Yes, Medicare can cover an upright walker, but only under Part B's durable medical equipment (DME) benefit — and only when your doctor documents that it's medically necessary for your condition.

Medicare Part B covers upright walkers as DME at 80% of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. The upright walker must be prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled physician, purchased or rented through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier, and supported by documentation showing why a standard rollator or cane is insufficient. Without that specific written justification, the claim is likely to be denied.

  • Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved DME amount for an upright walker after the annual deductible is met.
  • The 2024 Medicare Part B deductible is $240 before coverage of an upright walker begins.
  • An upright walker must be classified under HCPCS code E0143 or a related walker code to qualify for Medicare reimbursement.
  • The DME supplier must be Medicare-enrolled; purchasing from a non-enrolled retailer disqualifies the claim entirely.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans typically cover the remaining 20% coinsurance, depending on the plan type.

Important Exceptions

  • Upright walker purchased before getting a prescription: Medicare will not reimburse a device you already bought; the prescription and supplier enrollment must come first.
  • Supplier is Medicare-enrolled but not in your plan's network: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans use their own supplier networks — buying outside that network can result in full out-of-pocket cost even when the walker is medically necessary.
  • Doctor documents general balance issues without specifying why a standard rollator is insufficient: Vague diagnoses routinely trigger claim denials; the written order must state why the upright walker's forearm-support design is medically required over a lower-handle device.
  • User is in a skilled nursing facility: Medicare Part A bundles all equipment costs during a covered SNF stay, so Part B DME coverage for the Akoasm Upright Walker does not apply until after discharge.
  • Medigap policy is Plan A or Plan B: These plans do not cover Part B coinsurance for DME, leaving the standard 20% as your out-of-pocket cost even with a supplement policy in force.