Does Medicare Cover Knee Scooter?

If you’ve recently suffered an injury or undergone surgery that requires the use of a knee scooter, you may be wondering if Medicare will cover the cost. Knee scooters are a popular mobility aid for those who have trouble walking or standing, but navigating the world of insurance coverage can be confusing. In this article, we’ll delve into the question of whether Medicare covers knee scooters and what you need to know to make sure you get the most out of your coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Knee Scooter?

If you have a knee injury or surgery, getting around can be a challenge. Thankfully, knee scooters can help you get around with ease and comfort. However, one question that often arises is whether Medicare covers the cost of knee scooters. In this article, we will explore the coverage options available under Medicare for knee scooters.

What is a Knee Scooter?

Knee scooters, also known as knee walkers, are mobility aids designed to help people with lower limb injuries move around with ease. These devices feature a padded platform for the affected leg, with a set of wheels on each side. The user can then push themselves forward with their good leg, propelling themselves along smoothly.

Benefits of Knee Scooters

Knee scooters offer several benefits over other mobility devices like crutches or wheelchairs. These include:

• Improved mobility: Knee scooters allow you to move around with ease, even if you have a lower limb injury.


• Comfort: The padded platform of a knee scooter offers better support and comfort than crutches.


• Less strain: Using a knee scooter places less strain on your upper body than crutches, reducing the risk of developing shoulder or back pain.


• Faster healing: Knee scooters can help you move around more easily, reducing the risk of complications and speeding up the healing process.

Knee Scooters vs. Crutches

While both knee scooters and crutches are mobility aids, they offer different benefits. Knee scooters are generally more comfortable and easier to use, especially if you have a long-term injury or disability. Crutches, on the other hand, are more portable and lightweight, making them a better choice for short-term use.

Medicare Coverage for Knee Scooters

If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you may be eligible for coverage of a knee scooter. However, the coverage options available to you will depend on whether you have Part A or Part B coverage.

Medicare Part A Coverage

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care. If you are admitted to a hospital for knee surgery or another lower limb injury, you may be eligible for coverage of a knee scooter as part of your hospital stay. The cost of the knee scooter will be included in your hospital bill, which Medicare Part A will cover.

Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, including medical equipment and supplies. If your doctor prescribes a knee scooter for use at home, you may be eligible for coverage under Part B. However, you will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for coverage.

To be eligible for coverage of a knee scooter under Medicare Part B, you must:

1. Have a lower limb injury or surgery that makes it difficult to move around


2. Be unable to use crutches or a cane


3. Have a doctor’s prescription for a knee scooter

If you meet these criteria, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of a knee scooter. You will be responsible for paying the remaining 20% out of pocket. If you have a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, it may cover some or all of this cost.

Medicare Advantage Coverage

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your coverage options for knee scooters may vary depending on the plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover knee scooters as a supplemental benefit, while others may not. You will need to check with your plan to see what coverage options are available to you.

In Conclusion

Knee scooters can be a great option for those with lower limb injuries or disabilities. While Medicare does offer coverage for knee scooters, the coverage options available to you will depend on your individual situation and coverage type. If you are considering a knee scooter, talk to your doctor and your Medicare plan provider to determine your coverage options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Cover Knee Scooter?

A knee scooter is a medical device that helps people with foot or ankle injuries to move around easily. Many people wonder if Medicare covers the cost of a knee scooter. The answer is yes, Medicare Part B covers the cost of knee scooters as durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it for you.

In order for Medicare to cover the cost of a knee scooter, you need to meet certain conditions. First, your doctor must determine that you need the equipment to treat a medical condition. Second, you must have a prescription from your doctor that specifies the type of knee scooter you need. Lastly, you must get the knee scooter from a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and has a Medicare supplier number.

How Much Does Medicare Cover for Knee Scooter?

Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of knee scooters as durable medical equipment (DME) after you meet your annual deductible. However, the amount Medicare covers depends on the type of knee scooter you need and the supplier you get it from.

You may have to pay a coinsurance amount of 20% of the cost of the knee scooter, unless you have a supplemental insurance plan that covers this cost. Some suppliers may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount for knee scooters, in which case you may have to pay the difference. It’s important to check with your supplier and Medicare to understand the costs involved before you get a knee scooter.

How Do I Get a Knee Scooter Through Medicare?

To get a knee scooter through Medicare, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to visit your doctor and get a prescription for a knee scooter. Your doctor will need to specify the type of knee scooter you need and the length of time you’ll need it.

Once you have the prescription, you can start looking for a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and has a Medicare supplier number. You can search for suppliers on the Medicare website or ask your doctor for a recommendation. Once you find a supplier, you can contact them and provide your Medicare information. The supplier will then work with Medicare to get approval for the knee scooter and arrange for delivery.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Knee Scooter Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Part B covers the cost of knee scooters as durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it for you. However, there are some restrictions on the type of knee scooter that Medicare covers.

Medicare only covers knee scooters that meet certain criteria. The knee scooter must be medically necessary to treat a medical condition, and it must be used in your home. Medicare also requires that the knee scooter be durable and able to withstand repeated use. Additionally, the knee scooter must be rented or purchased from a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and has a Medicare supplier number.

Can I Rent or Buy a Knee Scooter with Medicare?

Medicare Part B covers the cost of knee scooters as durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it for you. You can either rent or buy a knee scooter with Medicare, depending on your needs.

If you only need a knee scooter for a short period of time, such as a few weeks or months, it may be more cost-effective to rent a knee scooter. Medicare covers the cost of renting a knee scooter for up to 13 months, as long as your doctor prescribes it for you. If you need a knee scooter for a longer period of time or if you prefer to own your own equipment, you can also buy a knee scooter with Medicare coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Scooters?

In conclusion, Medicare does cover knee scooters, but only under certain circumstances. If your doctor deems it medically necessary for you to have a knee scooter to aid in your recovery from a knee injury or surgery, Medicare Part B will cover the cost. However, you will need to obtain a prescription from your doctor and purchase the knee scooter from a Medicare-approved supplier in order for it to be covered.

It’s important to note that Medicare will only cover the cost of a basic knee scooter, and any upgrades or accessories will need to be paid for out of pocket. Additionally, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage for knee scooters may vary, so it’s important to check with your plan provider to see what is covered.

Overall, while Medicare does cover knee scooters in certain circumstances, it’s important to follow the proper procedures and guidelines to ensure that you are eligible for coverage. By working with your doctor and a Medicare-approved supplier, you can obtain a knee scooter to aid in your recovery at little to no cost.