Walkers can be a safe mobility aid for seniors or others with difficulty walking due to injury, decreased mobility, or certain medical conditions. When appropriately used, walkers can reduce the risk of falls and injury. Seniors may wonder if Medicare covers walkers, and it does if you meet specific requirements. Let’s explore the types of walkers and how Medicare financially assists its members.
Understanding Medicare coverage for walkers
Medicare is a health insurance program the federal government offers for people over 65 or individuals with specific disabilities. It has four main parts: Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME), medically necessary equipment such as walkers designed for individuals to use at home.
Walkers are considered medical equipment. Insurance companies call these medical supplies “Durable Medical Equipment,” or DME. DME is covered under Original Medicare Part B. As a beneficiary, you are responsible for paying the Part B deductible of $240 in 2024. Once your deductible is met, Medicare will pay 80% of the approved cost of a walker. You are responsible for the other 20%.
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Medicare requirements for walker coverage
Medicare Part B will cover your walker if your healthcare provider deems it medically necessary. A prescription is required, and you should ensure that your doctor and DME supplier are enrolled in Medicare. Additionally, Medicare may request documentation from your provider detailing your need for the DME. Your supplier can work with your doctor to submit all the necessary documentation to Medicare. Verify this information before you obtain the walker. Medicare will help pay for your walker if you meet the following criteria:
- You must have a Medicare-approved doctor confirm your condition and provide documentation stating that a walker is necessary to help you complete daily activities.
- A physician must prescribe the appropriate type of walker.
- You must obtain your walker from a medical equipment company that accepts Medicare.
Types of walkers covered by Medicare
There are several walkers on the market, including rollators, upright walkers, and standard walkers, which Medicare covers if you require one in your home for mobility purposes. Each has its pros and cons. Your doctor will recommend a model best suited for your diagnosis and situation. When recommending a safe walker, your healthcare provider considers diagnosis, muscle strength, weight-bearing status, coordination, and cognitive functioning.
Medicare will not approve a walker for outside activities or occasional use. Some people may benefit from having two types of walkers. For example, with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis, people have good and bad days. A rollator or upright walker may provide enough support on good days, while a standard walker can offer more stability and safety on bad days.
Rollator walkers
Rollator walkers are commonly called four-wheeled or wheeled walkers. Most rollators have four wheels, but some have three. These walkers have handlebar breaking systems, similar to a bicycle. Wheels come in small and larger sizes. Larger wheels enable users to navigate terrain changes like walking from carpet to tile or hardwood floors or over sidewalk cracks. Rollator walkers come with a padded seat that also hides a handy basket for transporting objects.
This type of walker is pushed in front of you. They are best suited for people with minimal mobility difficulties who require some help with balance and stability. The seat provides a place to rest if you have decreased strength or pain in your legs and feet. These are a good choice for people who fatigue easily.
Upright walkers
Upright walkers have four wheels and a similar braking system to rollators. Seats on an upright walker are slightly larger, making them popular among seniors who need extra seat space. They also come with either a basket or bag to carry objects.
Upright walkers are taller and beneficial for posture because your forearms rest in the device. People with arthritis, hand-wrist weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurological deficits often do well with upright walkers. Upright walkers allow weight to be distributed through larger muscle groups, taking some burden off the legs.
Standard walkers
Lightweight and compact, standard walkers can come with four stationary posts or two small wheels in the front. Walkers with two front wheels are called front-wheeled walkers. Standard walkers provide mobility support, but you must lift the walker with your hands and put it back down while moving. Because of this lifting feature, they are unsuitable for ambulating longer distances. However, they provide a safe and stable option in the home, preventing you from falling forward and improving your balance.
Typically, standard walkers fit easily through doorways, have a tighter turning radius in small spaces, and can be used as a transfer aid. They do not have a seat, and your body is positioned within the frame. Much of the work is done through your upper body. Standard walkers are well suited for those with limited weight-bearing in their lower extremities, pain, surgery, general weakness, or balance issues.
As mentioned earlier, there are pros and cons to each type of walker. Review the table below for more information.
| Walker type | Pros | Cons |
| Rollator | easy to maneuver, generally has a seat for resting | Does not easily fold; Not as stable as a two-wheel walker, and is not suitable for weight-bearing |
| Standard | Can improve posture which may reduce joint and back pain; increased stability compared to a standard walker | May tip forward and cause a fall if the walker hits a bump (this can occur If the base support is insufficient) |
| Upright walker | Most stable walker, easily folds | Requires lifting with each step and provides a less natural gait |
Costs of walkers with Medicare
The exact cost of your walker depends on several factors. Standard walkers are the least expensive, and you can expect to pay more for upright walkers and rollators. Variations in models, construction, quality, and features will affect the price. Whether renting for the short term or buying the equipment for the long term, you must go through a Medicare-approved company. The table below estimates what you may pay for common types of walkers.
| Type of walker | Out-of-pocket cost | Cost with Medicare* |
| Rollator | Up to $100 | $20 |
| Standard | Up to $100 | $20 |
| Upright walker | Up to $200 | $40 |
*This is an example of what the cost would be if you have met your deductible, and the cost of the walker was approved by Medicare.
How often will Medicare pay for a walker?
