Electric wheelchairs can be expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. For many users, insurance coverage is essential to making this investment affordable. But does insurance cover electric wheelchairs? The answer depends on your insurance type, your medical needs, and the specific wheelchair model. In this guide, we’ll break down insurance coverage for electric wheelchairs in 2026, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and VA benefits.

Medicare (Part B) covers electric wheelchairs if they are deemed medically necessary. To qualify, you must have a doctor’s prescription stating that you need an electric wheelchair to perform daily activities (e.g., getting around your home, going to the bathroom, preparing meals) and that you cannot use a manual wheelchair due to physical limitations (e.g., lack of upper body strength). Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of a medically necessary electric wheelchair, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20% (deductible and coinsurance).

Medicaid coverage varies by state, but most states cover electric wheelchairs for eligible individuals. Eligibility is based on income and medical need—you must be low-income and have a doctor’s prescription stating that an electric wheelchair is necessary for daily living. Medicaid typically covers the full cost of the wheelchair, but some states may require a small copayment.

Private insurance plans (e.g., employer-sponsored plans, individual plans) also cover electric wheelchairs in most cases, but coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover 100% of the cost, while others require a deductible or coinsurance. Be sure to check your plan’s benefits summary or contact your insurance provider to find out what is covered. You may need a doctor’s prescription and a prior authorization from your insurance company before purchasing the wheelchair.

Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits cover electric wheelchairs for eligible veterans who have a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability that limits mobility. Veterans can apply for a wheelchair through the VA’s Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), which will provide a wheelchair at no cost if it is deemed medically necessary. Veterans may also be eligible for maintenance and replacement services.

To get insurance coverage for an electric wheelchair, follow these steps: 1) Get a doctor’s prescription stating that the wheelchair is medically necessary. 2) Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage and any requirements (e.g., prior authorization). 3) Choose a wheelchair that is covered by your insurance (some plans have a list of approved models). 4) Submit a claim to your insurance company with the prescription and receipt.

If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, there are other options: grants from non-profit organizations, financing plans, or used wheelchairs. Be sure to explore all your options to make an electric wheelchair affordable.