Understood Care
Who this guide helps
If you are trying to get a walker, wheelchair, power chair, scooter, oxygen, hospital bed, or other equipment for daily living, this guide explains how coverage works, what paperwork is required, and how to move from the doctor’s order to delivery with fewer delays. It is written for patients, caregivers, and older adults using clear language and short sections.
Where to get help right now
You can connect with an advocate who coordinates the entire process for you, from order to delivery and follow up. Learn more at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment and meet our team at https://understoodcare.com/advocates. If transportation to fittings or follow up is a barrier, see options at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help. For cost and insurance information, visit https://understoodcare.com/pricing.
Durable medical equipment is reusable medical gear that you use at home to manage a health condition or safely complete daily activities like moving, bathing, and toileting. Common examples include canes, walkers, standard or lightweight manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen equipment, hospital beds, commode chairs, nebulizers, and diabetic supplies. Your clinician must decide that the item is medically necessary for use at home. Medicare Part B usually covers a rental for most items and a purchase for some. You typically pay your Part B deductible and coinsurance unless you have supplemental coverage.
Clinicians often look at how easily you can perform daily activities such as walking inside your home, transferring from bed to chair, using the bathroom, dressing, and bathing. If a device helps you do these tasks more safely and independently, it is likely to be considered medically necessary.
This section mirrors the process described in our short video with Amanda, one of our advocates. In that video, she explains that your medical equipment can be anything from a walker to a power chair and oxygen. It is usually covered by Medicare and your secondary plan if you have one. Our team walks with you through the full process, from the doctor order to delivery, answering questions along the way so you are not alone.
Ask your clinician for a written order that names the specific device and includes the medical reason you need it. For some items such as power wheelchairs and certain prosthetics, a face to face visit and a detailed written order before delivery are required. If you already had a visit recently, your advocate can check whether that note can be used or if a new evaluation is needed.
Use a supplier that accepts Medicare assignment. This protects you from overcharges and speeds claims. Your advocate can help you pick a supplier with stock in your area and arrange delivery or in store pickup when required.
Some items need prior authorization before delivery. That means Medicare reviews the order and medical notes up front. Your advocate can send the supplier and clinician the exact checklist so documentation is complete the first time, reducing back and forth and resubmissions.
Once authorized, the supplier delivers or schedules you for a fitting. Proper fit and training are essential for safety. If anything feels unstable or uncomfortable, ask for adjustments. Your advocate can request changes, different sizes, or a new evaluation when needed.
Repairs and replacement parts are often covered when the item is owned and used as intended. Keep receipts and report problems quickly. An advocate can open a repair ticket, coordinate loaners when available, and make sure paperwork reaches the plan.
Most delays occur when the clinical note is missing specific details that Medicare expects to see. Examples include your current mobility in the home, why a less involved device is not enough, and how the new device lets you safely complete daily activities. For oxygen, Medicare requires specific test results that meet coverage criteria. For power mobility devices, Medicare requires a face to face evaluation that shows you can safely operate the device and that it will be used in your home.
Suppliers must keep the written order, any prior authorization approval, and proof of delivery. If something is missing, claims are denied even if you clearly need the device. An advocate can double check these documents and request corrections before delivery.
You generally pay the Part B deductible if you have not met it yet, then a percentage of the Medicare approved amount. Many items are rented monthly for up to a set number of months, after which you own the device. Oxygen equipment has special rules where the supplier must provide service and supplies for a set period. If you have a Medigap plan or secondary insurance, it often covers your coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans follow Medicare rules but may require that you use suppliers in the plan network and follow plan specific prior authorization rules. An advocate can check your plan, confirm any copays, and avoid surprise bills.
Before a supplier can deliver most power mobility devices, Medicare requires a face to face visit with your clinician and a detailed written order before delivery. The visit note typically must explain why a cane or walker is not enough, why a manual wheelchair will not meet your needs inside the home, and why a scooter or power wheelchair is appropriate and safe for you to operate.
Scooters usually require that you can sit upright and steer with both hands. Power wheelchairs offer more seating options and can be controlled with different types of joysticks or alternative controls when grip is limited. Your advocate can prepare you for the visit, send your clinician the official coverage checklist, and help you compare models available through in network suppliers.
