Does Medicare cover walkers and canes?

3-minute readPublished 04/08/2026Updated 09:31 AM EST, 04/07/2026

Yes, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover the cost of walkers and canes if you’re eligible. Part B helps cover all medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor or other health care provider prescribes it for use in your home.¹

Here are some more details about Medicare, walkers and canes.

Key points

Part B covers walkers and canes as durable medical equipment (DME)
You must have a prescription from a Medicare-approved doctor stating the item is medically necessary
Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount and you pay the remaining 20% after meeting your Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
You must buy or rent your walker or cane from a Medicare-approved supplier

When is a walker or cane considered medically necessary?

Medicare has rules for covering mobility aids like walkers and canes. To be medically necessary, your doctor must confirm that:

You have limited mobility that affects daily living activities like getting to the bathroom, getting out of bed and moving around your home.
You can safely use a walker or cane.

Your doctor also needs to write a prescription to prove medical necessity. The prescription will list your medical condition, the type of walker or cane you need and how long you need to use it. The walker or cane must be bought from a Medicare-approved DME supplier for the claim to be accepted.

Learn more about Medicare

Get started with Humana Medicare today

Humana Medicare plans offer benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers. Explore all of the plans available in your area today!

ZIP code

3-minute readPublished 04/08/2026Updated 09:31 AM EST, 04/07/2026

What parts of Medicare cover walkers and canes?

Different parts of Medicare handle DME costs differently. Here’s a breakdown.

Coverage for walkers and canes with Medicare Part B

Part B will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved cost if your doctor and supplier accept Medicare. Here’s how it works:

You must meet your annual Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Once your deductible is met, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost.
You pay the remaining 20% of the cost.

Coverage for walkers and canes with Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare. This means your Medicare Advantage plan will cover walkers and canes if they’re medically necessary.

However, most Medicare Advantage plans have their own network of doctors and medical equipment suppliers. Always check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage document to see your exact costs and network options.

Coverage for walkers and canes with Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement insurance , also known as Medigap, helps pay out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn’t pay. Depending on your Medigap plan, you may have little to no out-of-pocket cost after meeting your Part B deductible.

What types of walkers and canes will Medicare cover?

Here are the types of walkers and canes Medicare typically covers:

Standard walkers: basic, lightweight aluminum frame with 4 rubber-tipped legs.
Two-wheeled walkers: standard walkers but with wheels on the 2 front legs.
Rollators (4-wheeled walkers): standard walkers with 4 wheels, handlebars with brakes and usually a built-in seat.
Standard single-point canes: lightweight material, a curved handle and a single rubber tip at the bottom.
Quad canes: same as a standard cane but with 4 small feet at the bottom.

Learn more about Medicare

For information on the costs, coverage and types of Medicare plans, check out our library of Medicare articles . To see Medicare plans in your area with their premiums, copays and participating doctors and pharmacies, visit our Humana Medicare plans page .