Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters?

Medicare covers mobility scooters if they are considered medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.

Power-operated scooters, walkers and wheelchairs are all considered durable medical equipment (DME), which is typically covered by Medicare Part B.

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan can help cover mobility scooters by paying for costs such as Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and more.

Medicare Supplement plans can help cover mobility scooters.

When Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters?

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment, including scooters, if you have limited mobility and:

• You're unable to perform daily tasks (dressing, bathing, using the bathroom), even with the help of a walker, cane or crutches

• Your doctor and DME provider are both enrolled in Medicare

• The DME can be used in your home (fits through doors, etc.)

• You can safely operate the scooter or have someone available to help you 

• You can safely get on and off the scooter or have someone available to help you

• You have a health condition that makes it difficult to move around your home

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) but not Part B (optional medical insurance), you will not have coverage for durable medical equipment and other medical expenses.

If you think that enrolling in Part B would benefit you, we recommend enrolling as soon as you are eligible (three months before your 65th birthday). Although you may have the option to enroll in Part B later, you will likely pay a Part B late enrollment penalty.

How Much Do Mobility Scooters Cost With Medicare?

You typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your scooter (if Medicare approves your scooter for coverage under Part B). 

Before Medicare will pay the remaining 80 percent, however, you must meet your Part B deductible, which is $240 per year in 2024.

Medicare Supplement Plans Can Help Cover Your Mobility Scooter

If you use a mobility scooter that is covered by Medicare, a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan can help cover some of the Medicare costs you may face, such as deductibles and coinsurance.

For example, each of the 10 standardized Medigap plans that are available in most states provide at least partial coverage for the Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments you typically have to pay for Medicare-approved scooters. 

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and compare the Medigap plans that are available where you live.