A rollator walker can help you move around if you have difficulty with mobility. Medicare can cover the cost of a rollator walker if your healthcare professional determines that it’s necessary for your health.
A doctor who accepts Medicare has to prescribe the walker, which you need to get from a Medicare-approved supplier.
Medicare allows you to get a rollator walker and related accessories if you have difficulty moving and performing daily tasks in your home.
You can get a rollator walker if your mobility difficulties are significant enough to interfere with your ability to complete certain activities safely or within a reasonable amount of time but not so severe that you can’t use an assistive device like a standard walker with no wheels.
Your doctor may need to show that a rollator walker can help you improve mobility.
Medicare usually covers rollator walkers under the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit of Part B. DME covers assistive equipment you need to use at home for medical purposes for 3 years or longer.
Medicare Advantage offers the same coverage as Original Medicare’s parts A and B as a requirement.
If you have Original Medicare coverage, you need to pay a monthly premium of $185 for Part B. Once you meet your $257 deductible, Medicare should cover 80% of the cost of your walker.
Note that depending on the walker you want, you may need to rent or buy it. To get coverage, make sure that your prescribing doctor and equipment supplier work with Medicare, or you may have to pay the full out-of-pocket cost.
While the retail price of a rollator walker can vary, it may range between $50 and $100.
Who can use a rollator walker?
A rollator walker is a great option if you can partially bear weight but may need to rest.
Who shouldn’t use a rollator?
That said, four-wheel rollators are less stable. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to use and maneuver, a two-wheel rolling walker might work better. More severe mobility challenges may require using a wheelchair.