Does Medicaid Cover Walkers [Get The Facts]

Walkers are essential pieces of equipment for the elderly and disabled, allowing them to walk around more and avoid falls. This is why many people question if Medicaid will cover walkers.

If you’ve been pondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Even the most seasoned beneficiaries may find Medicaid complicated, but we are here to provide you with all the facts and information.

By the conclusion of this article, you’ll understand all of the fine print details and be certain that you’re getting the most out of your Medicaid benefits. 

So, keep reading, and let’s get right into it.

Quick Navigation Article Links

• What is Medicaid?
• What Is Considered Durable Medical Equipment?
• Does Medicaid Cover Walkers?
• How to buy a walker with Medicaid?

What is Medicaid?

New users are unaware that Medicaid is a fantastic financial resource for medical help, created for families and individuals in need. What might be confounding is that each state has the authority to operate the program in whatever way they see proper.

This implies that, depending on where you reside, you may be covered for a wide range of medical procedures or only the most basic ones. This is why it’s critical to check our website frequently for the most recent changes and to contact your Medicaid reps for further information.

What does Medicaid cover?

Depending on where you live, Medicaid may pay some or all of your medical expenses. This can include things like:

• Regular doctor’s visits;
• Specialist if needed;
• Therapies
• Laboratory
• X-ray
• Nursing home
• Dental services

However, understanding exactly what your insurance will cover is always up for debate. This is why it is a good idea to check your health insurance card and call the number listed on it for further information.

The representatives on the other end will be able to assist you with program eligibility, replacement of stolen or lost cards, Medicaid physicians near you, and if you are covered for certain medical treatments.

What Is Considered Durable Medical Equipment?

Because we’re talking about walkers today, it’s important to understand the terminology that may be used, such as Durable Medical Equipment, or DME. This expression refers to equipment that may be used repeatedly over a lengthy period of time.

Here are a few examples of DME:

• Wheelchairs;
• Ventilators;
• Hospital beds;
• Kidney machines;
• Canes and crutches;
• Oxygen;
• Bili blankets and lights;
• Lifts;

Walkers and rollators are durable medical devices that can be prescribed to individuals who have a balance or muscular difficulties, COPD, or who need to recuperate from surgery or an accident.

But does this imply that Medicaid will cover the cost of walkers? Stay tuned for further information.

Does Medicaid Cover Walkers?

The short answer is yes because walkers and rollators are frequently funded by Medicaid. However, there are a few factors you must be aware of in order to qualify for this support equipment.

Walkers, like other things covered by Medicaid, can be paid for based on the state you live in, the sub-program you are enrolled in, and other variables. In addition, the walker must be medically required in order for Medicaid to fund it.

As you can see, there is no easy answer to this issue, but if you carefully read the following paragraphs, you will understand what is required for you to be eligible.

How do you qualify for a walker?

If you want Medicaid to cover the entire cost of your walker, you must meet specific requirements, such as:

• Medical necessity – Walkers are regarded medically necessary if you require one to diagnose or treat an ailment, injury, condition, or symptoms. Your doctor will assess all of this after a thorough checkup.

• Prescription – In order to be eligible for a Medicaid-covered walker, you must have a prescription from a doctor, podiatrist, or registered nurse practitioner. The prescription is needed to demonstrate that you require the walker.

• Cost-effective – While Medicaid is a wonderful program, millions of people rely on it, thus the funding is usually restricted. This implies you will most likely receive the most basic model of a walker at the lowest cost.

• Enrollment in Medicaid – Both your doctor and the walker provider must agree to be reimbursed by Medicaid. Contacting your Medicaid agent and asking for a list of suppliers is the simplest approach to find out who is prepared to accept this payment option.

How To Buy A Walker With Medicaid?

Once you have all of the necessary papers, you can go to your local walker provider or acquire the model of walker you require online. Keep in mind that this is a process whose outcome is dependent on Medicaid in your state.

After you submit your order, the supplier will contact the Medicaid agent and complete the necessary preparations. If Medicaid authorizes this transaction, the supplier will send the receipt to them, and you will get your new walker.

Remember that if you are in a nursing home, the personnel should be able to complete this process without your assistance.

Can you choose the walker?

In most circumstances, you are unable to select the walker since you must choose the most cost-effective alternative. This may imply that you will receive a basic walker model that will allow you to move freely in your residence but will not be sufficient for outside use.

How much does a walker cost?

The cost of walkers or rollators varies depending on the kind and manufacturer. Most walkers range in price from $30 for the most basic model to $250 for more dependable and durable models.

Keep in mind that Medicaid will most likely cover the cost of a basic model, but it will be covered entirely. It’s a step in the right direction since even the most basic model may help individuals get around and become more self-sufficient.

Final Thoughts

Walkers and rollators let the elderly and injured walk more freely and with more stability, and as such, they are extremely useful equipment that is available under Medicaid. 

Keep in mind that you must meet the standards listed, but in general, everyone that needs walkers will be completely covered by Medicaid.