Will Medicare Cover Mobility Scooter?(Explained)

You’re not alone if getting around at home is becoming difficult for you or a loved one. At least 24 percent of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and above have required and utilized a mobility device, such as a scooter. 

But what if some people with limited mobility cannot afford to buy mobility scooters? Is there a chance that Medicare can assist them in purchasing this vehicle? This article will explore the existing policies and regulations about this matter. 

Yes, Medicare can cover an individual’s expenses when purchasing a mobility scooter. But Medicare will only approve a person’s application if he can prove that it’s for medical use. People who plan to use a scooter for recreational use will not receive any approval from Medicare. 

But where should a person start when he wants to apply for this type of privilege? Let’s take a closer at this beautiful offering that can change people’s lives with limited mobilities. What types of Medicare cover mobility-scooter?

Medicare Has Five Parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D, And Medigap.

• Medicare Part A is included in the original Medicare. It helps pay for hospital services, hospice care, nursing home care, and home health care services.
• Medicare Part B is included in the original Medicare. It covers medically necessary services and supplies, including preventive care.
• Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. It is a plan that you can buy from private insurers. It covers everything Parts A and B do, but it also typically includes additional coverage for prescription drugs, dental, hearing, and vision. The cost and what each Part C plan covers varies.
• Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Many different private insurance companies offer plans. Plans have a list of covered medications, which is called a formulary. This list tells you how much each medication costs.
• Medigap is supplemental insurance that private companies sell. Medigap helps pay for some of the costs not paid for by Medicare Part A and B, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Medicare Part B covers scooters

Medicare Part B will help pay for a power mobility device (PMD), like a scooter, for people who need it. The Part B deductible must be paid first, and then Medicare will cover 80% of the approved cost of the PMD.

Medicare Part C provides coverage for scooters

Medicare Part C plans can also help you pay for DME, including motorized wheelchairs. How much coverage you get for a device can vary depending on your plan. Some plans offer significant discounts, but others do not. It is essential to check your plan to see what you can expect to pay out of pocket for

Medigap insurance may help pay for the cost if you need a scooter for medical reasons

Some Medigap plans help pay for the costs of Medicare Part B, like your deductible. But each plan is different, so you’ll want to check this first. To have your scooter covered by Medicare, you must get it from a supplier approved by Medicare, who agrees to charge you the set price for the scooter. 

Can I get help to pay for a scooter?

To be eligible for Medicare to help pay for your scooter, you must be enrolled in original Medicare and meet specific requirements. If you only need a scooter for activities outside the home, Medicare will not help pay for it.

Getting a scooter prescription is easy

Medicare requires a meeting with your doctor. Make sure your doctor accepts Medicare. At the meeting, your doctor will evaluate your medical condition and prescribe a DME for you, like a scooter. If needed, your doctor will write a prescription called a seven-element order. 

The following are the standards you must fulfill

If you have limited mobility and meet all of the following criteria, a scooter can be medically necessary for use in your home.

• You have a health condition that makes moving around in your home challenging.
• You cannot do your everyday activities like using the bathroom, taking a bath, or dressing, even if you use a walker, cane, or crutches.
• You can safely operate a device that is moving. You must be strong enough to sit up and use the controls.
• You can safely get on and off the scooter if you follow these instructions: have someone with you who can assist you and ensure your safety is always a top priority.
• Your home can accommodate scooter use, including fitting a scooter in the bathroom, through the doors, and in the hallways.

It would be best if you went to a supplier who accepts Medicare. You will have to send an order for seven items within 45 days of your doctor’s visit.

The expense and reimbursement

Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost to rent or buy a scooter after you pay your Part B deductible of $198 in 2020, The remaining 20 percent is your responsibility, but some Part C or Medigap plans may cover it. To keep the costs of your scooter down, you should use a Medicare-approved supplier who accepts assignments. 

Medicare-approved suppliers will send the bill for your scooter directly to Medicare. However, you may have to pay the entire cost of the scooter upfront and wait for Medicare to reimburse you for 80 percent of the cost.

If you decide to rent a scooter, Medicare will make monthly payments on your behalf for as long as the scooter is needed. The supplier should come to your home to pick up the scooter after the rental period. 

Where Do I Purchase A Scooter?

Here are some steps to help you get your scooter covered and into your home:

1. You can apply for and enroll in Original Medicare (parts A and B).
2. Contact a doctor Medicare approves to see if you qualify for a scooter.
3. You will need to have your doctor send a letter to Medicare confirming your eligibility and need for a scooter.
4. There are different types of scooters. You need to decide which one you want and if you’re going to rent or buy it.
5. You can find a Medicare-approved DME supplier who accepts assignments here.
6. If you can’t afford the cost of a scooter, call your local Medicare or Medicaid office to see if you are eligible for a program that will help pay for it.

Mobility Scooter Recommendation 

Conclusion 

Fortunately, Medicare supports individuals’ need to purchase much-needed medical equipment like a mobility scooter. More people with mobility limitations can have an everyday life and regain much of their mobility through this support. 

Citation 

Medicare Coverage for Mobility Scooters 

Will Medicare Pay for a Mobility Scooter? 

How to Get a Mobility Scooter Covered by Medicare