1. Can Medicare Pay for a Mobility Scooter?

Yes, Medicare Part B may cover 80% of a mobility scooter’s cost—but only under specific conditions. You’ll need:

  • A face-to-face visit and prescription from a Medicare-approved doctor

  • Proof that you have difficulty walking inside your home

  • A supplier enrolled in Medicare

Important to know: Only basic models are typically approved, and approval can take weeks, with limited choice on brands or features.

💡 Many customers choose to pay out-of-pocket to avoid delays and select the exact scooter they need, with fast delivery and full support.
🔗 Explore our mobility scooters

2. Why Is Private Pay Often Better Than Going Through Insurance?

Insurance can help cover some durable medical equipment (DME), but it often comes with:

  • Long wait times for approvals

  • Restrictions on features, brands, and models

  • Paperwork, doctor visits, and follow-ups

  • Out-of-pocket costs anyway (co-pays, deductibles)

With private pay, you skip the red tape and:

  • Get the product you want

  • Receive it faster

  • Access expert customer support

3. Does Insurance Cover Hospital Beds for Home Use?

Yes, Medicare and some private insurances may cover a hospital bed if:

  • It’s prescribed by a physician

  • It’s deemed medically necessary

  • You meet coverage criteria (e.g., mobility limitations, risk of bedsores)

But coverage is typically for basic, semi-electric models only. Most people who need advanced features (low bed height, positioning, easier transfers) opt to purchase beds privately for greater comfort and flexibility.

🔗 See top-rated homecare hospital beds

4. Will Insurance Cover a Hoyer Lift or Patient Transfer Lift?

Insurance and Medicare may cover a standard manual Hoyer lift, but they rarely cover:

  • Electric models

  • Patient lift chairs (a newer type of transfer device)

  • Accessories like slings, scales, or wheels

Approval is also based on the patient’s condition and doctor’s assessment.

💡 Our experts can help you select the right lift and explain the pros and cons of going through insurance vs. buying directly.
🔗 Guide: Choosing the Right Patient Lift for Home Use

5. What Kind of Wheelchairs Are Covered by Medicare?

Medicare may cover:

  • Manual wheelchairs for individuals who can’t walk short distances

  • Power wheelchairs for people who cannot self-propel a manual one

Requirements include a face-to-face doctor visit, mobility evaluation, and documentation showing daily need inside the home.

However, Medicare only approves specific wheelchair types — you often cannot choose your preferred brand, weight, or travel features.

🔗 Compare wheelchairs: 

6. Can Insurance Cover a Recliner Lift Chair?

Yes, Medicare Part B may cover the lift mechanism only, not the entire chair. You’ll still need to pay for:

  • The recliner body

  • Fabric, padding, and premium features

So, while partial reimbursement is possible, most people prefer buying the full chair outright for quicker access and better style options.

🔗 Explore 3-position Geri Recliner Medical Chairs

7. How Long Does It Take to Get Equipment Through Medicare or Insurance?

It often takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on:

  • Your doctor’s responsiveness

  • Insurance paperwork processing

  • Supplier stock availability

If you’re recovering from surgery, at risk of falls, or urgently need support, this wait may be too long.

💡 That’s why many families choose to pay directly — to get equipment fast and start care immediately.

8. Can I Use My FSA or HSA to Pay for Medical Equipment?

Yes! Most medical equipment — including mobility scooters, hospital beds, commodes, and more — are eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

Always check with your plan administrator, and keep your receipts.

🔗 Shop FSA/HSA-eligible products

9. Does Insurance Cover Medical Equipment for Seniors at Home?

Yes, insurance and Medicare Part B may cover certain durable medical equipment (DME) such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and commodes — but only when:

  • It’s medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor

  • The patient is at home (not in a hospital or care facility)

  • The supplier accepts Medicare/insurance

However, this process usually:

  • Covers only basic standard models

  • Requires paperwork and waiting

  • Limits you to certain brands and features

💡 That’s why many seniors and families choose to shop privately with us — to get the exact equipment they need, without delays or limitations, and with expert guidance available 24/7.

10. What Mobility Aids Are Typically Covered by Insurance?

Insurance may cover:

  • A basic walker or manual wheelchair

  • A standard mobility scooter if it’s needed inside the home

Not typically covered:

  • Advanced rollators with seat/backrest

  • Heavy-duty scooters

  • Lightweight or folding wheelchairs

  • Dual-purpose indoor/outdoor models

You also won’t get to choose your preferred brand or features when going through insurance.

🔍 We help customers find the perfect fit for their needs — with advanced mobility aids you can’t get through insurance, and at some of the best prices in the industry.
🔗 Browse all mobility aids

11. How Do I Get Medical Equipment Through Insurance or Medicare?

To get medical equipment through insurance or Medicare, you’ll usually need to:

  1. Visit your doctor for a face-to-face evaluation

  2. Obtain a written prescription

  3. Submit documentation to a DME supplier that accepts Medicare or your insurance plan

  4. Wait for review, approval, and fulfillment

This process can take 2 to 6 weeks or more, and often results in limited product choices, paperwork delays, and partial coverage (you’ll still owe deductibles or co-pays).

⚠️ If you need equipment quickly, or want full control over the brand, features, and delivery — private pay is usually the faster and more flexible route.

🔗 Need help? Contact our 24/7 team for expert advice