How to Get a Walker for an Elderly Person Through Medicare

People with poor balance or difficulty walking may use walkers to help them get around. Many elderly people rely on Medicare for assistance paying for medical equipment like walkers. Medicare pays for walkers for the elderly if they need them to move around independently in their homes. People can use their walkers outside the home as well, but Medicare will not pay for walkers if their primary use will be outside the home.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription for walker

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your need for a walker and what style of walker would best meet your needs. Obtain a written prescription for a walker from your doctor. Also make sure your doctor documents the medical need for a walker in your medical record.

• 2

  Take the prescription from your doctor to Medicare-approved supplier of durable medical equipment if you have Medicare Part B. Choose a supplier that accepts Medicare assignment.

• 3

  Contact your Medicare Advantage Plan if you have Medicare Part C instead of Part B to find out what requirements you must meet and from which suppliers you can get a walker.

• 4

  Pay 20 percent of the cost of the walker if you have Medicare Part B and get your walker from an approved supplier that accepts Medicare assignment. You may have to pay more if you use a supplier that does not accept Medicare assignment. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, the amount you must pay will vary depending on your plan.