MediDepot’s Insurance Guide Medicare Part B Coverage for Your Mobility Aids

Understanding Mobility Aid Insurance Coverage

Purchasing a wheelchair, walker, or mobility scooter is not a small expense for many people, it’s a major investment that directly affects daily independence and safety. The good news is that various forms of insurance, including Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and private insurance plans, can help significantly offset the costs.

👉 Explore Related Post: How to Choose the Best Mobility Aids: Walkers, Wheelchairs and Canes for Every Need

 

Understanding how insurance coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) works is the first step towards saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, the process can be confusing, involving eligibility assessments, documentation, and specific supplier requirements.

That’s why MediDepot has created this complete guide. Here, you’ll learn exactly what Medicare Part B covers, how to qualify for assistance, and what steps to take when filing a claim. Whether you’re exploring manual wheelchairs or advanced electric scooters, this article simplifies the process so you can focus less on paperwork — and more on mobility.

 What Medicare Part B Covers

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which includes mobility aids such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. These are covered when prescribed for use in the home and when deemed medically necessary by your physician or healthcare provider.

Medicare defines DME as equipment that meets the following criteria:

• Durable: Designed to withstand repeated use without breaking down.
• Medical Purpose: Intended to serve a health-related function.
• For Illness or Injury: Typically, only beneficial to individuals with medical needs.
• Home Use: Must be usable in your place of residence.
• Long-Term Utility: Expected to last at least three years under normal conditions.

If your doctor confirms that you require a mobility device to complete daily tasks safely, Medicare will often cover 80% of the approved cost after your annual deductible — a significant financial relief for those with long-term mobility needs.

✅ Commonly Covered Mobility Aids

Mobility Aid	Coverage Status	Notes
Manual Wheelchairs	✔ Covered	Must be medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor
Power Wheelchairs	✔ Covered	Requires an in-person evaluation and face-to-face assessment
Mobility Scooters	✔ Covered	Only if you cannot operate a manual wheelchair safely
Walkers & Rollators	✔ Covered	Must be prescribed for daily use inside the home
Accessories (cushions, bags)	Partial	May require separate claim submission

💬 Example:
If your physician determines that using a cane or walker is unsafe due to balance issues, Medicare Part B may cover up to 80% of the approved cost of a power wheelchair once your deductible is met.

👉 Explore Related Products: MediDepot’s Power & Electric Wheelchairs

 How to Qualify for Medicare Coverage

Navigating the Medicare approval process can feel intimidating, but it becomes much easier when you understand what’s required. To receive coverage for a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, you’ll need to follow a few key steps:

1. Doctor’s Prescription: Your physician must confirm in writing that you need a mobility aid for daily living activities such as moving around your home, cooking, or bathing.
2. Face-to-Face Examination: For powered mobility aids like scooters or electric wheelchairs, a clinical in-person assessment is required before approval.
3. Medicare-Approved Supplier: Always purchase from a DME supplier enrolled in Medicare — otherwise, your claim could be denied.
4. Documentation: Your medical records must show that the equipment is medically necessary, and your doctor’s notes should align with the type of aid being requested.

💡 MediDepot Tips:

1-     Many of MediDepot’s partner suppliers can help you prepare a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) template, which simplifies and speeds up your coverage application process.

2-     Always verify whether the supplier accepts assignment with Medicare. This ensures you’ll only be responsible for your 20% coinsurance rather than the full cost upfront.

What About Medicaid & Private Insurance?

Not everyone qualifies for Medicare, but there are still excellent coverage options available through Medicaid and private insurers.

Medicaid Coverage Highlights

• Usually follows the same medical necessity standards as Medicare Part B.
• Each state has its own criteria, so check your local Medicaid office for specific requirements.
• Many states require prior authorization, meaning your provider must get approval before purchase.
• Repairs and replacement parts may also be covered if justified by medical necessity.

Private Insurance Coverage

• Coverage varies significantly between providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare.
• Some policies include full or partial reimbursement for both manual and electric wheelchairs.
• Check your plan’s section on “Durable Medical Equipment (DME)” to confirm benefits.
• Prior approval and proof of need are often required for powered devices.

