As we age, walking without some physical support becomes difficult. Walking equipment gives those who have trouble walking on their own a sense of freedom and independence. Walkers and rollators with seats provide even more stability, as you can use them to walk and rest as needed. However, many Medicare beneficiaries wonder if their medical insurance will cover the walking equipment they need. So, does Medicare cover walkers with seats?
To answer this question, we need to look at how Medicare classifies walkers with seats. Then, we will evaluate the cost of renting or buying walkers. Finally, we will help you find ways to save on the cost of walkers with seats.
How Medicare Covers Walkers
Medicare Part B classifies walkers as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). If you have a medical need for a walker, Medicare Part B will cover a portion of the cost. For Medicare to pay for your walker, you will need to have paid your deductible. Once you meet your deductible, Medicare will pay for 80% of the cost of the walker.
Does Medicare Cover Walkers With Seats?
In short, yes, Medicare does cover walkers with seats. Often times, walkers with seats are rollators (they have 1-2 sets of wheels instead of stationary legs). In any case, both walkers and rollators with seats qualify as DME under Medicare Part B.
What are the requirements to get covered?
To get a Medicare-provided walker, you first need to qualify for Medicare Part B. You can learn more about the requirements for Medicare Part A and B on our Medicare 101 Page. Assuming that you are eligible and have enrolled in Medicare Part B, you then must qualify for a walker.
Like any form of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Medicare-approved walkers must be medically necessary. In other words, a doctor must prescribe a walker to you. If you have trouble walking or standing on your own, your doctor will likely prescribe a walker. Once you have the prescription in hand, the Medicare rollator supplier must also accept Medicare. After the supplier has processed the Perscription, Medicare will take over the process.
Agent Tip
You can use the following site to search for a Medicare approved supplier: https://www.medicare.gov/supplierdirectory/search.html
How to Pay with Medicare
As previously stated, you will need to meet your Part B deductibles for the year for Medicare to cover the cost of a walker. If you haven’t met your deductible, you will have to pay for some or all of the walker’s costs. On the other hand, if you have reached your Part B deductible, you will only need to pay 20% of the cost.
The Cost of Walkers
The exact cost of a walker will depend on several factors, including your DME suppliers. Walkers with seats can cost anywhere from $50-$200 or more, with an average cost of $100. So, as long as you’ve paid your Part B deductible, you can expect to pay between $10-$40 for your walker.
These prices assume you need to purchase a walker with a seat. Your doctor may prescribe a walker for temporary use due to surgery or injury. In this situation, you might be able to rent your walker. Medicare Part B will cover the cost, whether you rent or buy. On average, walker rentals cost $10-$20 per week, which means that you could pay as little as $2 per week for your Medicare-approved walker rental.
How a Supplement Plan Can Help
Medicare Supplement Plans (also known as Medigap) help fill in the gaps in standard Medicare coverage (Parts A and B). There are a variety of Medigap plans out there, each with their own advantages for different folks. That said, every Medigap plan covers at least 50% of the Medicare Part B coinsurance for walkers, with most Medigap plans covering 100% of the cost.
Agent Tip
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers 100% of the Part B coinsurance. To You can view rates instantly online here.
Different Options to Pay for Walkers
Rather than sticking with the traditional Medicare Part A and Part B plans, you may wish to supplement your coverage. Supplemental plans can ensure that your insurance meets your specific needs. Medicare Supplement plans offer additional coverage on many different medical costs — from walkers to hearing aids.
However, a Medigap plan is not the only way to save on the cost of a walker. You can also get a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage provides a different way to get your Original Medicare coverage and pay for your walker. Additionally, most Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage. This way, you don’t have to acquire a separate Medicare Part D plan to pay for medications.
Bluewave Insurance works with all the top insurance companies across the country. We offer both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to our clients. We believe there is no “one-size fits all” approach and everyone has different needs.
Conclusion
Does Medicare cover walkers with seats? Yes, but you will need to qualify. A walker must be “medically necessary” for Medicare to cover the cost. Additionally, you will need to pay your Part B deductibles and up to 20% of the walker’s cost. However, if you want to save more on walkers or rollators, you might consider getting a Medicare Supplement plan.
If you have any further questions about Medicare or want to learn more about cost-sharing Medigap options, call us at 800-208-4974 today!