Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs and Scooters?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and power scooters as durable medical equipment (DME) when a doctor decides they are medically necessary for use in your home and writes an order for one. After you meet the 2026 Part B deductible of $283, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and Medicare pays the other 80%, as long as both your doctor and the equipment supplier are enrolled in Medicare. Some power wheelchairs and all scooters require prior authorization before Medicare will pay.
What wheelchairs and scooters does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers wheelchairs and scooters as durable medical equipment, often shortened to DME. DME is equipment that serves a medical purpose, can withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in your home.
Medicare may cover three main types of mobility equipment, depending on your needs and what your doctor orders. A scooter is sometimes the right choice for someone who cannot safely operate a manual wheelchair but can sit upright and steer a power-operated vehicle.
- Manual wheelchairs, which you or a helper move by hand
- Power scooters, formally called power-operated vehicles (POVs)
- Power wheelchairs, which are battery-operated and controlled by a joystick or other device
Who qualifies and what documents are required?
Medicare only covers a wheelchair or scooter when you have limited mobility and meet all of the conditions below. The equipment must be needed for use inside your home, not only for getting around outside.
- You have a health condition that causes significant difficulty moving around in your home.
- You cannot do daily activities such as bathing, dressing, getting in or out of a bed or chair, or using the bathroom, even with the help of a cane, crutch, or walker.
- You can safely operate and get on and off the wheelchair or scooter, or you have someone with you who is always available to help you use it safely.
- Before Medicare covers a power wheelchair or scooter, you must have a face-to-face examination and a written prescription or order from your treating provider.
- Both your prescribing doctor and the DME supplier must be enrolled in Medicare for the equipment to be covered.
How much does a Medicare wheelchair cost in 2026?
Wheelchairs and scooters fall under Part B, so the standard Part B cost-sharing rules apply. You must have active Part B coverage, which carries a standard monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026.
After you meet the annual Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and Medicare pays 80%. The Part B deductible applies before Medicare pays its share, whether you rent or buy the equipment.
If your supplier accepts assignment, it can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible based on the Medicare-approved amount. Non-participating suppliers in areas that are not part of the competitive bidding program may charge more.
- 2026 Part B standard monthly premium: $202.90
- 2026 Part B annual deductible: $283
- Your share after the deductible: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount
- Medicare's share: 80% of the Medicare-approved amount
Do you rent or buy, and do you eventually own it?
Whether you rent, buy, or get to choose depends on the type of equipment. For some items you rent, for some you buy, and for others you may pick either option. With certain rented items, the equipment becomes your property after a set number of rental payments.
Standard wheelchairs are treated as capped-rental DME. Medicare pays rent for no more than 13 months of continuous use, and after that, ownership transfers to you. Complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs are handled differently and may be purchased in the first month of use instead of being capped-rented.
Suppliers, assignment, and Medicare Advantage
Wheelchairs, scooters, and accessories are part of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. In a competitive bidding area, contract suppliers must accept assignment and Medicare pays a single set payment amount. Choosing a supplier that accepts assignment protects you from being billed more than the coinsurance and deductible.
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, it must cover the same wheelchair and DME benefits as Original Medicare. However, Advantage plans may use their own supplier networks and prior-authorization rules, and costs can vary. Contact your plan directly before getting equipment, and confirm details in your plan's coverage documents.
Frequently asked questions
Will Medicare cover a wheelchair I only need outside the home?
No. To be covered as durable medical equipment, the wheelchair or scooter must be medically necessary for use inside your home. A device needed only for getting around outside the home does not meet Medicare's coverage requirement.
Does my supplier have to accept Medicare assignment?
In competitive bidding areas, contract suppliers must accept assignment. Elsewhere, suppliers are not all required to, so it is important to confirm. When a supplier accepts assignment, it can charge you only the 20% coinsurance and the Part B deductible on the Medicare-approved amount.
How long does prior authorization for a power wheelchair take?
The DME Medicare Administrative Contractor aims to decide within 10 business days for an initial submission and within 20 business days for a resubmission. Your supplier usually handles the paperwork.
Does the Part B deductible apply to a wheelchair?
Yes. You must meet the 2026 Part B annual deductible of $283 before Medicare pays its 80% share. After the deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
What happens if Medicare denies my wheelchair claim?
A power wheelchair prior authorization can be denied if Medicare finds it is not medically required or did not get enough information. You can resubmit with additional documentation, and you have the right to appeal any Medicare coverage decision.
Does Medicare Advantage cover wheelchairs the same as Original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same DME benefits as Original Medicare, but they may use their own networks and prior-authorization rules, and your costs can differ. Contact your plan directly and review your coverage documents before getting equipment.
Sources
Related guides
Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.