker you use only outside the house, and it will not pay for one that is purely for convenience or comfort.

The coverage applies to standard walkers: the two-wheeled or four-wheeled rolling frame, or the two-legged pick-up walker you lift with each step. Medicare also covers rollators (four-wheeled walkers with a seat and brakes) under the same rules. Walkers with special features — like those designed for outdoor terrain or high-end models — may not be covered, or may be covered at a lower amount.

You will pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. Medicare pays the other 80 percent directly to the supplier. The total out-of-pocket cost depends on which walker your doctor prescribes and which supplier you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating you need a walker for medical reasons before Medicare will consider covering it.
  • Medicare covers standard walkers and rollators used in your home, but not walkers used only outdoors or for convenience.
  • You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80 percent.
  • You must obtain the walker from a Medicare-enrolled supplier, not from a retail store, to receive coverage.
  • Your doctor's order and medical records must show why you need the walker — for example, balance problems, weakness, or recent surgery recovery.

How to get your doctor's order

Start by talking to your primary care doctor or the specialist treating your condition. Explain the mobility problems you are having and ask whether a walker would help. Your doctor will examine you and review your medical history. If they believe a walker is medically necessary, they will write a prescription or order that includes the type of walker (standard, rolling, or rollator) and the reason you need it.

Your doctor does not need to use a special form, but the order must be specific enough that a supplier can understand what to provide. Vague orders like "patient needs walker" are less likely to be approved by Medicare. Orders that say "patient has severe arthritis affecting both knees and requires a walker to ambulate safely in the home" give Medicare the information it needs to process the claim.

Keep a copy of the order for your records. You will give it to the supplier when you place your order, and you may need to show it to Medicare if there are questions about coverage later.

Choosing a Medicare-enrolled supplier

You cannot buy a walker at a drugstore or online retailer and have Medicare pay for it. You must order from a supplier that is enrolled with Medicare and has a valid billing agreement. These suppliers are called Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers. You can find enrolled suppliers in your area by visiting the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov or by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

When you contact a supplier, give them your doctor's order and your Medicare number. The supplier will verify that your order meets Medicare's requirements and will tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Some suppliers rent walkers; others sell them. Medicare covers both rental and purchase, but the total amount Medicare will pay is capped. If you rent, you pay 20 percent of the monthly rental fee. If you buy, you pay 20 percent of the purchase price, up to the amount Medicare has set for that type of walker.

Compare prices and services among suppliers before you decide. Some suppliers offer free delivery and setup; others charge extra. Some will help you with paperwork; others will not. You have the right to choose which enrolled supplier you use.

What happens if Medicare denies your claim

Medicare may deny coverage if your doctor's order does not clearly explain why you need a walker, if your medical records do not support the need, or if Medicare decides the walker is not medically necessary for your condition. You will receive a notice called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that explains the reason for the denial.

If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to appeal. You must file your appeal within 120 days of the date on the EOB. You can appeal on your own by writing to the address listed on the notice, or you can ask your doctor or supplier to appeal on your behalf. Include any new medical information that supports your need for the walker — for example, a letter from your physical therapist or updated test results.

Many denials are overturned on appeal because the initial order was missing information. If your first appeal is denied, you can request a hearing before a Medicare contractor. This process takes longer but gives you a chance to present your case in more detail.

Rental versus purchase: which costs less

Whether you should rent or buy depends on how long you expect to need the walker. Medicare sets a rental cap — the total amount it will pay for monthly rentals. Once you have paid that cap, you own the walker. For most standard walkers, the rental cap is reached after about 13 months of rental payments. After that point, you own the walker and Medicare stops paying.

If you think you will need the walker for longer than 13 months, buying is usually cheaper. If you are recovering from surgery and expect to use the walker for only a few weeks or months, renting makes sense. Ask your supplier what the rental cap is for the specific walker your doctor prescribed, and ask what the purchase price would be. Then do the math: 13 months of 20 percent of the rental fee, compared to 20 percent of the purchase price.

Some suppliers will credit rental payments toward a purchase if you decide to buy partway through. Ask about this option when you contact suppliers.

What to do if you already bought a walker without Medicare approval

If you purchased a walker before getting a doctor's order or before using a Medicare-enrolled supplier, Medicare will not reimburse you. You cannot retroactively get coverage for something you already paid for out of pocket. However, you can still get Medicare coverage going forward.

Contact your doctor and ask them to write an order for a walker now. Then contact a Medicare-enrolled supplier and place a new order. You will start fresh with Medicare coverage. Your out-of-pocket cost will be 20 percent of the approved amount for the new walker. The old walker you bought is yours to keep, but Medicare will not pay for it.

This is why it is important to talk to your doctor and understand the Medicare process before you buy. A few minutes of planning can save you hundreds of dollars.

Other mobility aids Medicare may cover

If a walker is not the right solution for you, Medicare may cover other durable medical equipment that helps with mobility. Canes, crutches, and wheelchairs follow the same rules as walkers: your doctor must write an order, you must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier, and you pay 20 percent after your deductible.

Grab bars and raised toilet seats are also covered as durable medical equipment if your doctor prescribes them. Bathroom safety equipment is especially common after a fall or hip surgery. Again, you need a doctor's order and a Medicare-enrolled supplier.

If you are not sure whether a specific item is covered, ask your doctor or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. It is better to ask before you buy than to find out later that Medicare will not pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan to cover a walker instead of Part B?

No. Durable medical equipment is covered under Medicare Part B, and that is where the coverage comes from. Medigap plans follow Part B coverage rules. Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, so they will also cover walkers under the same conditions. The cost-sharing may be different with a Medicare Advantage plan, so check your plan documents or call your plan to learn what you will pay.

What if my doctor says I need a walker but I do not want one?

That is your choice. Medicare will not force you to use a walker. However, if you later change your mind and want one, you will need a new doctor's order at that time. Do not assume an old order will still be valid — medical orders can expire, and your condition may have changed.

Does Medicare cover a walker if I use it outside my home?

Medicare covers walkers for use in your home. If you use the walker primarily outside — for example, for outdoor walking or travel — Medicare may not cover it. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation. Some people have two walkers: a lightweight one for outdoor use (paid out of pocket) and a sturdier one for home use (covered by Medicare).

How long does it take to get a walker once my doctor writes the order?

Most suppliers can deliver a walker within one to two weeks of receiving your order. If you need one urgently, tell the supplier when you call. Some suppliers offer faster delivery for an extra fee. Medicare does not set a time limit for delivery, so it depends on the supplier and current demand.

Will Medicare cover a replacement walker if mine breaks or wears out?

Yes, but only after a certain amount of time has passed. Medicare considers a walker to have a useful lifetime of about five years. If your walker breaks before five years, Medicare may cover a replacement if your doctor writes a new order explaining why you need it. If five years have passed, Medicare will cover a replacement as routine maintenance. Ask your supplier about Medicare's replacement policy for the specific walker you have.