Does Medicare Pay for Knee Walkers?
So, you injured your foot or ankle and your doctor recommend you use a knee walker to help keep weight of your injury. You have Medicare as your primary insurance and are wondering if Medicare will cover your knee walker, in this article we go over whether Medicare pays for “knee walkers”, and how to get a knee walker from a dme supplier.
Are Knee Walkers Covered By Medicare?
Knee walkers are one of the most popular pieces of medical equipment on the market today, and one of the most requested items by patients following foot or ankle surgery. Unfortunately Medicare the country’s largest insurance provider does not cover the purchase or rental of a knee walker. Even though your physician has given you a prescription for a “knee walker” or knee scooter Medicare will not cover it.
Why Medicare does not pay for knee walkers
In Medicare’s eyes a “knee walker” or “knee scooter” are a luxury items and don’t fall under Medicare’s medical necessary guidelines. Right or wrong Medicare believes that a cane or crutches provide the same level of mobility for the user as a knee walker.
How To Get a Knee Walker if Medicare Won’t Cover it
Just because Medicare won’t pay for your knee walker doesn’t mean you can’t get one. If your doctor recommended you use a knee walker, and you really hate the idea of using crutches then you have 3 options when it comes to getting one.
- Pay for your knee walker out of pocket. This is the most expensive option with knee walkers costing between $180-$400 depending on the style of knee walker you purchase. (Side note we have awesome knee walker’s available for just $139)
- Rent your knee walker, by renting a knee walker you will save considerable money compared to purchasing one. Most medical supply stores offer knee walker rentals on weekly and monthly terms. (At CSA Medical Supply we offer the option to all of our customers to rent a knee walker for $100 a month.)
- Borrower one from a friend. Knee walkers have exploded in popularity and chances are that a friend or distant family member may have an old knee walker laying around just waiting for you to use.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to knee walker’s I’ am a big fan they are easy to use, help keep weight off your injured foot or ankle, and are 100% more comfortable than hopping around on crutches. Maybe one day Medicare will recognize the medical necessity of knee walker’s and begin covering the rental or purchase of one for their beneficiaries. Until that day comes the only way for you to get a knee walker is to pay for one out of your own pocket. If you have any questions about this article or have something important you think I should add to it please comment below or send me an email at aaron@csamedicalsupply.com
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