Typically, Medicare will provide walker coverage every five years. If your walker needs replacement parts or repairs before five years, Medicare will usually cover these expenses if you use an approved supplier to service your walker. If the repairs cost more than a new walker, Medicare may decide it is cheaper to get a new walker before the five years are up. Medicare generally covers lost or stolen walkers or those damaged beyond repair.
If your mobility needs are short-term, Medicare may insist on a rental. Likewise, Medicare can direct you to buy equipment for long-term needs. Still, in other situations, Medicare may give you the choice to buy or rent your DME.
Where to buy or rent a Medicare-covered walker
Once you have a prescription, you must obtain your walker from a company approved by Medicare. For an upright walker, you may have to pay the total cost upfront and receive reimbursement by Medicare later. To avoid financial surprises, clarify these details with your provider and Medicare representative.
Not all DME companies accept Medicare payments at the total price, meaning they could charge you more than what Medicare is contracted to pay them. Companies are not always forthcoming with this information, and insurance companies may expect members to educate themselves about their responsibilities. Many people do not know what to ask until they get a bill; by then, it is too late. Always ask if the approved DME company accepts the Medicare assignment as full payment so you do not incur an extra out-of-pocket cost. You can search for DME companies on Medicare.gov.
Choosing the right walker: a seniors' guide
Various factors determine the right walker for you. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best walker for you. Generally, the below recommendations are followed when selecting the most appropriate device.
This algorithm for walker selection was adapted from the review article "Mobility Assistive Device Use in Older Adults." Citation: Sehgal M, Jacobs J, Biggs WS. Mobility Assistive Device Use in Older Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Jun 15;103(12):737-744.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting a walker through Medicare
The first step to ensure that Medicare covers your walker is to ensure that you have a prescription from a provider enrolled in Medicare and that the provider has determined it to be medically necessary for you to complete your activities of daily living. Additionally, consider contacting your supplier to ensure they are enrolled in Medicare and will accept the payment from Medicare for your walker. This will ensure that you will be appropriately charged your coinsurance and Part B deductible if applicable.
Can I get a walker for free?
You cannot get a free walker from Medicare. Additionally, you need to meet all of Medicare’s criteria before they will authorize this service. If your provider recommends a walker, but you cannot meet your payment responsibilities, there are community organizations to help seniors access equipment. Talk with your doctor's office, as they often have lists of community resources. Along with churches, synagogues, mosques, and community organizations, some companies offer refurbished medical equipment to the public. Frequently, the equipment is donated, and these savings are passed on to the consumer through low- to no-cost pricing of medical supplies.
If you obtain previously used or refurbished walkers, they should be fully functioning. The last thing you want is to suffer a debilitating injury from defective or old, unsafe equipment.
Walkers can support people who need help with balance or lower limb weakness. Most walkers have four legs with adjustable heights. Deciphering your health insurance coverage can be challenging when facing a health concern. By familiarizing yourself with your policies, you can maximize your insurance benefits.
Additional resources
As people age, they tend to develop chronic health conditions. This may cause an individual to rely on a mobility assistive device such as a walker to decrease mobility limitations. If you need a scooter due to an injury or surgery on your leg, Medicare Part B will not cover it. However, you may be eligible for this benefit if you have Medicare Advantage or a dual plan with Medicaid. You will need to clarify the details with your insurance representative.
Medicare covers canes when you follow the same process required for all Part B durable medical equipment requests. Your doctor must provide supporting medical records indicating you need a standard, offset, or quad cane. You will need a valid prescription. When you follow the same rules and use Medicare-approved providers and vendors, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost after you meet your Part B deductible. For more information on walkers and mobility aids, you can visit Medicare.gov.
FAQ
Can Medicare deny coverage for a walker?
Yes, Medicare may deny your coverage if you do not meet the criteria for a walker or if you do not obtain a walker from a Medicare-approved supplier. Additionally, Medicare does not cover powered walkers or meet the definition of durable medical equipment by Medicare standards.
What should I do if my claim is denied?
If you feel that your insurance plan should cover your walker, you can file an appeal. You can write a letter to your insurance company explaining why the equipment is needed. Before filing your appeal, you may ask your provider for additional information to substantiate your appeal.
Is a prescription needed every time for a new walker?
A prescription is required initially if you want your walker to be covered by Medicare. If your walker needs repair or is lost or stolen, a new prescription may not be needed. A prescription is not generally needed to purchase a walker directly from a supplier without using insurance.
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Medicare provides coverage for walkers when seniors meet certain criteria. Know your plan's benefits to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
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For 2024, Medicare Part B covers standard, rollator, and upright walkers at 80% after you meet your $240 deductible. Your costs may differ if you have additional insurance plans such as Medigap or Medicare Advantage.
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When prescribing a safe walker, doctors consider your diagnosis, muscle strength, mobility needs, and other medical conditions.
7 resources
- Medicare. Walkers for seniors coverage.
- Medicare. Walking cane coverage.
- Medicare. Search for medical equipment and suppliers.
- American Family Physician. Mobility assistive device use in older adults.
- CMS. Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage.
- CMS. Walkers.
- American Family Physician. Upright walkers as mobility assistive devices for older adults.
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