💡 MediDepot Tip: Always ask your insurer whether batteries, chargers, or maintenance services are covered. These are sometimes billed separately under “repair and replacement parts.”

Example: Real-World Coverage Breakdown

Let’s look at how Medicare coverage works in practice:

Example Purchase: Shoprider Mid Wheel Drive 6Runner 10 – $4,589.00

Cost	Coverage	Out-of-Pocket
Total Price	$4,589.00	—
Medicare Part B (80%)	$3,671.2	—
You Pay (20%)	—	$917.8

That’s a savings of $3,671.2 simply by meeting eligibility requirements and filing correctly a clear example of how understanding your benefits directly translates into financial relief.

How to File a Claim for Mobility Aid Reimbursement

Filing for coverage doesn’t have to be complicated when you know what to expect. 

 Step-by-Step Process:

1. Obtain a Doctor’s Prescription: Your physician must certify that the mobility aid is medically necessary.
2. Select a DME Supplier: Confirm that your supplier is Medicare-approved (MediDepot partners with trusted providers nationwide).
3. Submit the Required Form: Complete and send CMS-1500 with your receipts, prescription, and medical documentation.
4. Follow Up: Contact your Medicare contractor or private insurance provider to check claim status.

💡 MediDepot Tip: Keep physical and digital copies of every documents such as prescriptions, receipts, claim forms, and even serial numbers. These records are often required for follow-up claims, repairs, or warranty coverage.

Related Products That Qualify for Coverage

Walkers & Rollators

·        Proactive Protekt Two-Button Folding Steel Walker

·        Drive Medical 3-Wheel Rollator

·        Drive Medical Sprint Rollator

·        Drive Medical Duet Rollator and Transport Chair

·        Vive Health Bariatric Carbon Fiber Rollator

·        Vive Health Knee Walker - Knee Support

·        Vive Health Upright Walker for Mobility and Posture

Manual Wheelchairs

·        Proactive Chariot II Standard Hemi Wheelchair

·        Roll With Me Standard Wheelchair

·        Circle Specialty Lightweight Folding Pediatric Wheelchair

·        Vive Health Air Frame Wheelchair Lightweight

·        Karman S-ERGO-305 Ultra Lightweight

·        ProBasics Heavy Duty Bariatric Wheelchair

·        Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Sentra EC Heavy-Duty

Power & Electric Wheelchairs

·        Karman PW-F500-BK Tranzit Foldable

·        Shoprider Mid Wheel Drive 6Runner 10

·        Vive Health MOB1029L Power Wheelchair for Mobility Folding

·        Karman XO-202 Full Power Stand Up Wheelchair

·        Merits P3017-SBMU Gemini HEAVY-DUTY

Accessories

·        Wheelchair Cushions & Bags

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Medicare cover both manual and electric wheelchairs?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers both when a doctor determines they are medically necessary and prescribes them for use inside your home.

Q2: Can I upgrade to a premium model under insurance?
Yes, but you’ll pay the difference between the standard covered amount and the upgraded cost.

Q3: Are batteries and chargers included in coverage?
Yes. For power wheelchairs and scooters, batteries and chargers are part of the standard DME coverage package.

Q4: Does MediDepot file claims directly?
MediDepot provides official receipts and product documentation to assist with your claim, but customers typically submit claims directly through their Medicare or insurance provider.

Q5: What happens if my claim is denied?
If denied, you can file an appeal. Review your documentation carefully missing medical notes or incomplete forms are the most common causes of denial.

 

Final Thoughts

Navigating Medicare or insurance coverage for mobility aids can seem complicated, but with the right knowledge, you can confidently access the benefits you deserve. Understanding coverage terms, knowing which documents to prepare, and choosing an approved supplier are key to maximizing your reimbursement and minimizing your expenses.

At MediDepot, we believe mobility should never be out of reach. That’s why we not only provide top-quality mobility aids but also guide customers through the insurance process every step of the way. From helping you find the right model to preparing the paperwork, MediDepot ensures your path to independence remains smooth, affordable, and stress-free.

*All medical and maintenance recommendations verified from official U.S. federal sources, reviewed by MediDepot Clinical Support Team.

**Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician, healthcare provider, or qualified medical professional before using any medical products or following health-related guidance. MediDepot products do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.