I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment?

Question

Norman Smith · Accepted Answer

Original Medicare pays for DME, unless noted anywhere within its policy Medicare Advantage plans do not.
You will have the 20% Co-pay responsibility, unless you have a Supplement plan that covers those charges.
That is an important feature in keeping your Original Medicare pays- it handles your DME, Medicare Advantage is typically handled Out-of-pocket by the insured.

Mike Alexander · Answer

You must 1st have your doctor write a prescription for it and medicare will cover it. You must also use an approved medicare vendor

Mark Bilgere · Answer

First you must get a prescription from your doctor. It must state that the wheelchair is medically necessary. Then you need to find a DME supplier. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan the supplier must be in network for your plan. If you have a Medicare supplement, then as long as the supplier accepts Medicare you can use them.

If you have an Advantage plan, you may have prior authorization requirements and you will have coinsurance, usually 20%. Electric chairs and scooters almost always require prior authorization.

If you have a supplement, Medicare will pay 80% and your supplement will pay the other 20%. You may see excess charges. To avoid these you can ask the supplier if they accept assignment.

William Lawler · Answer

Hi, Bill Lawler here. The question is, I need a wheelchair and I'm not sure Medicare will cover it. Our wheelchairs are covered under Part B of Medicare. I would contact my Medicare agent or my health plan and make sure that it is covered under Part B medical equipment.

Terri Reagin · Answer

Contact your primary care provider about your need for the equipment and he/she can actually write orders for your chair and then you give the orders to a durable medical equipment company who can file the insurance claim for you and fulfill the order.

Answered by Terri Reagin on November 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

You will need to call your insurance company and find out what specific benefits they offer for durable medical equipment since they are all different.

Charise Karjala · Answer

I've already answered this question, but it's near and dear to my heart because it has to do with durable medical equipment, which I seem to know a lot about because that was my business for a long time. Wheelchairs are considered to be durable medical equipment, and there's a 20% coinsurance on durable medical equipment up to the limits of the policy. So if you're ordering a wheelchair, it's $200. You get it by prescription only. By the way, you have to have a prescription, and you will probably pay $200 for it. So you may as well just go out to the local Walgreens or something and buy a wheelchair unless, of course, it has to be fit specifically for you by a seating and activity specialist. And now we're talking very expensive wheelchairs.

So the process of getting a wheelchair is to have a prescription, which outlines specifically what it is that you need it to do, whether it has little movers on it or a little tilt something back, or it has to have a particular kind of seat on it, or if it's just a rolling around the store one. So anyway, pay your $200, know that that's what it's going to be anyway, and get it done, or try to fight with your insurance company. That's kind of how it goes. That's it.

Steven Whetstine · Answer

Since this question is for a very broad audience to review and not really with specific information, I am going to provide multiple answers in such a way that it may help multiple beneficiaries.  By the nature of the question, it could be assumed that the person already has had a wheelchair, is needing it long term, and is looking for a wheelchair replacement.

First things first!  Wheelchairs are Durable Medical Equipment or (DME).

How long do you need a wheelchair?  What makes sense for you?  Are you going to need more than a wheelchair?  Do you need a bath / shower transfer chair too?  

Your doctor or medical professional would work up an order to obtain the wheelchair.  Then, you would get with the Medicare approved supplier to make arrangements for the wheelchair.  

One approach can be to visit a lending closet for medical equipment.  This equipment can be used to bridge the gap for people with temporary or permanent disabilities.  It can be a means of accessing essential equipment without the burden of purchasing the equipment outright.  Sometimes, lending closets provide equipment for free or for a very low cost or for a donation.  It can also help with transition while you wait for the durable medical equipment to arrive specific to your needs.  

If just using Original Medicare, this would fall under Part B (Medical).  Medicare pays 80% of the cost, and you would be responsible for the remaining 20%.  If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan or Medigap plan, the plan will kick in and you would be subject to the expenses according to the terms of the standardized plan.  For example, if you had Plan G, your plan would cover the rest subject to the Part B deductible for the year.  

