Medicare helps pay for wheelchairs when they are medically necessary. Here is how the coverage and your costs work.
When does Medicare cover a wheelchair?
Medicare Part B covers a wheelchair as durable medical equipment when your doctor documents you have a medical need for it inside your home. Manual wheelchairs are covered when a cane or walker is not enough and you can operate the chair or have help pushing it. Power wheelchairs require proof that you cannot use a manual chair and can safely operate a powered one. You need a written order from your doctor and must use a supplier enrolled in Medicare. CMS bases approval on your ability to function within your home, not outdoor use.
What does a wheelchair cost with Medicare in 2026?
After meeting the $283 Part B deductible (2026), Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount and you pay 20% coinsurance, with no annual cap in Original Medicare. Standard wheelchairs are often 'capped rental' items — Medicare rents for up to 13 months, then you own the chair. A Medigap plan can pay your 20% share. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to see how much you could save.
How do you get a wheelchair approved through Medicare?
You need a face-to-face exam, a written prescription documenting medical necessity, and a Medicare-enrolled supplier that accepts assignment. For power wheelchairs, your doctor must show you cannot complete daily tasks even with a walker or manual chair. Missing documentation is the top reason claims are denied — a licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP can help you understand the process.