Medicare covers walkers as durable medical equipment, but you need a doctor's order and must use a supplier enrolled in Medicare

Medicare Part B pays for a walker if your doctor writes an order saying you need one for mobility. You cannot buy one yourself and ask Medicare to reimburse you — the supplier must be enrolled with Medicare, and your doctor must document that the walker is medically necessary. The process takes roughly two to four weeks from the time your doctor places the order.

You will pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. If your walker costs $200 and Medicare approves $150, you pay 20 percent of $150 (which is $30), not 20 percent of the full $200. The actual out-of-pocket cost depends on which type of walker you need and which supplier you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating you need a walker for medical reasons — Medicare will not cover one without this documentation.
  • The supplier must be enrolled with Medicare; using a non-enrolled supplier means you pay the full cost yourself.
  • You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible, not the full retail price.
  • The entire process from doctor's order to delivery usually takes two to four weeks.
  • If your doctor says you need a walker but you do not have one yet, ask them to submit the order to a Medicare-enrolled supplier directly.

Getting your doctor to order a walker

Start by telling your doctor that you are having trouble walking or that you are at risk of falling. Be specific: mention stairs, uneven ground, long distances, or times of day when you feel unsteady. Your doctor will examine you and decide whether a walker would help. If they agree, they will write an order that includes the type of walker (standard, rolling, or knee-walker, for example) and the medical reason you need it.

Your doctor does not need to send the order to Medicare themselves. They can give it to you, or they can send it directly to a Medicare-enrolled supplier. If your doctor hands you the order, keep it safe — you will need it when you contact a supplier. If your doctor sends it directly to the supplier, the supplier will contact you to arrange fitting and delivery.

Finding a Medicare-enrolled supplier

Not every medical supply store is enrolled with Medicare. Using a non-enrolled supplier means Medicare will not pay anything, and you will owe the full cost. To find an enrolled supplier, use the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov. Enter your ZIP code and search for "walkers" or "mobility aids." The directory shows which suppliers near you accept Medicare.

You can also call your doctor's office and ask which suppliers they usually work with — they often have relationships with enrolled suppliers and can recommend one. If you already have a preferred medical supply store, call them and ask whether they are enrolled with Medicare before you bring your doctor's order there.

What happens when you contact the supplier

Once you have your doctor's order and have chosen a supplier, call the supplier and tell them you have a Medicare order for a walker. They will ask for your Medicare number, your doctor's name, and details about the order. Some suppliers will ask you to mail or fax the order; others will contact your doctor directly to get it.

The supplier will then schedule a time for you to come in or for them to deliver the walker to your home. At that appointment, they will measure you (if needed) to make sure the walker is the right height and fit. They will also explain how to use it safely. After the fitting, the supplier submits the order and your information to Medicare for payment approval.

Understanding what Medicare pays

Medicare has set prices for different types of walkers. A standard four-legged walker typically costs between $100 and $200 at retail, but Medicare's approved amount is usually lower. A rolling walker (with wheels and brakes) may be approved at a higher amount. A knee-walker, used when you cannot put weight on one leg, is approved at a different price.

You are responsible for 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after you have paid your Part B deductible for the year. If you have already met your deductible, you pay 20 percent right away. If you have not, you pay the full approved amount until the deductible is met, then 20 percent after that. The supplier will tell you what you owe before delivery.

What to do if your doctor has not ordered a walker yet

If you think you need a walker but your doctor has not mentioned one, bring it up at your next appointment. Describe the situations where you feel unsteady or afraid of falling. If your doctor agrees a walker would help, ask them to submit the order to a Medicare-enrolled supplier right away. If your doctor does not think a walker is necessary, you can ask for a second opinion from another doctor, but Medicare will only pay if a doctor has documented that it is medically necessary.

Do not buy a walker on your own and then ask Medicare to reimburse you. Medicare only pays when the order comes from a doctor and the supplier is enrolled with Medicare. Buying first and asking later will leave you paying the full cost yourself.

Renting versus owning a walker

Medicare covers both rental and purchase of a walker. For a short-term need — for example, while you recover from surgery — renting may be cheaper. For a long-term need, purchasing is usually more cost-effective because rental payments add up over time. Your doctor's order should specify whether you need to rent or buy, or your supplier can discuss both options with you.

If you rent, Medicare pays the rental company directly. If you buy, Medicare pays the supplier, and the walker becomes yours to keep. After you have rented a walker for a certain number of months (usually 13 months for standard walkers), you own it and do not pay further rental fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover all types of walkers?

Medicare covers standard four-legged walkers, rolling walkers with wheels and brakes, and knee-walkers. It does not cover walkers with seats if the seat is the main reason you need it, though a rolling walker with a built-in seat may be covered if the walker itself is medically necessary. Your doctor's order determines which type Medicare will pay for.

What if I cannot afford the 20 percent I owe?

If you have Medicaid in addition to Medicare, Medicaid may pay your share. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, your out-of-pocket cost may be different — check your plan documents or call your plan. Some suppliers also offer payment plans, though you will need to ask.

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

Medicare covers walkers that are medically necessary and approved at a set price. You can choose among the types your doctor has ordered (standard, rolling, knee-walker), but you cannot choose a luxury or specialty walker and expect Medicare to pay more than the approved amount. You can pay the difference out of pocket if you want a more expensive model.

How long does it take from doctor's order to having the walker at home?

Most suppliers can deliver within two to four weeks of receiving your doctor's order. Some can do it faster if they have the walker in stock and your Medicare approval comes through quickly. Call the supplier and ask for an estimated delivery date when you place the order.

What if my walker breaks or stops working?

If you own the walker, you are responsible for repairs or replacement after the initial purchase. If you are renting, contact the rental company — they usually repair or replace a broken walker at no extra cost. If you own it and it cannot be repaired, you can ask your doctor for a new order and go through the process again.