What Medicare Covers for Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices

Medicare covers wheelchairs, but only certain types under specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs (called power wheelchairs), and scooters, but not every wheelchair you might want. Medicare pays for a wheelchair only if a doctor writes an order saying you need it for mobility inside your home, and only if you meet the medical requirements. The wheelchair must be deemed medically necessary — meaning your condition genuinely limits your ability to walk — and you typically must have tried a cane or walker first.

Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20%, plus any difference between what Medicare approves and what the supplier charges. The total out-of-pocket cost depends on the type of wheelchair and your supplier.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write an order for the wheelchair, stating that you need it for mobility inside your home due to a medical condition.
Medicare covers manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and scooters, but the wheelchair must come from a Medicare-approved supplier.
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible, plus any charges above what Medicare approves.
Medicare typically requires you to have tried a cane or walker before covering a wheelchair, though exceptions exist for certain conditions.
You can rent a wheelchair for up to three months; if you still need it after that, Medicare may cover a purchase instead.

What types of wheelchairs Medicare covers

Medicare covers three main categories: standard manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and power scooters. A standard manual wheelchair is the most basic option — you propel it yourself by pushing the wheels. Medicare covers this if your arms and hands have the strength and coordination to operate it safely.

A power wheelchair is motorized and controlled by a joystick or other device. Medicare covers this if you cannot operate a manual wheelchair due to weakness, paralysis, or a condition affecting your arms or hands. A power scooter is a three- or four-wheeled motorized device that you sit on and steer. Medicare covers scooters only if you can walk a short distance but cannot walk far enough to move around your home, and only if a power wheelchair would not meet your needs.

Medicare does not cover lightweight or folding wheelchairs for travel, sports wheelchairs, or wheelchairs designed primarily for outdoor use. It also does not cover accessories like cushions, trays, or bags unless they are considered medically necessary for a specific condition.

How to get Medicare to cover a wheelchair

The first step is to see your doctor and describe your mobility problems. Your doctor will examine you and decide whether a wheelchair is medically necessary. If your doctor agrees, they will write an order that includes the type of wheelchair you need, the medical reason for it, and how long you will need it. This order is called a prescription or Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN).

Once you have the order, you must use a Medicare-approved supplier. You can find approved suppliers by searching the Medicare Supplier Directory on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. The supplier will submit the order and your medical information to Medicare for review. Medicare will decide whether to cover the wheelchair based on your condition and the supplier's documentation.

The review process typically takes one to two weeks. If Medicare approves the wheelchair, the supplier will deliver it to your home. If Medicare denies the request, the supplier will tell you why, and you have the right to appeal the decision.

Renting versus buying a wheelchair

Medicare allows you to rent a wheelchair for up to three months. During the rental period, you pay 20% of the approved rental cost each month after your deductible. After three months, Medicare will review whether you still need the wheelchair. If you do, Medicare will usually pay for a purchase instead of continuing to rent.

The rental-to-purchase option lets you try the wheelchair before committing to owning it. Some people find that their needs change, or they discover the wheelchair does not work as well as expected. Renting first gives you time to adjust and make sure it is the right choice.

If you decide to buy instead of rent, Medicare pays 80% of the approved purchase price. The approved price varies by wheelchair type and supplier. You pay 20% plus any amount the supplier charges above the Medicare-approved price.

What you pay out of pocket

Your costs depend on your Part B deductible status and the type of wheelchair. If you have not yet met your Part B deductible for the year, you pay the full cost of the wheelchair until the deductible is satisfied. Once you meet the deductible, Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20%.

The Medicare-approved amount for a standard manual wheelchair is typically between $800 and $1,200. For a power wheelchair, the approved amount is usually between $3,000 and $6,000. For a power scooter, it is typically between $2,000 and $4,000. These amounts vary by supplier and region. If your supplier charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, you are responsible for the difference.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower. Some Medigap plans cover the 20% coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans have their own rules about wheelchair coverage and cost-sharing, so check your plan documents or call your plan to learn what you will pay.

When Medicare might deny a wheelchair claim

Medicare denies wheelchair claims for several common reasons. The most frequent is that your doctor did not document a medical need clearly enough. Medicare reviewers need to see specific information about your condition, your mobility limitations, and why a wheelchair is necessary for you to move around your home. Vague descriptions like "patient has difficulty walking" are often not enough.

Another common reason for denial is that Medicare determines you have not tried less expensive options first. If you have not used a cane or walker, Medicare may deny a wheelchair claim and ask you to try those devices first. However, if your condition makes a cane or walker unsafe or impossible to use — such as if you have no use of both arms — your doctor can document this and Medicare may cover a wheelchair without the trial period.

Medicare may also deny a claim if the wheelchair is deemed for outdoor use only, or if the supplier is not Medicare-approved. If your claim is denied, the supplier will send you a notice explaining the reason. You have 120 days from the date of the denial notice to file an appeal.

Appealing a Medicare wheelchair denial

If Medicare denies your wheelchair claim, you can appeal. The appeal process has several levels. First, you can ask the supplier to resubmit the claim with additional medical information from your doctor. Many denials are overturned at this stage if your doctor provides clearer documentation of your medical need.

If resubmission does not work, you can file a formal appeal with Medicare. You have 120 days from the denial notice to start the appeal. The supplier can help you file, or you can do it yourself by contacting 1-800-MEDICARE or submitting a written appeal to your Medicare contractor.

During the appeal, Medicare will review your case again. If you still disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process can take several months, so it is worth pursuing if you truly need the wheelchair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a wheelchair without Medicare approval and then ask Medicare to reimburse me?

No. Medicare will not reimburse you for a wheelchair you bought on your own. You must get your doctor's order and Medicare approval before you purchase or rent. If you buy without approval, you pay the full cost yourself.

Does Medicare cover a second wheelchair if I need one for travel?

No. Medicare covers one wheelchair for use inside your home. It does not cover a second wheelchair for travel or outdoor use. You would need to purchase a travel wheelchair yourself.

What if my doctor says I need a wheelchair but Medicare says I don't?

Medicare makes the final decision about medical necessity, not your doctor. However, you can appeal and ask your doctor to provide more detailed documentation of why you need the wheelchair. If your doctor's documentation is strong enough, Medicare may reverse the denial on appeal.

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover a wheelchair the same way Original Medicare does?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover wheelchairs, but they may have different rules about which types they cover, which suppliers you can use, and how much you pay. Check your plan's coverage documents or call your plan to learn the specific rules.

How long does Medicare coverage last once I get a wheelchair?

Medicare covers a wheelchair for as long as your doctor says you need it and your medical condition has not improved. If your condition changes and you no longer need the wheelchair, Medicare coverage ends. If you need a replacement wheelchair later, your doctor must write a new order.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.