Paying for an Electric Wheelchair: Your Real Options
🦼 What It Actually Costs When Insurance Doesn’t Cover It All
A electric wheelchair is a real investment. If insurance won’t cover the full cost — or any of it — here are the actual ways people pay for one, from fastest to slowest.
⚠️ Policies, requirements, and networks can change. This article is general information, not insurance advice. Always confirm current details directly with your plan, your doctor, or a DME supplier before making a purchase decision.
🏥 Start With Insurance, Not Financing
Before financing anything, confirm whether Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will cover part of the cost. If a doctor documents medical necessity and you work with an enrolled DME supplier, Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount, with you responsible for the remaining 20% plus your deductible.
See our Warranty, Medicare & Financial Aid Guide for the full walkthrough of that process.
💰 Common Financing Options
💳 CareCredit
A healthcare-specific credit card accepted by more than 200,000 providers, designed for medical expenses including mobility equipment. Requires credit approval; may offer promotional zero-interest periods for a set number of months, with regular minimum payments required.
🏪 Dealer / In-House Financing
Many mobility equipment dealers partner directly with financing companies (like Bread Financing or Affirm) to offer payment plans — sometimes including 0% interest promotions for 6-24 months. Ask your dealer directly what they offer before assuming you need outside financing.
📦 Lease-to-Own
Some retailers offer lease-to-own programs (like Acima) — you make payments toward eventual ownership, or return the equipment without penalty if your needs change. This can work well if you’re not certain the device is the right long-term fit.
Other options worth knowing about: a personal loan or line of credit from your bank, a reverse mortgage if you’re a homeowner looking to access home equity, and — for people over 65 — the possibility that medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income may be tax-deductible. Ask a tax professional about your specific situation.
🤝 Other Sources of Help
- Veterans/VA: if you’re a Veteran, ask your VA team about mobility equipment support — many Veterans qualify for coverage through VA channels
- Nonprofits & loan closets: local disease-specific chapters (MS Society, ALS Association, etc.) and community “loan closets” sometimes offer refurbished equipment or financial assistance
- State assistive technology programs: many states run programs specifically to help fund assistive devices — search for your state’s assistive technology act program
- Used or refurbished equipment: can meaningfully reduce cost when compatible with your needs — always confirm battery health and mechanical condition before buying
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need good credit to finance a electric wheelchair?
It depends on the option. CareCredit and dealer financing typically require a credit check and approval, though some lease-to-own programs (like Acima) have more flexible approval criteria. It’s worth asking each option directly about their specific requirements.
Can I combine insurance coverage with financing?
Yes — this is actually the most common approach. Insurance or Medicare covers the medically-necessary base amount, while financing covers your remaining coinsurance, deductible, or any upgrades not covered by insurance.
Is it better to buy used to avoid financing a electric wheelchair altogether?
It can be, if you find a well-maintained unit compatible with your needs. Just factor in battery age and condition specifically, since batteries are the most common source of problems and may need replacement soon after purchase.