If you’ve suffered an injury that has left you unable to walk, you may be considering using a knee walker to get around. This can be a great way to regain mobility without putting too much stress on your injured leg. However, if you’re wondering Does Medicare Cover Knee Walkers, the answer is: No. This blog post will explore Medicare coverage for medical aids and who qualifies for help. Keep reading to learn more!
Unfortunately, Medicare will not help pay for a knee walker. However, they will help pay for other medical aids such as canes and crutches. So, if you need a knee walker, you will have to pay for it out of your pocket.
Let’s talk about who qualifies for help with Medicare. If you are 65 years of age or older, you are eligible for Medicare coverage. You may also be eligible under 65 and have a disability or end-stage renal disease.
Medicare Advantage plans are another way to get your Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private companies that contract with Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, many of these plans will cover the cost of a knee walker. You will want to check with your specific plan to determine what is covered and the requirements for renting or purchasing a knee walker.
Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a meager income. Every state has different rules about who may qualify for Medicaid coverage. In some states, Medicaid will help pay for a knee walker. You will need to check with your state.
What is considered to be durable medical equipment or DME?
Durable medical equipment is defined as any medical equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient and can withstand repeated use. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Now that we know what DME is let’s talk about what types of DME Medicare will help you cover.
Generally speaking, Medicare will help cover 80% of the cost of DME if it is considered medically necessary. Unfortunately, a knee scooter is not part of this and does not get covered.
Purchasing a knee scooter
Depending on the model, knee scooters can cost around $125.00 to $400.00 or more. You may be able to find a used knee scooter for less. However, compared to other mobility aids, a knee walker is not expensive compared to a wheelchair or electric wheelchair.
Renting a knee scooter
Renting a knee scooter is a great option for those that only need it for a short period. Knee walkers can be rented from medical supply companies or some pharmacies. The cost to rent a knee scooter is around $35.00 to $60.00 per week.
A knee scooters are great for anyone with an injury or surgery to their foot, ankle, or lower leg.
It is essential to know that Medicare does not cover the cost of a knee scooter, but there are other options available to help with the price.
You can purchase one outright or rent one from a medical supply company. I hope this article helped answer some of your questions about Medicare and knee scooters.
