Are Wheelchairs Covered by Medicare? Yes, Here’s How

Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs?

Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans pay for manual and power wheelchairs if certain rules are met. These mobility tools are seen as durable medical equipment (DME). This means they can be covered if a doctor says you need them. The wheelchair must be used inside your home. You also need limited mobility or a qualifying disability. Plus, you must have a doctor’s note proving you need the wheelchair.

Will Medicare Cover My Wheelchair?

Whether you get coverage depends on a few things. If you meet the rules, Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage will help pay for your wheelchair. The type of wheelchair (manual or power), your health condition, and your ability to use it safely at home all matter. Just having Medicare doesn’t mean you’ll get approved. But you can appeal if your claim is denied.

Medicare Part B Requirements for Wheelchair Coverage

Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and DME like wheelchairs. For coverage, your wheelchair must be needed at home. Your doctor and DME supplier must be signed up with Medicare. You also need an in-person exam and a prescription from a healthcare provider.

For a manual wheelchair, the face-to-face visit should happen within 6 months before the prescription. For a power wheelchair, the visit must be within 45 days before the prescription. Also, Medicare covers only one mobility aid at a time.

Types of Wheelchairs Medicare Covers

Medicare pays for different kinds of wheelchairs. The three main types are:

• Manual wheelchairs
• Kraftresstolar
• Power scooters

Your wheelchair comes with a basic setup that fits your needs. If a doctor says it’s necessary, extras like arm rests, batteries, chargers, elevation systems for power chairs, head rests, leg rests, and bigger seats may also be covered.

Medicare Wheelchair Coverage

To get a wheelchair covered by Medicare:
You must have a health issue or injury that limits your movement. You also need to meet these rules:

• You have a hard time moving around your home.
• You can’t do daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom without a wheelchair.
• You can safely get in and out of the wheelchair, or someone can help you.
• Your doctor and wheelchair supplier both accept Medicare.
• Your doctor or supplier has checked your home to make sure you can use a wheelchair or power scooter there.

How to Get a Wheelchair Covered by Medicare

Follow these steps:

1. Meet with Your Healthcare Professional

Your Medicare-enrolled doctor should see you in person to check your condition. If they think it’s needed, they’ll write a prescription.

2. Check Your Plan Details

Medicare Part B pays 80% of your wheelchair’s cost after you meet your deductible, which is $257 in 2025.

3. Get Prior Authorization

For power devices like electric wheelchairs or scooters, you may need approval first.

4. Use an Approved Supplier

Make sure the supplier takes Medicare assignment to avoid extra costs.

Will I Have to Pay Anything Out of Pocket?

Yes. With Medicare Part B, you pay your deductible and then 20% of the leftover costs for a wheelchair. If you have Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare, your share of costs may differ based on your plan.

How Often Can a Medicare Enrollee Get a Wheelchair?

Usually, you can get a Medicare-covered wheelchair every 5 years. But:

• You can get a replacement sooner if it’s lost or too broken to fix.
• Rented wheelchairs under 5 years old can be repaired.
• You’ll get loaner equipment while yours is being fixed.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If Medicare says no to your wheelchair claim, you can appeal. The appeal process is different for Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage. Keep all papers from your doctor and supplier during this process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a wheelchair cost without Medicare?

Without Medicare Part B or Advantage plans covering 80%, manual wheelchairs can cost $100–$500 or more. Power models can cost $1,000–$3,000 or more, depending on features.

Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps?

No. Wheelchairs are covered as DME when needed at home, but ramps are seen as home changes, not DME. So, Original Medicare doesn’t cover them.

What Other Mobility Equipment Will Medicare Pay For?

Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover many DME items, like walkers (with or without wheels), diabetes supplies, and breathing equipment.

How Long Does It Take for Medicare to Approve a Wheelchair for Coverage?

Approval times vary a bit. After a supplier sends your wheelchair claim, it’s usually approved in 10 days or less. CMS reports show an average of 4.4 days in the 2022–2023 fiscal year.

Wheelchairs covered by Medicare are available when you meet the rules. Options like Superpi’s advanced electric models offer modern solutions for today’s user needs.