Medicaid Coverage for Mobility Scooters

By Maurice

Mobility Scooters Covered by Medicaid

When it comes to mobility scooters, Medicaid can help enable seniors to afford to buy one. Many people don’t know that they may be entitled to a free or discounted mobility scooter through the program depending on where they live and their individual needs. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting a mobility scooter from Medicaid. Whether you’re looking for yourself or for a loved one, we’ve got the information you need to get started. Read on to learn more!

Will Medicaid pay for a mobility scooter?

The answer to this question depends on your current living situation. If you or your loved one are currently living in a nursing home funded by Medicaid, then the staff at the nursing home can provide a mobility scooter when they recognize that this would be beneficial, without any cost to you.

If you or your loved one live at home, or even in assisted living, you can receive Medicaid benefits through a Medicaid Waiver program. These programs each have different policies concerning medical equipment, depending on the group that they serve; Medicaid Waiver groups for seniors are of particular note for the topic of this article. In general, though, Medicaid can cover the cost of a mobility scooter through these programs if it is determined that you have a medical need for one.

US States that Cover Mobility Scooters

Whether or not you can get a mobility scooter completely covered by Medicaid can vary from state to state, since the eligibility requirements vary. These eligibility requirements involve both income and resource limits and often involve medical needs as well.

Regardless of the requirements in place, most states will cover the cost of a scooter at least partially. Here is a short list of the states where it’s most likely to be able to get full coverage for your scooter:

Be sure to consult your state’s Medicaid eligibility requirements for more details when considering buying a mobility scooter.

How to Get a Mobility Scooter from Medicaid

The clearest path to getting a mobility scooter from Medicaid is by talking to your doctor or physician. They will work with you to decide whether or not a mobility scooter would be the best assistive device for you. Chances are, if you cannot thrive with a manual mobility aid, then a powered mobility aid such as a scooter or a powered wheelchair is a better fit. In other words, if you are unable to get around or perform daily tasks without assistance, and a walker or a cane does not adequately help you, then talk with your doctor about considering a mobility scooter.

Your doctor will usually need to provide proof that you have a medical need for a mobility scooter in order for it to be covered through Medicaid. When that need is determined, your doctor can write a prescription that Medicaid can then accept. If you have a need for a specific type of mobility scooter, be sure to discuss it with your doctor, who can mention it in the prescription.

Note as well that, through some Medicaid programs, Medicaid may even pay for any repairs that your mobility scooter may need.

Other ways to Get a Free Mobility Scooter

If you are ineligible for Medicaid, don’t worry – there are still ways to get a free mobility scooter. In this blog post, we will explore some of those options so that you can continue to live an active and mobile lifestyle. Keep reading for more information.

Medicare will cover up to 80% of the cost of a mobility scooter if it is deemed by your doctor to be a medical necessity. The same criteria needed to meet medical necessity status generally apply between Medicaid and Medicare. Speak with your doctor or physician to receive a prescription for a mobility scooter through Medicare.

If you’re a veteran and were injured in the line of duty, then Veteran’s Affairs will most likely cover the cost of a mobility scooter. Qualified vets can also receive grants to cover the cost of equipment that will make their homes and vehicles more accessible while using a scooter. It’s a good idea to speak with Veteran’s Affairs directly to learn whether or not you qualify for coverage.

There is also a possibility that you may be able to get a free mobility scooter through your insurance company. Most major insurance companies offer coverage for mobility devices, and many of them have specific programs that provide scooters at no cost to the patient. In general, insurance companies have similar eligibility qualifications as Medicaid: a doctor’s prescription is required in many cases. To find out if your insurance company offers a mobility device program, you can either call them directly or check their website.

Many websites exist online to help people get the assistive devices they need, including scooters. You can check our directory of free mobility scooter programs across the US that lists a variety of programs that operate in each state for people looking for free scooters, wheelchairs, and more.

Conclusion

So, will Medicaid pay for a mobility scooter? The answer is yes in some states, and there are other ways to get a free or discounted mobility scooter as well. Check the Medicaid requirements in your state to see if you qualify. If you don’t, be sure to check out the other programs available that can help you get the mobility device you need. There are many resources to help people who need mobility scooters get one, regardless of their income.

2 thoughts on “Mobility Scooters Covered by Medicaid: Your Complete Guide”

Tracy Robinson
December 22, 2022 at 2:39 am

Tracy Robinson my phone is 313978128

Connie Watson
January 7, 2023 at 7:19 am

The ‘world’ including the government think cause you are on Medicaid you shouldn’t need anything…but I been on Medicaid since about 16 so I couldn’t get a job and pay into Medicare cause I was sick[handicap] before I could get a ‘good job’…I became disable at 16 from SLE/DL[Systemic Lupus/Discord Lupus and was put as disable, couldn’t work a regular job, couldn’t have children, got pregnant 5 times, lost 3 due to Lupus. Now, I need to get to grocery store and get around but My being on Medicaid is stopping that cause they act like I don’t need anything cause the government pay My medical bills but they on give ME enough money to squeeze by. Due to COVIC people are scared to give you a ride and those that do want you to pay gas money every time you ask to go to the store or anywhere…I can’t afford $20 every time I need to go to the store…I only get $841.00 a month; I have to pay rent, utilities, buy household needs; wash clothes and whatever else is need. Where I live we can’t have washer and dryers in our homes and there are no back doors{this is a senior citizen apartment; a lot of us are using walkers, wheelchairs or just aren’t able to walk anymore…BUT WE DON’T HAVE BUT ONE DOOR ON OUR HOME…NO BACK DOORS!!!!}
So since I need a mobility scooter, best suited for My needs, I need one that I can go to the store and grocery shop…I need a Mobility scooter that I will be covered by the rain, snow and whatever weather. Sitting here waiting to find someone to help ME, I’m usually 2 to 4 weeks without food{I have been here a month without food no Christmas meal, no New Years meal, no meals for a whole month, unable to wash clothes cause no one is willing to take ME where I needed to go. FEAR HAS CHANGED OUR NEIGHBORS!!!!

Mobility Scooters Covered by Medicaid: Your Complete Guide