If you are using a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part C, then you would have to look at the Explanation of Benefits or you can take a glance at the Summary of Benefits to see how durable medical equipment is covered under the plan.

Roger Werking · Answer

As an example. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can rent a wheelchair or crutches around 3 %, which is what my Humana Plan offers.

Mary Green · Answer

Work with your doctor from the beginning since Medicare will need your health care provider to submit a letter stating that motorized equipment is medically necessary and that other walking aids are insufficient (canes, walkers, etc). You may need to enlarge some doorways in your house to accommodate the size of the equipment, and the equipment provider must work with Medicare for billing purposes. Depending on everything being handled properly, you may have to pay the 20% co-pay for the chair.

Answered by Mary Green on December 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, CO, FL, GA, TN & VA

Answered by Mary Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Ruben Trejo · Answer

To get a wheelchair covered, you need a doctor visit so they can document the need and write an order. Then you take that order to a Medicare approved DME supplier who handles the paperwork and billing. With Original Medicare, Medicare usually pays 80% after the deductible, and with Medicare Advantage you must use the plan’s in network supplier and often get prior approval, so always check first.

Answered by Ruben Trejo on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 44 other states

Answered by Ruben Trejo Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Start with your PCP and talk about your situation. Either they will do an evaluation or your PCP will refer you to a specialist who covers your disability and they will evaluate and can issue a order/prescription for durable medical equipment. (replacement wheelchair ).

Answered by Ron Cronwell on January 13, 2026

Agent Licensed in TN

Answered by Ron Cronwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Rich Baker · Answer

The process for getting Durable Medical Equipment is typically the same: it all starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor. Your PCP must provide documentation about why the wheelchair is medically necessary and it must be for getting around inside the home, not just for going out. They’ll have to confirm that other options (canes or walkers) aren’t enough, and they’ll have to specify what type of chair is needed. Once you have the order from your doctor you will need to work with a DME provider that works with your insurer AND has accepted Medicare assignment.

Once approved, medicare pays 80% of the cost and you pay 20% (this is the same in most medicare advantage plans as well - if you have a medigap plan the 20% is usually covered,)

Note that for a powered wheelchair the requirements for approval are more stringent than for a manual chair.

I hope this helps, and good luck!

Dana Dane · Answer

First, your doctor needs to prescribe this.  Next, please call your agent who can contact your insurance company to see if you qualify for a replacement.

Betty McCarty · Answer

Prior authorization is usually required for Durable Medical Equipment. 

You might need to take the following steps: 

1.) Meet with your doctor to assess your physical condition.

2.) Check your Medicare plan. Medicare Part B covers 80% of the chair's costs after you meet your deductible.

3.) Evaluate your costs. Most manual and power wheelchairs are rented for the first 13 months, and you pay 20% coinsurance. 

4.) Schedule a doctor's appointment and explain why you need a wheelchair. 

5.) Obtain a doctor's prescription for the chair and contact your local Social Security office for an application for Medicare Part B benefits.

Marnie Applegate · Answer

Part B covers medically necessary, durable medical equipment so long as your doctor/provider prescribes it for you. Medicare does cover different kinds of durable medical equipment in different ways. Meaning you might have to rent it. You might have to buy it sometimes you own it after you make a certain number of payments. Your best bet is to call the number on the back of your card and talk to customer service and see what your particular plan covers And how they cover it.

Answered by Marnie Applegate on October 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, AL, GA & TX

Answered by Marnie Applegate Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Patterson, CFP · Answer

Have your doctor submit a request to your insurance company.  He can explain the medical necessity for it.

Satoshi Aoki · Answer

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters) and
wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME) if:
• The doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating that you have a
medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.
• You have limited mobility and meet all of these conditions:
– You have a health condition that causes significant difficulty moving around in
your home.
– You’re unable to do activities of daily living (like bathing, dressing, getting in
or out of a bed or chair, or using the bathroom) even with the help of a cane,
crutch, or walker.
– You’re able to safely operate and get on and off a wheelchair or scooter, or have
someone with you who is always available to help you.
– Both the doctor treating you for the condition that requires a wheelchair or
scooter, and the DME supplier of the wheelchair or scooter, accept Medicare.
– Your doctor or DME supplier has visited your home and verified that you can
use the equipment within your home (for example, it’s not too big to fit through
doorways in your home).

