What mobility equipment is and where to get it

Mobility equipment includes walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches, scooters, and grab bars—devices that help you move around safely when injury, illness, or age makes walking difficult. Where you get it depends on whether you need it temporarily (after surgery) or long-term, and whether insurance will cover the cost.

Your doctor or physical therapist usually prescribes mobility equipment, and that prescription is the first step toward getting it paid for. Without one, you can still buy equipment yourself at medical supply stores or online retailers, but insurance won't cover it. The prescription also matters because different types of equipment need different fitting—a wheelchair that doesn't fit your body or home can cause injury or go unused.

The main routes are: insurance coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance), buying it out of pocket, renting short-term, or getting it through community programs. Each has different costs, timelines, and what paperwork you'll need.

Key Takeaways

  • A prescription from your doctor or physical therapist is required for insurance to cover mobility equipment, and it also ensures the equipment is fitted correctly for your body and home.
  • Medicare covers some mobility equipment at 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your deductible, but only through suppliers it has enrolled.
  • Medicaid coverage varies by state—some states cover more equipment types than others, and some require prior approval before you purchase.
  • Renting equipment for short-term use (after surgery or during recovery) is often cheaper than buying and is available through medical supply companies and some hospitals.
  • Community programs, senior centers, and nonprofits sometimes loan or donate used equipment at no cost, though availability depends on your location.

How Medicare covers mobility equipment

Medicare Part B covers certain mobility equipment if your doctor prescribes it as medically necessary. The equipment must be ordered through a Medicare-enrolled supplier—not just any medical supply store. You can find enrolled suppliers on Medicare.gov by searching your zip code, or you can ask your doctor's office which suppliers they work with.

Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you've met your Part B deductible (which changes yearly). You pay the remaining 20 percent. The approved amount is set by Medicare, not by the supplier's price tag, so a supplier charging $2,000 for a wheelchair might have an approved amount of $1,200—you'd pay 20 percent of $1,200, not $2,000.

Equipment Medicare typically covers includes standard wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and grab bars. It does not cover scooters or power wheelchairs unless your doctor documents that you cannot use a manual wheelchair due to a medical condition. The process usually takes two to four weeks from prescription to delivery.

What Medicaid covers and how it varies by state

Medicaid covers mobility equipment in all states, but the specific items covered and the approval process differ. Some states cover power wheelchairs and scooters more readily than others; some require prior approval before you buy; and some have rental-only policies for temporary equipment.

To find out what your state's Medicaid program covers, contact your state Medicaid office or ask your doctor's office—they often know the local rules. You'll need a prescription, and you may need to use a Medicaid-enrolled supplier, similar to Medicare. Approval timelines vary from one week to several weeks depending on whether prior approval is required.

If you're on both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicare is the primary payer, and Medicaid covers costs Medicare doesn't. This can reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly.

Private insurance and out-of-pocket costs

Private insurance plans vary widely in what they cover. Some cover mobility equipment at the same rate as Medicare (80 percent after deductible); others cover less or require you to try a lower-cost option first. Check your plan's coverage details or call the number on your insurance card and ask specifically about the equipment your doctor prescribed.

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover the equipment, you can buy it out of pocket. Prices range widely: a basic walker costs $30 to $100, a manual wheelchair $500 to $2,000, and a power wheelchair or scooter $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Medical supply stores, online retailers like Amazon, and big-box stores like Walmart all sell mobility equipment.

Before buying, consider whether you need it long-term or short-term. For temporary use after surgery or injury, renting is usually cheaper.

Renting equipment for short-term recovery

If you need mobility equipment for a few weeks or months—after surgery, during physical therapy, or while recovering from an injury—renting is often the most affordable option. Rental costs are typically $20 to $100 per month depending on the equipment type, compared to buying the same item outright.

Medical supply companies rent walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and scooters. Some hospitals also rent equipment to patients being discharged. Ask your doctor or hospital discharge planner for rental options in your area, or search online for "medical equipment rental" plus your city name.

Rental agreements usually include delivery, setup, and pickup when you're done. Some rental companies will credit part of your rental cost toward purchase if you decide to buy later. Always ask about this before signing.

Community programs and nonprofit resources

Many communities have programs that loan or donate used mobility equipment at no cost. Senior centers, disability nonprofits, churches, and local health departments sometimes maintain equipment closets or can connect you with donors. The Assistive Technology Act program, funded by the federal government, operates in every state and helps people find or borrow equipment.

To find these programs, start by calling your local Area Agency on Aging (search "Area Agency on Aging" plus your county name) or your city's department of aging services. You can also search the Assistive Technology Act program directory at ataporg.org. These programs don't always have what you need in stock, and availability varies by location, but they're worth checking before spending money.

Used equipment is also available through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, though you'll want to inspect it in person and make sure it's clean and in working order before taking it home.

What to do if equipment doesn't fit or work for you

If you receive equipment and it doesn't fit your body, your home, or your needs, you have options. If it was prescribed and covered by insurance, contact the supplier—they can often adjust it or exchange it for a different size or model. This usually happens within the first 30 days.

If you bought it out of pocket, check the retailer's return policy. Medical supply stores often allow returns within 30 to 60 days if the equipment is unused or minimally used. Online retailers have varying policies, so check before you buy.

If you rented and it's not working, tell the rental company when ready—they may swap it for a different option at no extra cost. If you own equipment that's broken, some suppliers offer repair services, and some equipment manufacturers have warranty programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription to buy mobility equipment?

You don't need a prescription to buy equipment yourself with your own money. However, you do need one for insurance to cover it, and a prescription ensures the equipment is fitted correctly for your body and living space. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for a prescription even if you're paying out of pocket.

Will insurance cover a power wheelchair or scooter?

Medicare and Medicaid may cover power wheelchairs and scooters, but only if your doctor documents that you cannot safely use a manual wheelchair due to a medical condition. Private insurance policies vary. Ask your insurance company and your doctor whether a power option would be covered in your situation.

How long does it take to get equipment after I get a prescription?

Timelines depend on the type of equipment and whether prior approval is needed. Rental equipment is often available within days. Purchased equipment through an enrolled supplier usually arrives within two to four weeks. If prior approval is required, add one to two weeks to that timeline.

Can I return or exchange equipment if it doesn't work for me?

Yes, usually within 30 to 60 days if it's unused or minimally used. Contact the supplier or retailer where you got it. If it was rented, the rental company can often swap it for a different model. If it was covered by insurance, the supplier may adjust or exchange it at no cost.

What if I can't afford mobility equipment even with insurance?

Start by checking whether community programs in your area loan or donate used equipment. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or search the Assistive Technology Act program directory. You can also ask your doctor's office about payment plans or whether the supplier offers discounts for uninsured or underinsured patients.