Medicare covers mobility scooters, but only under specific conditions

Medicare Part B will pay for a scooter (called a "motorized wheelchair" in Medicare terms) if your doctor says you cannot walk safely in your home, and you meet the medical requirements. Medicare does not pay for scooters you want for convenience or outdoor use alone. The scooter must be medically necessary for mobility inside your home, and you must have tried a cane or walker first — or your doctor must document why those would not work for you.

The payment works differently than you might expect. Medicare pays the supplier directly, not you. You typically pay 20% of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. The supplier must be enrolled with Medicare, which means they follow Medicare's rules and pricing.

The entire process — from your doctor's order to receiving the scooter — usually takes four to eight weeks. Your doctor must submit paperwork that Medicare reviews before approving payment. If Medicare denies the request, you have the right to appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must order the scooter and state in writing that you cannot walk safely in your home without one.
  • Medicare requires you to have tried a cane or walker first, unless your doctor documents a medical reason you cannot use them.
  • You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost after meeting your Part B deductible; the supplier bills Medicare for the rest.
  • The scooter supplier must be enrolled with Medicare, and you should confirm this before ordering.
  • If Medicare denies your request, you can file an appeal within 180 days of the denial letter.

What Medicare considers "medically necessary"

Medicare has a specific definition of medical necessity for scooters. You must have a condition that limits your ability to walk — such as severe arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, neurological conditions, or amputation — and your doctor must document that walking in your home is unsafe or impossible without a scooter. Conditions like mild arthritis or general weakness are usually not enough on their own.

Your doctor also needs to state that you have tried using a cane or walker and found them inadequate, or explain why those devices would not work for your condition. For example, if you have severe arthritis in both hands, a walker might be unsafe because you cannot grip it. If you have balance problems that a cane cannot address, your doctor should note that. Medicare reviewers look for this reasoning in the paperwork.

The scooter must be for use inside your home. If you only need it for outdoor activities or shopping, Medicare will not pay. However, if your doctor says you need it to move around your home safely, outdoor use is allowed as a secondary benefit.

How to start the process with your doctor

Begin by scheduling an appointment with the doctor who knows your condition best — usually your primary care doctor or a specialist managing your main health issue. Bring a list of your mobility problems: difficulty walking certain distances, pain when walking, balance issues, or falls. Be specific about what you cannot do now that you could do before.

Tell your doctor you are interested in a scooter and ask whether they think it is medically necessary for you. If your doctor agrees, they will need to write an order. This order is not a straightforward prescription; it includes details about your condition, why you need the scooter, and why a cane or walker is not enough.

Ask your doctor for the name of a Medicare-enrolled supplier they recommend, or ask them to send the order to a supplier you have already chosen. Some doctors work regularly with specific suppliers and can speed up the process. If your doctor is unsure which suppliers are enrolled with Medicare in your area, you can find them by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting Medicare.gov.

Finding a Medicare-enrolled scooter supplier

Not every medical supply company is enrolled with Medicare. Before you order from anyone, confirm that they are a Medicare provider. You can check this on Medicare.gov by searching their supplier directory, or you can call the supplier directly and ask for their Medicare provider number.

Once you have your doctor's order, contact the supplier. They will ask for your Medicare number, your doctor's contact information, and details about your condition. The supplier will then submit the paperwork to Medicare for review. This is called a "prior authorization" or "pre-authorization" — Medicare decides whether to pay before the scooter is delivered.

Do not order or pay for a scooter before Medicare approves it, unless you are willing to pay the full cost yourself. If Medicare denies the request later, the supplier cannot bill you for the full amount — but you want to avoid that situation. Ask the supplier to tell you when Medicare has approved the request before they ship the scooter.

What you will pay out of pocket

Your cost depends on the Medicare-approved amount for the scooter, not the supplier's list price. Medicare sets approved amounts for different types of scooters. A basic three-wheel scooter has a lower approved amount than a four-wheel model with more features.

You pay 20% of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. If you have not met your deductible yet, you pay the full deductible first, then 20% of the approved amount. For example, if the approved amount is $1,000 and you have already met your deductible, you pay $200. The supplier bills Medicare for the remaining $800.

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) cover scooters differently. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan directly to learn what you will pay. Your out-of-pocket cost might be lower or higher than Original Medicare, depending on your plan.

What happens if Medicare says no

Medicare denies some scooter requests because the medical documentation is not strong enough, or because the reviewer decides a cane or walker would be adequate. If this happens, you will receive a denial letter that explains the reason.

You have the right to appeal. You have 180 days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal. The first step is called "redetermination" — you ask Medicare to look at your case again. You can include new information from your doctor, such as a letter explaining why a cane or walker did not work, or test results showing your condition has worsened.

If redetermination is denied, you can request a second review called "reconsideration," and then move to a hearing before an administrative law judge if needed. Your doctor can help by writing a detailed letter supporting your need for the scooter. Many people succeed on appeal when they provide stronger medical evidence the first time.

Renting versus buying a scooter

Medicare covers purchase of a scooter, not rental. Once Medicare pays for the scooter, it belongs to you. You are responsible for maintenance and repairs after the first year.

Some suppliers offer rental programs for people who want to try a scooter before committing to purchase, or who need one temporarily. If you rent, Medicare will not pay. You would pay the rental cost yourself. However, if you later decide to purchase the same model, some suppliers will credit part of your rental payments toward the purchase price — ask about this before renting.

If your scooter breaks down, Medicare does not pay for repairs. You can contact the supplier or manufacturer, and some repairs may be covered under a warranty. After the warranty expires, you pay for repairs yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use a cane or walker for a certain amount of time before Medicare will pay for a scooter?

No, there is no required waiting period. However, your doctor must document that you have tried a cane or walker and found it inadequate, or explain why those devices would not work for you. If you have never tried one, your doctor may recommend you do so first, or they may write that a trial is not necessary based on your condition.

Will Medicare pay for a scooter if I only need it for outdoor activities?

No. Medicare requires that the scooter be medically necessary for mobility inside your home. If you only need it for shopping or outdoor recreation, Medicare will not cover it. However, if your doctor says you need it for home mobility, you can use it outdoors as well.

What if my doctor thinks I need a scooter but I have not tried a cane or walker yet?

Your doctor can order the scooter without a trial period if they document a medical reason why a cane or walker would not work for you. For example, if you have severe arthritis in both hands or a balance disorder that a cane cannot address, your doctor can explain this in the order. Medicare reviewers will consider the medical reasoning.

Can I choose any scooter I want, or does Medicare limit the type?

Medicare covers three-wheel and four-wheel scooters, but the approved amount varies by type and features. A basic three-wheel scooter has a lower approved amount than a four-wheel model. You can choose a more expensive scooter, but you pay the difference out of pocket. Ask the supplier what the Medicare-approved amount is for the model you want before you order.

What if I already bought a scooter and paid for it myself?

Medicare does not reimburse you for a scooter you have already purchased. You would need to have had a doctor's order and gone through the Medicare approval process beforehand. If you are considering a scooter now, talk to your doctor about getting an order so Medicare can help pay for it.