Medicare coverage (2025)
What Medicare covers
Medicare Part B covers crutches as Durable Medical Equipment when medically necessary.
Requirements
- Prescription from a Medicare-enrolled doctor.
- Medically necessary for home use.
- Supplied by a Medicare-approved DME supplier.
- Doctor documents medical necessity.
Your costs (2025)
- Annual Part B deductible: $240 in 2025 (check Medicare.gov for the current amount).
- Coinsurance: typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after deductible.
- Example (2025): $100 crutches → ~$20 after deductible; verify your current deductible.
Rental vs. purchase
In many cases Medicare covers DME rentals for up to 13 months, then you typically own the equipment-check your rental agreement and Medicare.gov for current rules.
How to get coverage
- Get a prescription with diagnosis code.
- Find a Medicare-approved supplier.
- Verify they accept assignment and your costs.
- Supplier submits documents and bills Medicare.
- Pay your 20% share after deductible.
Private insurance
Typical coverage
Most plans cover crutches as DME, but details vary.
- In-network DME: often $10–$40 copay after deductible.
- Out-of-network: 30–50% coinsurance.
- Deductibles vary ($500–$5,000); some plans need pre-auth.
Verify coverage
- Call your insurer: ask about DME coverage, pre-auth, copay/coinsurance.
- Ask which suppliers are in-network.
- Note a reference number for the call.
Coverage rules, deductibles, and copays change regularly; figures here are ballpark and based on 2025 information.
Quick reference (varies by plan)
| Insurance | Typical coverage | Pre-auth? |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | 80–100% after deductible | Varies by state |
| UnitedHealthcare | $15–$30 copay | Usually no |
| Aetna | ~80% after deductible | For specialty items |
| Cigna | $20–$40 copay | Rarely |
| Kaiser | $10–$25 copay | No |
Example patterns from common plans-always confirm with your specific plan.
HSA/FSA eligibility
Use pre-tax dollars
Crutches and accessories qualify as medical expenses for HSA/FSA/HRA accounts.
What’s covered
- Crutches of any type.
- Replacement tips, padding, grips.
- Crutch bags/accessories if medically necessary.
How to use
- Pay with HSA/FSA card or submit receipts.
- Keep itemized receipts; some FSAs need a doctor note.
Tax savings example: In a 22% bracket, $100 crutches effectively cost $78.
Financial assistance programs
National programs
- Salvation Army: medical equipment loans/donations.
- Lions Clubs: loan programs.
- Modest Needs Foundation: emergency grants.
- Patient Advocate Foundation: aid for medical expenses.
Free/low-cost options
- Freecycle and Craigslist “free” section.
- Hospital social services loan closets.
- Churches and community centers.
State Medicaid
Medicaid typically covers crutches with minimal copay when prescribed; use Medicaid-enrolled DME suppliers.
Finding DME suppliers
How to find in-network suppliers
- Call your insurer for approved DME vendors.
- Use Medicare’s search tool.
- Check your insurer’s provider directory.
- Browse the directory for local options.
Questions to ask
- Do you accept my insurance?
- Do you require pre-authorization?
- What will my out-of-pocket cost be?
- Do you offer rentals?
- What’s your return/exchange policy?
Use the tool: Cost Comparison Calculator to compare rental vs. purchase based on your insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover crutches?
Yes, Medicare Part B covers crutches as DME when medically necessary and prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled doctor through an approved supplier. After the annual Part B deductible ($240 in 2025-check Medicare.gov for the current amount), you typically pay about 20% coinsurance. Rentals are typically covered for up to 13 months, then you usually own the equipment-confirm current rules with your supplier.
How much do crutches cost with Medicare?
After meeting the Part B deductible ($240 in 2025-verify the current amount), you generally pay about 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount. Example (2025): $100 crutches ≈ $20 after deductible; confirm your current deductible and rates.
Does private insurance cover crutches?
Most private plans cover crutches as DME. Typical patterns: in-network DME $10–$40 copay after deductible; out-of-network 30–50% coinsurance. Some plans require pre-authorization-always verify before purchase.
What if I can't afford crutches?
Look at Medicaid, non-profits (Salvation Army, Lions Clubs), hospital financial aid, community loan closets, donation programs, and supplier payment plans.
How do I get insurance to approve crutches?
Get a prescription with diagnosis code, use an in-network supplier, verify assignment and any pre-auth needs, submit documents, then pay your copay/coinsurance. Keep receipts and documentation.
Does insurance cover forearm crutches?
Yes when medically necessary. Have your doctor justify long-term use, shoulder issues, or need for forearm support. Applies to Medicare and most private plans.