Does Medicare cover walkers and canes?

Medicare has rules for covering mobility aids like walkers and canes. To be medically necessary, your doctor must confirm that:

• You have limited mobility that affects daily living activities like getting to the bathroom, getting out of bed and moving around your home. 
• You can safely use a walker or cane.

Your doctor also needs to write a prescription to prove medical necessity. The prescription will list your medical condition, the type of walker or cane you need and how long you need to use it. The walker or cane must be bought from a Medicare-approved DME supplier for the claim to be accepted.

Different parts of Medicare handle DME costs differently. Here's a breakdown.

Coverage for walkers and canes with Medicare Part B

Part B will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved cost if your doctor and supplier accept Medicare. Funciona de esta manera:

1. You must meet your annual Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
2. Once your deductible is met, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost.
3. Usted paga el 20% restante del costo.

Coverage for walkers and canes with Medicare Advantage  

Planes de Medicare Advantage (Parte C) must provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare. This means your Medicare Advantage plan will cover walkers and canes if they're medically necessary.

However, most Medicare Advantage plans have their own network of doctors and medical equipment suppliers. Always check your plan's Evidence of Coverage document to see your exact costs and network options.

Coverage for walkers and canes with Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap)

Seguro complementario de Medicare , also known as Medigap, helps pay out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn't pay. Depending on your Medigap plan, you may have little to no out-of-pocket cost after meeting your Part B deductible.

What types of walkers and canes will Medicare cover?

Here are the types of walkers and canes Medicare typically covers:

• Standard walkers: basic, lightweight aluminum frame with 4 rubber-tipped legs. 
• Two-wheeled walkers: standard walkers but with wheels on the 2 front legs. 
• Rollators (4-wheeled walkers): standard walkers with 4 wheels, handlebars with brakes and usually a built-in seat. 
• Standard single-point canes: lightweight material, a curved handle and a single rubber tip at the bottom. 
• Quad canes: same as a standard cane but with 4 small feet at the bottom.  

Conozca más sobre Medicare

Para obtener más información sobre los costos, la cobertura y los tipos de planes de Medicare, eche un vistazo a nuestra biblioteca de artículos sobre Medicare . Para ver planes de Medicare en su área con sus primas, copagos y médicos y farmacias participantes, visite nuestra página de planes de Humana Medicare .