What Medicare requires
- Medical need. Your treating doctor or other provider documents that you need the device to move around your home, and that a cane or walker isn't enough.
- Safe use. You, or someone who helps you, can use the device safely, and your home has room for it.
- A Medicare-enrolled supplier. Medicare only pays for equipment from suppliers enrolled in Medicare.
Power wheelchairs and scooters
Part B covers power wheelchairs and scooters only when they are medically necessary. Before Medicare pays:
- Face-to-face exam. Your treating provider examines you and documents why you need a power device.
- Written order. The provider sends a written order (prescription) to the supplier.
- Prior approval when required. Some power wheelchairs need prior authorization. The supplier usually submits the request for you.
What you pay
After the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if the supplier accepts assignment. Medigap policies pay all or part of that coinsurance. You may be able to rent or buy; for some items you must rent, and many become yours after 13 months of rental payments. If a supplier won't accept assignment for every rental month, you could have to pay the full cost up front, so ask first.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same equipment but may require network suppliers and prior authorization, with their own cost sharing.
Finding a supplier in Oregon
Use Medicare's supplier directory to find enrolled suppliers near you; in rural Oregon, a supplier may serve several counties or ship parts and visit for service. Ask how repairs work before you choose. If a supplier says Medicare won't pay, ask for an Advance Beneficiary Notice and check with 1-800-MEDICARE before you buy. If you have both Medicare and OHP, Medicare pays first, and OHP may help with the coinsurance.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy in Oregon?
Home oxygen rules.
Does Medicare cover CPAP in Oregon?
Sleep apnea equipment.
Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
Therapy to stay mobile.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Wheelchairs and scooters
- Medicare.gov — Durable medical equipment coverage
- Medicare.gov — Find medical equipment and suppliers
- SMP Resource Center — Senior Medicare Patrol
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover ambulance service in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover bone density tests in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover cataract surgery in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover chiropractic care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover CPAP machines in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover dental care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover flu shots in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for in-home caregivers in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mammograms in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or spend winters outside Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover medical marijuana in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover memory care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover psilocybin therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover transportation to medical appointments in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover vision care in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Will Medicare cover a wheelchair just for going outside?
Generally no. Medicare looks at whether you need the device to do daily activities inside your home, such as getting to the bathroom or kitchen.
Can I pay extra for a fancier model?
Yes. You can choose an upgrade and pay the difference above what Medicare approves. Get the costs in writing, and make sure the supplier accepts assignment for the covered part.
What about ads for scooters at no cost to you?
Be careful. Equipment offers that come through ads or unsolicited calls can be fraud. Get equipment only through your own provider's order and a Medicare-enrolled supplier, and report suspicious offers to 1-800-MEDICARE or the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
