Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs?

Medicare does cover wheelchairs and scooters for qualifying Medicare recipients.

If your doctor prescribes a wheelchair or other durable medical equipment (DME) that Medicare covers, you may face some out-of-pocket Medicare costs.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help cover the out-of-pocket costs for your wheelchair, such as Medicare deductibles and copays.

Medicare typically covers wheelchairs when they're medically necessary.

How Do I Get a Wheelchair Covered by Medicare?

Whether you need a wheelchair due to illness, injury or disability, Medicare Part B can help cover some of the costs.

In order to qualify for wheelchair coverage under Medicare you must:

• Get a written prescription from your doctor stating that a wheelchair is medically necessary

• Visit your health care provider within six months before prior to getting the prescription

How Much Do Wheelchairs Cost With Medicare?

Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount of a wheelchair, and you pay the remaining 20%.

However, before Medicare covers their share of the the cost of the wheelchair, you must pay your Part B deductible. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240 per year. 

These costs are in addition to your Part B monthly premium.

Medicare Supplement plans help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs left by Medicare Part A and Part B. You can choose from 10 standardized Medigap plans to get the level of coverage you need.

Learn more about common procedures that Medicare covers.

Find a Medigap Plan That Helps Cover Your Wheelchair Costs

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and find Medigap plans available where you live that can help cover your Medicare out-of-pocket wheelchair costs.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.