Paying for handicap mobility equipment can be pretty expensive, especially if insurance doesn’t cover the costs. Getting Medicare to pay for anything is tough, and you may not see any assistance unless you have Medicare part B.
According to the Medicare website, Part B pays for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for power-operated scooters and manual wheelchairs. Power wheelchairs will only be paid for if medically necessary, meaning your doctor has to complete paperwork and send it to Medicare. There’s no mention of wheelchair lifts so that could mean you personally pay 100% for lifts. However, other types of medical insurance vary and could potentially pay other amounts.
Wheelchairs
Without insurance, the average cost of handicap mobility equipment can be pretty pricey. Manual wheelchairs are $500 on average, but a chair meant for everyday use can easily cost $2,000. Electric wheelchairs diversify a lot, but expected costs are $1,200 to $1,500—although some can be as high as $30,000.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are even more costly. AARP did a study and found that most range from $1,700 to $3,000, although they can be much higher. You may have the ability to find an older-model Hoveround for cheaper, but Medicare requires you to pick a brand accepted by the program.
Lift Chair Recliners
Lift chair recliners can start at $300 and go up as high as $1,800 depending on the model. Some come with extra features like lumbar support, which could also increase the price. These chairs help those with arthritis and other mobility issues to stand from a seating position. Medicare may help pay for lift chair recliners depending on the person and their mobility issues, but it's important to note that Medicare will only pay for the lift device itself--not the recliner.
Wheelchair Lifts
Finally, wheelchair lifts on average cost around $1,500 to $3,000, but they also range quite a bit. Materials like aluminum can lower your cost but aren’t as durable. Other models can be as high as $14,000.
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