Canes are a type of mobility device. If you need help getting around at home, Medicare may cover it as part of the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit.

Part B of Original Medicare includes DME, which covers essential items your body needs to function, such as oxygen, oxygen equipment, and hospital beds. These items can also include canes and walkers.

To receive this benefit, it helps if you have Original Medicare enrollment. Your cane must be medically necessary, meaning your doctor must write a prescription stating that you require a cane to get around your house.

Also, working with a doctor and supplier that can accept Medicare payments is necessary, and they must accept the assignment. Then, you just need to pay the coinsurance and Part B deductible.

Medicare can consider your cane medical equipment if Medicare deems the cane reasonable and necessary to help you with mobility challenges that significantly limit your ability to live your day-to-day life and perform essential tasks such as grooming, toileting, eating, dressing, or bathing.

But this means that Medicare usually won’t pay for a white cane if you have blindness or vision loss. People typically use these canes outside the home, and Medicare doesn’t consider them medical equipment because they can be identifiers for people with vision loss. While these are also self-help devices, they may not be essential to help someone perform their daily activities.

It’s vital to pay the Part B premium of $174.70 to get coverage for a cane in 2024. Then, you must meet a deductible of $240 before Medicare covers costs.

If you meet your deductible, Part B can pay 80% of the cost. Your out-of-pocket cost can vary depending on whether you choose to rent or purchase the cane or have a coinsurance cost.

If you have Medicare Advantage, you may get the same coverage as Original Medicare, but your costs depend on your plan.

Speak with your doctor about how to get Medicare to cover your cane and learn more about medical devices approved by Medicare.