Will Medicare Pay for a Mobility Scooter?
As we age, getting around becomes progressively more difficult. It may be a slow, incremental process of declining mobility, or it could be the result of an injury or illness, but sooner or later nearly every senior will need to rely on a mobility device of some sort to get quickly and safely from point A to point B. For millions, that device is an electric scooter.
If you think this is the right option for you, you’ve undoubtedly wondered how much these devices cost and how you will pay for it. Depending on the model, mobility scooters range in price from $600 to $2,000. While the cost may give you pause, especially if you’re on a fixed income, you may only have to pay a fraction of the full price. That’s because these devices, like walkers and wheelchairs, are considered durable medical equipment (DME), and as such may be covered by Medicare Part B.
How to Qualify
If you’re 65 or older, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician or specialists to obtain written confirmation that a mobility scooter is, for you, a medical necessity. To qualify, you must:
- Have a health condition that significantly impairs your ability to move around your house
- Be unable to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom even when using standing mobility aids such as a cane or walker
- Be able to safely operate your scooter, including getting on and off it, either on your own or with the help of another
- Be able to navigate within your home on your scooter
Once you’ve obtained your prescription, you’ll then need to determine if your scooter manufacturer is not only a qualified DME provider, but is also willing to work with your insurance provider to come to an agreement about costs. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, your provider can offer more information about which manufacturers they partner with and the cost of their scooters.
Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Once all of these conditions are met, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost after you pay your Part B deductible for the year. Medicare will pay for the rest.
If you’re a homeowner living in the Upper Peninsula and would like to learn more about mobility scooters or any other aging-in-place product, the company to turn to is the Barrier Free Store. We’re a local company headquartered in Marquette, Michigan. Reach out to us today and schedule a complimentary home assessment with one of our specialists, who will be happy to answer all your questions.
