Will Medicare Cover My Motorized Scooter?

As we age, getting around may become a bit harder as our mobility decreases. The good news is that older adults with mobility issues may qualify for a motorized scooter if they meet the right requirements set by the government. Here, we explore the rules and how to purchase a scooter that Medicare covers. 

What Requirements Should I Know About?

For one, mobility scooters are only covered by your medical insurance when deemed “medically necessary.” So, before Medicare grants your request, you must have an in-person appointment and a written prescription from a doctor. 

They must verify that you or your loved one have a health condition that limits movement. They must also determine that the patient needs help completing daily activities, like using the bathroom or getting dressed. Your home also needs to be large enough to accommodate scooter use. 

This isn’t always a straightforward process. As Charlotte Gerber writes in Verywell Health, “the authorization process sometimes requires several trips to a healthcare provider or specialist and conforming to complex Medicare rules.”

Another key element is that the item must meet certain standards laid out by the Medicare program. For example, Medicare Part B covers certain medical services, supplies, and equipment – known as durable medical equipment – needed to manage or treat a medical condition, commonly called “medically necessary.” This means scooters that are covered by Medicare are considered a type of home medical equipment that will provide the user with the quality of care you need in the comfort of your home.

What is Durable Medical Equipment?

Durable medical equipment (DME) is considered any medically necessary equipment that a doctor prescribes and is covered by Medicare Part B. For equipment to be covered by Medicare, it must meet the following requirements:

• It’s durable, meaning that you or someone else can reuse it

• It’s only used for medical purposes

• It can’t provide a benefit when you aren’t sick or injured

• It’s used at home

This last stipulation requires close examination. A hospital or nursing home setting won’t qualify. However, usage in a long-term care facility does. 

Still, Medicare will cover numerous items needed to maintain quality of life and health. Common examples of DME covered by Medicare include, but aren’t limited to:

• Hospital beds

• Infusion supplies

• Oxygen equipment

• Patient lifts

• Wheelchairs

• Blood sugar monitors

Does Medicare Cover Scooters?

That said, you might wonder if scooters meet Medicare’s requirements. One of the most pressing concerns for most older adults is the amount they’ll need to budget out of pocket for a scooter. If your DME provider is willing to work with your insurance, you should expect to pay 20% of the cost approved by Medicare. The Part B deductible will apply to the remaining balance.

Purchasing Your Motorized Scooter

If you can’t get your scooter paid for by Medicare Part B and need to pay out of pocket, you can find a selection online. Three types of electric mobility scooters are available: travel, three-wheel, and four-wheel models. Be sure you do your homework to determine if it’s a reputable site and ask about warranties. You want to protect your investment, after all. Most scooters range anywhere from $750 - $2,000. 

However, if you qualify for Part B, you must seek a qualified DME supplier that accepts the assignment cost from the federal government. Your DME supplier and doctor must be enrolled in Medicare for the purchase to be covered under the program. Doctors and suppliers must follow the rules outlined by the federal government. Any issues could result in you or your loved one not qualifying for this much-needed equipment. That’s doing your due diligence by verifying their enrollment is vital.

If you qualify for Part B, visit a Medicare-contracted DME supplier near you to understand what will be covered. Medicare won’t cover the entire cost, so knowing what to expect is important. If you have a healthcare need and are unsure if it’s covered, ask your doctor’s office to check for you. 

Carewell carries a lightweight and durable motorized scooter to facilitate easy transport. You should know that we currently don’t accept insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. However, we can provide you with an invoice to send to your insurance company for reimbursement.

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Have Questions?

If you need help finding the perfect product or have questions about the motorized scooter we carry, talk to one of our Caregiving Specialists today. Call (800) 696-CARE. We're here to support you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!