How Do I Get a Mobility Scooter Through Medicare?

If you're considering purchasing a mobility scooter and wondering if health insurance can help you pay for it, then you've come to the right place. Here's how you can successfully obtain a mobility scooter that meets your needs.

Below, I will explain how you can qualify for a mobility scooter through Medicare and the basic steps to apply. By understanding the requirements, you can take advantage of this benefit to improve your mobility and quality of life. Let's learn more about how to get started.

Will Medicare Pay for a Mobility Scooter?

If you do need a mobility scooter to get around your home, and your doctor says it is necessary for your health, then Medicare Part B will cover the scooter. Instead, you will need to meet with your doctor, who will check your mobility issues and decide if a mobility scooter is the right way to help you. They will need to write a prescription for you.

Then, when you're ready to buy a mobility scooter, make sure you're buying it from a provider that works with Medicare so that you can get benefits paid. Typically, Medicare pays 80% of the cost, and you are responsible for the remaining 20% after the deductible. Double-check that doctors and providers are all in the Medicare system to avoid extra costs and to make sure Medicare pays its portion. It's a good idea to talk to a Medicare staff member or check their website for all the details.

Who Is Entitled to a Free Mobility Scooter?

Here are some of the people who can get a free mobility scooter, and you can go ahead and apply for an electric mobility scooter if you have one of the following:

People with Severe Mobility Problems: If you have mobility problems because of a disability, you may be able to get a mobility scooter through a healthcare provider or a charity that helps people with disabilities.

People with Government Health Insurance: If you are on US health insurance (Medicare) and your doctor says you need a mobility scooter, they may cover most of the cost. Unless you get extra help from a charity or other insurance, you may still have to pay some of the cost out of pocket, such as the deductible.

Veterans: If you serve in the military and have mobility issues as a result of your service, the VA may be able to provide you with a mobility scooter as part of your benefits.

Low Income Persons: If you're strapped for cash, you may be eligible for a mobility scooter through a social service agency or non-profit organisation that supports low-income and disabled people.

What Types of Medical Devices Are Covered by Health Insurance?

Health insurance policies generally cover a variety of mobility aids that are considered durable medical equipment (DME), which facilitates helping people with mobility issues. Below are the common types of mobility aids that are included in health insurance plans:

1. Wheelchairs: Both manual and power wheelchairs may be covered if you have limited mobility due to an illness, injury or disability and your doctor prescribes them.

2. Mobility Scooters: If you are unable to use a wheelchair but need help getting around, a motorised 4 wheel scooter is another option that is usually covered. Like a wheelchair, you'll need a prescription, and it must also be necessary for you to carry out your daily activities in your home.

3. Mobility Aids: This includes basic walkers and rollators with wheels and seats. They are usually covered if they are essential to improve your mobility.

4. Walking Sticks and Crutches: These are also usually covered straight away, as long as they are prescribed by a doctor to aid walking or for balance and support.

How Do I Get a Mobility Scooter Through Medicare?

To get an electric mobility scooter through Medicare, you need to make sure that the scooter is medically necessary and then falls under the coverage of the Medicare Part B benefit. Then apply according to the following application steps.

1. Consult Your Health Care Provider

First of all, you need to have a good talk with your doctor or health care provider. Explain your mobility challenges in detail so they have a clear understanding of your day-to-day difficulties. In turn, your healthcare provider will assess your needs in the context of your family and overall health. They'll document everything about you because Medicare needs hard evidence to cover your mobility scooter.

2. Get a Written Prescription

If your doctor agrees that a mobility scooter is important to your daily life, they will write you a medical prescription. It needs to accurately outline your mobility issues, why you need a mobility scooter and how it will help you to manage your daily tasks safely and independently. In addition, the prescription should be detailed, mentioning any specific features the mobility scooter should have to accommodate your condition.

3. Find a Medicare Approved Provider

To receive Medicare cost assistance, you must purchase a mobility scooter from a provider that is enrolled in Medicare. You can find these suppliers on the Medicare website or get a recommendation from your doctor. You'll need to make sure the supplier agrees to accept Medicare's terms (this is called accepting assignment) to avoid additional costs.

4. Submitting Claims to Medicare

Generally, providers will handle submitting claims to Medicare for you. Therefore, you need to make sure that they confirm that they will do so. This is a particularly important step that must be completed correctly so that Medicare covers part of the cost of your mobility scooter. It is also advisable to keep in touch with your provider to make sure that everything goes according to plan and that no problems arise.

5. Coverage and Payment

Once Medicare approves your claim, they will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved cost of the mobility scooter after you meet your annual Part B deductible. You will pay the remaining 20%. It's a good idea to know the total cost up front so you can plan for out-of-pocket expenses.

6. Follow up Regularly

Stay on top of things by checking in with Medicare and your equipment provider regularly to see how your claim is progressing. If there are any delays or issues, getting them resolved as soon as possible will help resolve the problem faster. Also, keep all relevant documents and correspondence handy in case you need to review them later.

I Don't Have Health Insurance. Where Can I Buy It?

If your country is the United States and you don't have health insurance but need a mobility scooter, there are many places you can turn to:

Retail Shops: You can find mobility scooters at medical supply shops or large retailers like Walmart or Target. If you can, it's a good idea to visit these shops in person so you can check out a mobility scooter up close and even take it for a test drive to see how it feels.

Online Stores: Websites such as Amazon, eBay or specialized online medical equipment stores such as the Paissec website are also good options. They all offer a variety of scooters, such as scooters for elderly and foldable mobility scooters. They come with user reviews and detailed descriptions to help you make an informed decision. Be sure to understand the return policy and warranty details before buying.

Used Options: If you want to save some money, consider a used mobility scooter. Check your local classifieds, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace for used deals. You may find a mobility scooter in good condition for a fraction of the price of a new one. 

Conclusion

If you want to purchase an electric scooter through Medicare, please confirm its medical necessity with your doctor first, who must prescribe it. Medicare will pay 80% after deducting the deductible, and the rest is handled by you.

Therefore, please proactively follow up with Medicare and your provider to ensure that your claim is processed smoothly. Note that if you do not have insurance, you can purchase an electric scooter in retail stores, online, or even second-hand stores and online websites, such as the Paiseec website. In addition, we at Paiseec are actively applying to join Medicare. For more information, you can pay attention to our official website.

Related reading: How to Choose a Mobility Scooter？