WEBSITE: https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11046-medicare-coverage-of-wheelchairs-scooters.pdf

Constance Phillips · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B will cover certain durable medical equipment including wheelchairs after you meet your part B deductible. For 2025, the deductible is $233.50. If approved, you will be responsible for 20% of the cost of the wheelchair. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, they are required to cover everything that Original Medicare offers. If you have an Advantage plan, you should contact the insurance company since the plans pricing may be different than Original Medicare.
If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, the plan will pay the remaining 20% and Medicare Part B will pay 80%.  You will also need a prescription from your doctor.

Victoria Shiu · Answer

Medicare covers wheelchairs if they’re medically necessary, but you’ll need a doctor’s order and must go through a Medicare-approved supplier. You’ll owe 20% unless you have Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan with different cost rules. The process to make sure you follow the appropriate rules with your plan is as follows: Talk with your doctor, get documentation from you doctor, choose a Medicare-approved supplier, confirm coverage and costs. This is a great example of why a Medicare advocate is so important! I will help you navigate these authorization processes with ease!

Answered by Victoria Shiu on August 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Victoria Shiu Medicare Insurance Agent

April Cintron · Answer

More than likely your doctor will need to prescribe it.  Then take it to the medical equipment and show them the script

Lori McDermott · Answer

The process to getting durable medical equipment is to request a prescription from your physician, confirm your carrier has a prior authorization on file and seek an in-network vendor to buy the equipment.

Answered by Lori McDermott on June 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY & FL

Answered by Lori McDermott Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

you'll need a prescription from your doctor stating the medical necessity and then find a Medicare-approved supplier.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Your doctor must provide you a letter AKA a prescription for any durable medical equipment. Contact your primary care physician

Mary Brown · Answer

Medicare may cover a wheelchair and other durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor determines it’s medically necessary and sends an order to a Medicare 
approved supplier. Depending on your plan, you may still have copays or coinsurance. A local Medicare agent can help you understand your coverage and costs before you order the equipment.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

It is covered as durable medical equipment. You MUST have a face-to-face with your physician and a written prescription.

Carol Conner · Answer

Short answer:
Yes, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is a standard Medicare benefit, but how it’s covered and what you pay can differ by plan type.

Andre Cabral · Answer

Durable Medical Equipment is, in general, covered by Medicaid. When you qualify for Medicare parts A and B, and for Medicaid, you may qualify for the Medicare Advantage HMO D-SNP (dual special needs plan), which will pay for most durable medical equipment. Contact a licensed agent to learn more.

Answered by Andre Cabral on September 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ

Answered by Andre Cabral Medicare Insurance Agent

David Christian · Answer

Hello there.  A wheelchair falls under Medicare Part B as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).  The 
first thing you must do is get a prescription from your physician stating that you need the wheelchair and why?  

The process of getting the wheelchair will depend on what type of Medicare coverage you have. 

1. If you have Original Medicare only (Parts A & B only) or Original Medicare with a Medi-Gap plan, you will reach out to a Medicare Approved Supplier. 
2. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD), you put in the request through the Medical Group or Insurance Carrier and go through their contracted provider.

Chad Hardy · Answer

Yes, Medicare may cover a wheelchair if it’s medically necessary. The first step is to see your doctor, who will evaluate your needs and write an order for the equipment. From there, you’ll need to use a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% of the cost after your deductible, and Medicare pays the rest. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll follow your plan’s rules for doctors and suppliers, but the process is similar. Medicare covers different types of wheelchairs—manual, power, or scooters—based on what your doctor prescribes.