Medicare covers home oxygen when testing shows low oxygen levels that meet specific criteria and other conditions are met. Coverage can be for short term or long term needs depending on your condition. Your clinician documents the diagnosis, testing results, and flow rate settings. The supplier provides tanks or concentrators and the related accessories.
Your clinician may need to renew documentation at set intervals. Contact your advocate if you change addresses or suppliers. Consistent use and follow up reduce service interruptions.
A cane can improve balance when you need a small amount of support. A walker provides more stability when one sided support is not enough. A physical therapist or trained fitter can set the height, teach safe turning, and show how to navigate thresholds. If walking feels unsafe at home even with a walker, talk with your clinician about a wheelchair.
Check that brakes lock firmly. Make sure footrests are adjusted so your feet are supported and do not drag. Practice transfers with supervision until you feel confident. Ask your supplier about free adjustments during the rental period.
Small changes at home can make a big safety difference. Clear pathways, add night lights, and consider grab bars and raised toilet seats. If rides to fittings or training are hard to arrange, see transportation options at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help.
In our short video, Amanda explains that durable medical equipment includes items such as walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen, power chairs, and scooters that help with your daily activities. Equipment is typically covered by Medicare and by your secondary insurance if you have one. Our advocates guide you through the entire process from the moment your doctor orders the device to coordination with the supplier and delivery to your home. If questions come up at any step, we are here to answer them clearly and keep things moving.
Prepare your visit by sending your clinician a simple checklist that mirrors Medicare’s coverage rules
Coordinate with suppliers to confirm stock, delivery dates, and any prior authorization needs
Track paperwork so the written order, face to face visit, and testing are all in place before delivery
Solve problems by arranging refits, repairs, or replacements and by opening appeals when needed
Support caregivers with clear instructions, follow up reminders, and friendly check ins
Explore more about mobility equipment support at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment and how our team works at https://understoodcare.com/how-advocates-support.
You need a written order from a Medicare enrolled clinician that shows the item is medically necessary for use in your home. Use a Medicare enrolled supplier that accepts assignment and follow any prior authorization steps. An advocate can coordinate the visit, the paperwork, and the supplier so nothing is missed.
Yes when clinical criteria are met. You must have a face to face evaluation and a detailed written order before delivery. The documentation must show why less involved options such as a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair will not meet your needs inside the home and that you can safely operate the device.
Prior authorization is a review before delivery to confirm that coverage rules are met. It applies to certain items such as specific lower limb prosthetics and some power mobility devices. Your supplier or advocate sends the order and clinical notes to Medicare or your plan for approval.
You can search the official Medicare supplier directory or ask your advocate to identify in network options with delivery times in your area and experience with the item you need.
Medicare rents most items for a set number of months. After a certain number of rental payments you may own the item or the supplier continues to service it under program rules. Some items are purchased outright. Your advocate can explain what applies to your device and plan.
Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers. Plans may require that you use network suppliers and obtain prior authorization. An advocate can verify network status and get plan specific forms completed to avoid delays.
The most common problems are missing details in the clinical note, no face to face documentation when required, or the wrong kind of order. For oxygen, missing test results cause delays. For power mobility devices, missing details about home use and safety are common. An advocate can spot these gaps early.
Yes. Advocates can contact the supplier, arrange service, coordinate loaners when available, and work with your clinician to refresh documentation if needed.
Ask about in home delivery and setup. If a clinic visit is required, your advocate can help arrange rides and companion assistance. See options at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help.
Timelines vary based on the device, documentation, supplier stock, and whether prior authorization is required. Preparing the right paperwork before delivery is the fastest way to speed things up. Advocates focus on this preparation so you get your device as soon as possible.
Call your clinician or emergency services as appropriate. For coordination and follow up, your advocate can help after urgent needs are addressed.
If you want help with paperwork, supplier coordination, or plan rules, reach out at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment or meet our team at https://understoodcare.com/advocates. We will listen to your goals, create a simple plan together, and do the legwork so you can focus on your health.
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
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