Walking canes can be an essential part of your everyday life. And if you’re on Medicare, you may be wondering if the cost of a cane is covered. The good news, Medicare does help cover the cost of walking canes, as long as they’re medically necessary.
But how much will Medicare actually cover? And what kind of cane qualifies? Understanding the details can help you make the most of your Medicare benefits and avoid unexpected costs.
What Medicare Covers
Medicare has different parts, but for walking canes, the important one is Medicare Part B. Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME), which includes things like walkers, wheelchairs, and yes, walking canes.
To qualify, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor stating that the cane is medically necessary. This means your doctor believes a cane will help improve your mobility, prevent falls, or aid in recovery from an injury or surgery.
Types of Walking Canes Medicare May Cover
Medicare generally covers the basic types of walking canes that are meant for safety and support. These include:
- Standard Canes – A simple, single-point cane that helps with general balance.
- Quad Canes – These have a base with four small legs for added stability. They’re helpful if you need more balance support.
- Offset Canes – Designed to reduce pressure on your wrist and arm. These can be more comfortable for everyday use.
Medicare won’t cover fancy designs, custom handles, or canes used only for convenience. But if it’s medically necessary and approved by your doctor, one of the above types will usually be covered.
How Much Does a Cane Cost with Medicare?
After you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare usually pays 80% of the approved amount for your cane. That means you’ll typically pay 20% out of pocket. Depending on the type of cane and where you get it, this might be just a small amount.
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap plan, your cost may be even lower. Some of these plans cover the full cost, so it’s always good to check with your insurance provider to confirm.
How to Get a Cane Through Medicare
Here are the steps to make sure Medicare helps cover your cane:
- Talk to your doctor – Explain your mobility concerns. If needed, your doctor will write a prescription.
- Get a prescription – This is required for Medicare to cover the cane.
- Use a Medicare-approved supplier – Not all stores or online sellers qualify. Make sure the supplier accepts Medicare.
- Have the supplier bill Medicare – They’ll usually take care of the paperwork for you.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the process might be slightly different. Some plans require you to use specific suppliers or follow extra steps, so it’s a good idea to call your plan provider for details.
Final Thoughts
Medicare does cover walking canes for women if they’re medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. The process is fairly simple, and with the right steps, you can get the support you need at a low cost.
Need help finding a Medicare plan? Call Hitcho Insurance today and let our experts guide you to the best choice for your needs (610) 694-9435.