Answered by Chad Hardy on September 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 8 other states

Answered by Chad Hardy Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Simm · Answer

The question is this: I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment? It's pretty easy. All you've got to do is go to your doctor's office, get a prescription, and then the doctor should send that into your insurance company for durable medical equipment.

Now, what happens from there is that you're going to go to a facility that's in-network so you can pick up that wheelchair. The question will be, how will that cost affect me when I'm picking up a new wheelchair? With durable medical equipment, it's going to be outpatient care, so it falls under Part B, and there's a 20% cost on the wheelchair.

When you go to that outpatient facility and find out how much it's going to cost you, I would recommend doing a little more research to see if there are wheelchairs out there that you could afford on your own that might be cheaper.

I hope this Q&A process helps you guys. Feel free to reach out anytime. I'd be more than happy to help out. Thanks, and have a great day!

Raid Alemam · Answer

Well you would need to schedule a doctor office visit first step discuss your needs with the doctor 

Next get a prescription for the wheel chair from your doctor then find approved Medicare supplier this will ensure you would not get more charged

Randy Hill · Answer

If you need a new wheelchair and want Medicare to help pay for it, there’s a special process you have to follow — kind of like going on a little treasure hunt where you collect the right “clues”  to get what you need.

Here’s how it works, step-by-step:

1. See Your Doctor First:
You can’t just go pick out a wheelchair by yourself. First, you need to visit your doctor. Your doctor has to say, in writing, that a wheelchair is medically necessary — meaning you need it to move around safely at home.

2. Get a Prescription:
Your doctor will give you a prescription that says you need a wheelchair. Without this note, Medicare won’t pay!

3. Choose a Medicare-Approved Supplier:
You have to get your wheelchair from a store that’s approved by Medicare. 

You can find one by asking your doctor or by looking it up at 
www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers.

4. The Supplier Checks With Medicare:
Sometimes, the supplier needs to send paperwork to Medicare to ask for approval first. This is called prior authorization. (It’s just Medicare’s way of double-checking.)

5. Pay Your Share:
If Medicare says yes, they’ll usually pay 80% of the cost. You will pay the other 20%, plus any deductible if you haven’t paid it yet this year.

Important Tips:

Make sure both your doctor and your supplier accept Medicare assignment — this helps keep your costs as low as possible.

Keep copies of everything your doctor and supplier give you!


That’s the whole treasure map!
Start by talking to your doctor, and soon you’ll be rolling along with your new wheelchair.

If you have any more questions, just let me know — I’m happy to help!

Steven Maicus II · Answer

To get Medicare coverage for a wheelchair, you must first have a face-to-face evaluation with a doctor who confirms your medical need for it. The doctor will write a prescription or order, and a Medicare-approved supplier will need to submit a prior authorization request for certain types of wheelchairs

Answered by Steven Maicus II on November 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Steven Maicus II Medicare Insurance Agent

Anthony Albano · Answer

The process is to go through your primary care doctor. He will write an order for it. And he will also order the wheelchair with a participating provider

Kevin Johnson · Answer

There is a plan that will cover all of your durable medical needs and i can help you with the process 
Send me your name time and phone number i should call you

Paul Mercier · Answer

Medicare Part B will cover the wheelchair cost as long as you have a prescription from a Dr. Stating that a wheelchair is medically necessary

Calvin Fritz · Answer

Yes — Medicare Part B covers wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor certifies it's medically necessary for use in your home.

How to Get a Wheelchair Through Medicare

1. Visit Your Doctor

You’ll need a face-to-face appointment with your doctor or treating provider.

They must document your medical need for a wheelchair (ex: you have difficulty walking or getting around at home).

The doctor must write a prescription/order for the wheelchair.

2. Get the Order Sent to a Medicare-Approved DME Supplier

The supplier must accept Medicare assignment, or you may end up paying more out-of-pocket.

Not all suppliers do, so ask if they "accept assignment" before proceeding.

(For power wheelchairs, Medicare often requires prior authorization before approval. Once approved, Medicare will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. You (or your supplemental insurance) cover the remaining 20% after meeting your Part B deductible.)

