For seniors or people with mobility challenges, a mobility scooter can be life-changing. These motorized devices help users move around more easily at home and in the community. If walking long distances is difficult or unsafe, a scooter may offer the freedom to stay independent. And with the right steps, Medicare could cover most of the cost.

What Is a Mobility Scooter and Who Needs One?

A mobility scooter is a powered device with a seat, handlebars, and wheels, designed for individuals who have trouble walking. Unlike manual wheelchairs, scooters don’t require upper body strength to operate, making them ideal for those with limited arm or leg strength.

Common conditions that may qualify someone for a scooter include:

• Arthritis
  
  
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  
  
• Stroke recovery
  
  
• Heart disease
  
  
• Severe balance or walking issues
  
  

Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters?

Yes—Medicare Part B covers mobility scooters as durable medical equipment (DME) if certain medical and eligibility requirements are met. Both your doctor and the equipment supplier must be enrolled in Medicare.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Medicare-covered scooter, these criteria must usually be met:

1. A Medical Evaluation:
   Your doctor must document that a scooter is medically necessary for use in your home.
   
   
2. Limited Mobility:
   You must have serious difficulty moving around your house, even with a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair.
   
   
3. Ability to Use the Scooter Safely:
   You need to be able to operate the scooter or have someone available to assist.
   
   
4. Home Use Requirement:
   Medicare only covers scooters needed for use inside the home—not primarily for outdoor transportation.

How To Get a Scooter Through Medicare

Here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Visit Your Doctor:
   Explain your mobility challenges. If they determine a scooter is medically necessary, they’ll write an order or prescription.
   
   
2. Choose a Medicare-Approved Supplier:
   Make sure the supplier accepts Medicare assignment. This limits how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
   
   
3. Submit the Documentation:
   The supplier will work with your doctor to submit the necessary paperwork to Medicare.
   
   
4. Medicare Review and Approval:
   If approved, Medicare will cover the scooter, either as a rental or purchase depending on your situation.
   
   
5. Receive Your Scooter:
   Once approved, you’ll get the scooter delivered to your home.
   
   

How Much Does Medicare Pay?

Medicare Part B typically pays 80% of the approved cost of the scooter after you meet your yearly deductible. You’re responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have additional coverage, like a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) or Medicaid.

Example: If a scooter costs $1,200 and Medicare approves that amount, Medicare pays $960, and you would pay $240.

Tips for Reducing Your Costs

• Use a supplier that accepts Medicare assignment to avoid unexpected charges.
  
  
• Check if you have secondary coverage, like Medicaid or Medigap, to cover your 20% share.
  
  
• Ask about rental options—in some cases, renting may be cheaper than buying.
  
  

Why a Mobility Scooter Matters

Losing mobility doesn’t have to mean losing independence. A scooter can help you grocery shop, visit friends, or simply get from room to room with less pain or fatigue. For many, it’s the difference between isolation and freedom.

Final Thoughts

If walking has become difficult or painful and it’s affecting your quality of life, a mobility scooter may be the solution—and Medicare can help pay for it. The key is to start by talking to your doctor and making sure you go through an approved supplier. With the right steps, increased mobility and independence could be closer than you think.