Does Medicare Cover Knee Scooters? 

If you’re recovering from a leg, foot, ankle, or knee injury, or you’ve just had surgery and can’t put weight on your leg, you might need help getting around until you feel stronger. Mobility aid devices like crutches, walkers, and canes can help with balance issues. A wheelchair or a knee scooter – also known as a knee walker – can take the weight off your injured leg as you move around easily with your other one. 

Using a knee scooter rather than crutches may promote quicker healing and give you better mobility. Knee scooters come in different styles, forms, and prices. Find one that is best for your situation, so you can recover from your injury or surgery comfortably and more independently.  

How does Medicare cover knee scooters? 

Original Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers a variety of durable medical equipment to aid mobility. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t include knee scooters (knee walkers). You’ll have to pay for it yourself if you rent or buy a knee scooter.

However, Original Medicare Part B does provide coverage for wheelchairs and traditional engine-powered scooters. A traditional scooter is designed for short-distance travel on paved surfaces. 

In contrast, a knee walker doesn’t have a footrest. It has an elevated knee rest for the injured leg, but it isn’t motorized like a traditional scooter. It can be used in your home or outside.  

Are you eligible for DME?

You may be eligible for Medicare Part B coverage of durable medical equipment (DME) like a traditional scooter or wheelchair if you meet the following criteria:

• The health care provider treating you submits a written order to Medicare certifying that a wheelchair or scooter is medically necessary for you to have at home. 
• You have limited mobility and the following applies: 
  • Your health condition prevents you from moving easily around the house 
  • You can’t perform your daily living activities even with the help of a cane, crutch, or walker 
  • You can operate, get on, and get off a wheelchair or scooter with or without assistance. 

• The health care provider treating you, and the medical supplier who rents or sells you the scooter, both accept Medicare assignment. 

• Your physician or the medical supplier has checked your home and has verified that you can use the DME in your home. 

How much will Medicare cover for DME?

Original Medicare Part B pays for 80 percent of the cost to rent or purchase DME if you’re eligible, and you pay 20 percent after covering your annual Part B deductible. 

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that are sold by private insurance companies working with Medicare must cover the same benefits provided by Original Medicare Parts A and B, at minimum. However, most MA plans offer additional coverage and extra benefits, so your plan may cover the cost of renting or purchasing a knee scooter.

Depending on the type of MA plan you have, you may need to use in-network medical suppliers and health care providers to get coverage. Your coinsurance charge may also be different than the Original Medicare amount, so check with your provider for specifics before renting or purchasing a knee scooter. 

How much does a knee scooter cost without Medicare coverage? 

How much you pay out-of-pocket for a knee scooter depends on the model, the features, and whether you rent or purchase it. If you buy a knee scooter, a basic model typically costs under $100, but most range between $100 and $250. If you need a knee scooter for a short-term recovery period, you can rent one for approximately $25 per week, and you may need to pay a deposit.