Jon Morton · Answer

First, you say that you need the wheelchair. One of the first steps in the process of getting durable medical equipment is determining if it is medically necessary based on a condition that significantly limits mobility. This would be through a doctor's evaluation and prescription. Next, are you able to safely operate the chair yourself or have someone constantly available to do so? If so, you can choose a Medicare approved supplier, and if necessary, they will apply for authorization. After meeting the requirements, Medicare will cover 80% of the approved amount, after deductible has been met, unless you have a Medigap (also known as Medicare Supplement) plan, which will also cover the 20% co-insurance.

Answered by Jon Morton on January 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in NH, MA & ME

Answered by Jon Morton Medicare Insurance Agent

Scott Klag · Answer

Depending on your Health Plan you will be given a list of approved Durable Medical Equipment providers that you can use. The copays range from $0 to 20% of the cost of the equipment.

Travis Helms · Answer

Your plan will depend on your plan; some plans cover all costs, and some have a 20% copay. If you would like help, please get in touch with me.
Thank you
Travis Helms

Debra Hartman · Answer

First you need a prescription from a Doctor, wheelchair assessment through a physical therapist, or occupational therapist. 
Medicare does help cover equipment.

Justin Hundley · Answer

Medicare Part B will help cover the cost of prescribed Durable Medical Equipment, but how this works can vary based on whether you just have Original Medicare, a Medicare supplement, or a Medicare advantage plan. 

If you are on original Medicare you will be responsible for your part B deductible, as well as a 20% coinsurance. You will need to confirm that the doctor (your primary care physician) prescribing the wheelchair, as well as the supplier for the wheelchair, are both enrolled with Medicare.

If you are on a Medicare advantage plan, then you will need to follow your insurance companies rules for getting Durable Medical Equipment. You can contact your current plan provider to learn about their rules and what they will cover.

A Medicare supplement plan can help cover the remaining costs that are covered by Original Medicare as well. Coverage can vary by plan type so it's important to review what plan you are on and what it covers. 

You can always reach out to an agent (like myself) to assist you in understand your unique situation.

Ricky Rash · Answer

If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan then you would have to contact the insurance company so they can help you find a DME provider that is in network. That company will then make arrangements to have the wheelchair delivered to your home. If you purchase a Medicare Supplement policy you can work with any DME company as long as they accept Original Medicare, so you have more options and flexibility.

Answered by Ricky Rash on January 12, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Ricky Rash Medicare Insurance Agent

Virginia Barausky · Answer

Your doctor writes a written order (or certificate of medical necessity) that justifies the need for a wheelchair or scooter.

Choose a Medicare-Approved Supplier

Use a DME supplier enrolled in Medicare and who accepts Medicare assignment.

You can search via Medicare.gov’s supplier directory:
https://www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers/

Jessica Parker · Answer

Start by speaking with your doctor to see whether a wheelchair is medically necessary for your care. If your doctor prescribes one, make sure you choose a company that accepts Medicare or accepts assignment from Medicare.
Durable medical equipment, or DME, is covered by Medicare Part B when it is medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor for use at home. It is also important to make sure the company supplying the equipment accepts Medicare or accepts assignment from Medicare. After the Part B deductible is met, the client is usually responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Sheridan Peil · Answer

Yes. Medicare covers wheelchairs if they are deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. You have to meet your part B deductible and then Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved amount, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. The 20% cost to you for the wheelchair can be covered by a Medicare supplement insurance plan, Medicare advantage plan or a health savings account. Some states have assistant programs that can be available as well.

Answered by Sheridan Peil on October 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in Wy, AZ, CA & 9 other states

Answered by Sheridan Peil Medicare Insurance Agent

Eric Stokley · Answer

Medicare part B will cover 80% of Medical durable equipment after you have met your part B deductible. The equipment must be deemed medically necessary by your doctor and prescribed by you doctor for use at home.

Answered by Eric Stokley on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA & MS

Answered by Eric Stokley Medicare Insurance Agent

I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment?

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