Does medicare cover electric wheelchairs?

Yes — Medicare can cover electric (power) wheelchairs or mobility scooters under certain conditions. Coverage depends on your medical need, a doctor’s prescription, and approval according to Medicare’s guidelines.

When Medicare Covers an Electric Wheelchair

• Coverage is provided under the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, usually part of Medicare Part B. 

• You need a written order/prescription from a doctor stating that a power wheelchair is medically necessary because of a condition that severely limits mobility. 

• A face-to-face medical evaluation must take place shortly before the prescription. This ensures the need and suitability for a power wheelchair. 

• The wheelchair (or scooter) must be obtained from a Medicare-approved supplier who accepts assignment. 

• The doctor must certify that a manual wheelchair, walker, or cane are not sufficient and that you are safely able to operate a power wheelchair (or have help if needed). 

What Medicare Covers — Purchase or Rental & Cost Share

• Medicare may cover either rental or purchase of the power wheelchair, depending on what’s medically appropriate. 

• After you meet the Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost or rental fee; you pay the remaining 20% coinsurance (unless you have supplemental insurance). 

• If rented, in many cases after a certain rental period the wheelchair becomes yours. 

When Medicare May Not Cover the Electric Wheelchair

Medicare will not cover the wheelchair if:

• Your mobility needs do not meet the criteria (e.g. you can still use a walker, cane or manual wheelchair) 

• The wheelchair is intended primarily for outdoor use or leisure rather than for in-home mobility needs. 

• The supplier is not enrolled with Medicare or does not accept assignment — then Medicare won’t pay directly and reimbursement may fail. 

What to Do to Get an Electric Wheelchair Covered by Medicare

1. Visit a doctor who accepts Medicare — schedule a face-to-face evaluation of your mobility needs.

2. Ask for a written prescription / order for a power wheelchair or scooter, explaining medical necessity.

3. Find a DME supplier enrolled with Medicare and who accepts assignment.

4. Let the supplier submit prior authorization request to Medicare (if required) on your behalf.

5. After approval and costs, pay your portion (deductible + 20% coinsurance).

6. Use the wheelchair primarily inside your home (or per limitations defined in the prescription).

FAQ — Electric Wheelchair & Medicare

Does Medicare cover electric wheelchairs for seniors with mobility issues?
Yes — if a doctor certifies that a power wheelchair is medically necessary and requirements are met.

Will I pay the full cost?
No — after the Part B deductible, you generally pay only 20% of the Medicare-approved amount; Medicare covers the rest.

Do I need prior authorization or special approval?
Yes — for certain power wheelchairs and depending on supplier, prior authorization may be required.

Can I use a mobility scooter instead of a wheelchair and still get coverage?
Yes — power-operated scooters (mobility scooters) are also covered under similar criteria if medically necessary. 

What if I’m enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must cover at least everything Original Medicare covers — so coverage for electric wheelchairs should still apply, but check with your plan. 

Summary for Featured Snippet

Medicare can cover electric wheelchairs under Part B if a doctor deems them medically necessary, you get a valid prescription, and obtain the wheelchair from an approved supplier. Medicare typically pays 80% after deductible; you pay 20%. Coverage depends on medical necessity, supplier eligibility, and correct documentation.

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