Original Medicare does cover a walker in many cases. Medicare considers a walker as durable medical equipment, and so Part B enrollees can get coverage – if it is medically necessary. Medicare will pay 80% of the cost, and you will pay the remaining 20%.

This percentage distribution will remain the same, regardless of whether you rent the walker or purchase it. 

However, if you are a Medicare Advantage (or Part C) enrollee, the amount covered will depend on your chosen plan. Please contact your plan provider to know how much coverage you will receive. 

What is Medicare-qualifying diagnosis for walker?

Medicare will cover a walker only if it is important to treat a health condition. It can be anything from temporary knee pain to permanent neurological disorder.  Note that the nature of your health condition won’t be checked by Medicare. They will only check whether your doctor thinks a walker is required to make you feel better. And so, you must have a professional’s prescription. 

If you don’t have a prescription, Medicare will assume that it’s just your personal choice to use a walker. This will make you ineligible for walker coverage. 

Medicare Walker Coverage Requirements:

• The walker is medically necessary;
• You have a doctor’s prescription; 
• The walker supplier accepts Medicare assignments.

Is upright walker covered by Medicare?

Yes, an upright walker is covered by Medicare. It is designed to have higher handles with forearm rests. This prevents you from hunching over and keeps your posture straight. The frame also has 4 wheels and a seat to make movement easy over longer distances.

Here’s what an upright walker looks like:

Source

Please note that UPWalker is the most famous brand of upright walkers. However, it does not accept Medicare coverage. You need to purchase the upright walker from a brand that allows Medicare to pay the cost.  

Medicare Coverage of a U Step walker

U Step is a company that manufactures upright walkers and canes for people with neurological disorders. If you have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or any other neurological condition that causes postural instability, you should try U Step Walker. 

The best part? It’s the only neurological walker to receive Medicare coverage!

However, similar to other walkers, it is covered under Part B. If you have Part C (Medicare Advantage plan), you need to contact the service provider to ensure U Step is included in the plan.

Medicare criteria for rollator walker

A traditional walker has no wheels, whereas the new rollator walker has 3 to 4 wheels. This makes it easy for seniors to move the walker in all directions. There’s no need to pick it up after every few seconds – just roll!

Since a rollator is also considered durable medical equipment, Medicare Part B offers coverage for it. However, it should be medically necessary, and you should have a prescription from your doctor.

How often will Medicare pay for a walker?

Medicare will pay for a walker every 5 years. During this time, you will receive coverage for any repair that is essential to make your usage experience better. If your walker is lost, stolen, or completely broken, Medicare may also cover the cost of another one.

Where can I get a walker covered by Medicare?

To learn how to get a walker through Medicare, follow these steps:

1. Begin by consulting your healthcare provider. They will assess your mobility needs and determine if a walker is medically necessary for you.
2. Once your healthcare provider deems a walker necessary, they will write a prescription for it. Make sure to ask for a “Medicare-approved walker” in the prescription.
3. The next step is to locate a walker supplier that accepts Medicare assignments. You can can search for a supplier in your zip code here: https://www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers/ or by contacting Medicare directly.
4. Reach out to the selected supplier and provide them with your prescription. They will guide you through the process of obtaining your walker through Medicare.

Remember, it’s important to work with a Medicare-approved walker supplier. If the supplier doesn’t accept Medicare assignments, you won’t get any coverage.