Quick Answers
- If you have Medicare, coverage is usually tied to medical necessity and in-home use, and you’ll need a doctor visit and documentation.
- If you have Florida Medicaid, coverage depends on eligibility plus documented medical need, and state rules can apply.
- If you have private insurance, coverage varies by plan, but often mirrors Medicare-style requirements.
- If you’re paying out of pocket, financing and rental options can reduce the upfront hit.
We serve Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties.
Medicare
Does Medicare cover mobility scooters?
Medicare Part B may cover a mobility scooter as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) if it’s medically necessary and primarily needed for in-home use. Medicare typically does not cover a scooter that’s mainly for outdoor use, travel, or recreation.
What do I need to qualify for Medicare coverage?
Medicare commonly requires:
- A face-to-face exam with a Medicare-enrolled doctor
- A prescription and medical documentation showing the scooter is necessary
- Proof that other mobility aids (like a cane or walker) won’t meet your needs inside the home
- Use of a Medicare-approved DME supplier
How much does Medicare usually pay?
If approved, Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You generally pay the remaining 20% coinsurance.
What about Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but the process and out-of-pocket cost can be different. Many plans require prior authorization and may have network rules.
Can CJ Mobility Scooters bill Medicare directly?
In many cases, Medicare coverage requires working through a Medicare-approved DME supplier. If you’re trying to use Medicare, we can help you understand the steps, coordinate what information you’ll need, and guide you toward the right path based on your situation.
What if Medicare denies the claim?
Denials happen. You may have appeal rights, and many denials come down to missing documentation or a mismatch between what’s written and what Medicare requires. If you’re in the middle of the process, we can help you sanity-check what you have and what you may still need.
Medicaid
Does Florida Medicaid cover mobility scooters?
Florida Medicaid may cover mobility devices, including scooters, for eligible individuals who meet program requirements. Like Medicare, Medicaid typically looks for documented medical need and expects provider documentation.
Because Medicaid is state-administered, the exact steps and required paperwork can vary.
What do I need for Medicaid coverage in Florida?
Requirements include:
- Medicaid eligibility (income and program requirements)
- A doctor’s prescription
- Documentation showing you cannot safely perform daily activities without the device
- Possible additional evaluations depending on the situation and plan rules
If I have both Medicare and Medicaid, what happens?
If you’re dual-eligible, Medicare is usually billed first. Florida Medicaid may then cover some or all of what’s left, such as the 20% coinsurance, depending on your eligibility and plan details. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket cost.
Private Insurance
Will private health insurance cover a mobility scooter?
Private insurance coverage varies a lot by plan, but many policies treat scooters as DME and follow Medicare-like guidelines.
Expect the insurance company to care about:
- Medical necessity
- In-home use
- A prescription and supporting documentation
- Prior authorization
- In-network supplier requirements
- Your deductible, copay, and coinsurance
What should I ask my insurance company?
When you call member services, ask:
- “Is a mobility scooter covered under my DME benefit?”
- “Is prior authorization required?”
- “Do I need to use an in-network DME supplier?”
- “What documentation is required from my physician?”
- “What will my out-of-pocket cost be after deductible and coinsurance?”
- “Do you need a billing code (HCPCS code) to confirm coverage?”
If your insurer needs a quote or product details, we can provide what you need to support the conversation.
What if insurance won’t cover it, or only covers part of it?
You still have options. Many customers choose one of these paths:
- Financing to spread payments out over time
- A short-term or long-term rental instead of purchasing
- A lower-cost scooter model that fits the need and budget
What financing options are available for a mobility scooter?
Financing options vary by customer, but common approaches include:
CareCredit and healthcare credit lines
Some customers use CareCredit to pay over time with monthly payments. Promotional financing may be available on qualifying purchases, depending on the offer and approval.
Lease-to-own programs
Some third-party financing providers offer lease-to-own options, including no-credit-needed style programs. These often include early payoff options, but terms vary, so it’s important to understand total cost before committing.
Credit cards or personal loans
Some customers use a traditional credit card, a personal loan, or a line of credit to cover the purchase, especially if they want predictable monthly payments.
Veterans benefits
If you’re a veteran, you may have options through VA healthcare for mobility equipment, depending on eligibility and clinical need.
If you tell us what you’re working with, we’ll point you toward the options that are most realistic.