Wheelchairs and equipment

1. See your doctor in person. For a power wheelchair or scooter, Medicare and most plans need a face-to-face visit and a written order.
2. Get a specialty evaluation. For a custom or power wheelchair, a physical or occupational therapist trained in seating measures you and writes down what you need and why. The therapist should not work for the supplier.
3. Choose a supplier. Pick one that is in your plan's network. For complex power chairs, Medicare requires the supplier to have a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) who works with you in person.
4. Approval. The supplier sends the paperwork to your insurance. Many power chairs need prior authorization, which means approval before delivery.
5. Delivery and fitting. Make sure the chair is adjusted to you before the supplier leaves. Write it all down on your My Equipment card.

• Cost: Medicare Part B pays 80% of the approved amount after you meet the yearly deductible ($283 in 2026). You pay 20%, unless you have other coverage like Medicaid or a supplement plan.
• Use a supplier that accepts assignment. That means it takes Medicare's approved amount as full payment. A supplier that does not accept assignment can charge you more.
• The "in the home" rule: Medicare covers a wheelchair or scooter when your mobility problem makes it hard to do daily tasks, like getting to the bathroom or kitchen, in your home. Make sure your doctor's notes say how.
• Prior authorization: needed for scooters and most power wheelchairs, in every state. The decision usually comes in about 5 business days and lasts 6 months. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or destroyed power chair needs it too.
• Power seat elevation: Medicare has covered power seat elevators on certain power chairs since 2023.
• Power standing: as of October 2026, Medicare still does not cover power standing systems on wheelchairs.
• Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers, but they use their own networks and approval rules. Call the plan first.

• Medicaid covers wheelchairs and other medical equipment in every state, usually with prior approval.
• Medicaid cannot limit equipment to use only inside your home.
• Children under 21: Medicaid must cover equipment that is medically necessary, even if your state does not normally cover it. This rule is called EPSDT.
• If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first and Medicaid usually covers the 20%.
• Medicaid waivers may pay for items regular Medicaid does not, like home changes and some vehicle changes. See your state page.

• Private insurance: check your plan's durable medical equipment benefit. Ask about prior approval, in-network suppliers, and yearly limits.
• The VA provides wheelchairs and other equipment to veterans in VA health care. See Veterans.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) may pay for equipment you need to work or train. See VR on EmploymentWorks.

First, think about an appeal. Many denials are overturned. See Denied? How to appeal. Meanwhile:

• Your state's Assistive Technology Act program. Every state, DC, and the territories have one, 56 in all. They lend equipment to try, offer used equipment, and some offer low-interest loans. Find yours at at3center.net.
• Loan closets and reuse programs lend or give away used wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and more. Ask your Center for Independent Living.
• National groups for your condition sometimes help with equipment costs. See Conditions.
• Paying yourself: ask for the full price in writing, and ask if a used or demo model is available.