How to Get a Mobility Scooter Through Insurance in Charlotte, NC: A Complete Guide

How to Get a Mobility Scooter Through Insurance in Charlotte, NC: A Complete Guide

For many Charlotte-area residents, gaining access to a mobility scooter can dramatically improve daily life. Whether you’re managing a long-term condition, recovering from surgery, or simply need more support getting around, the right mobility scooter can restore independence, confidence, and freedom.

At Charlotte Mobility, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How do I get my mobility scooter covered by insurance?”

There are two primary paths:

1. Working with a DME provider that accepts Medicare and Medicaid directly, and

2. Purchasing a mobility scooter upfront from a National DME Provider like Charlotte Mobility and applying for reimbursement through your insurance plan.

Both are valid options, but the experiences are very different. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, timelines, and exact steps to help you choose the path that fits your needs.

🩺 Option 1: Getting a Mobility Scooter Through Medicare or Medicaid

If you choose a provider that bills Medicare or Medicaid directly, the process can work — but it’s slow, highly regulated, and approval is never guaranteed.

How This Path Typically Works

• You must meet strict medical necessity criteria.
• Multiple doctor visits and evaluations are usually required.
• Only certain scooters are covered, typically the most basic models.
• The provider handles billing and paperwork with CMS.

Pros of Going Through Medicare/Medicaid

• Little to no upfront cost if fully approved.
• Paperwork is handled by the DME provider.
• Coverage is clear once approved.

Cons of Medicare/Medicaid Coverage

• Very long wait times—often 8–12+ weeks for approval.
• Coverage is strict, and many people are denied.
• You cannot choose the scooter model you want.
• You may be required to try a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair first.
• Customers often go months without access to mobility assistance.

Because of these barriers, many customers choose the faster insurance reimbursement path.

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🚀 Option 2: Buy Your Scooter Now & Apply for Insurance Reimbursement

This is the most common choice for Charlotte Mobility customers.

As a National Provider of DME, Charlotte Mobility supplies the necessary documentation for you to submit your mobility scooter purchase to your insurance company for reimbursement — often up to 50–80% depending on your plan.

Why People Prefer the Reimbursement Path

• You get your scooter immediately—no waiting for approval.
• You choose exactly which scooter you want, including higher-end models.
• No multi-month delays, evaluations, or denials from CMS.
• You work directly with your insurer at your own pace.

Pros of the Reimbursement Path

• Immediate access to your device.
• Wide range of scooters, sizes, and features available.
• Faster overall process — reimbursement may take only a few weeks.
• Ideal for people with private PPO plans or supplemental insurance.

Cons

• You must pay upfront before submitting for reimbursement.
• Insurance coverage varies by provider.
• You must submit documentation yourself (we supply everything needed).

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📝 Insurance Reimbursement Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you want to purchase your mobility scooter now and submit for reimbursement later, follow this checklist:

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✔️ 1. Get a Doctor’s Prescription for a Mobility Scooter

Your prescription should clearly state:

• Your diagnosis
• Why a scooter is medically necessary
• Your mobility limitations

This document is required by nearly all insurance providers.

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✔️ 2. Call Your Insurance Provider

Ask them:

• “Does my plan cover mobility scooters or durable medical equipment?”
• “What percentage do you reimburse?”
• “Do I need pre-authorization?”
• “Which form do I use for DME reimbursement?”

This step gives you a clear picture of expectations before you purchase.

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✔️ 3. Download the Standard Reimbursement Form

Many private insurance companies use a similar template. A commonly requested form is the Health Insurance Claim Form (CMS-1490s), which can be downloaded here:

👉 CMS-1490s Health Insurance Claim Form (PDF)

Some insurers may have their own version — always check with your provider.

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✔️ 4. Purchase Your Mobility Scooter From a National DME Provider

Charlotte Mobility is a National Provider of DME, meaning we can supply:

• Detailed invoices
• Device specifications
• HCPCS coding (if required)
• Supporting documentation your insurer may request

This is often a requirement for insurance reimbursement.

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✔️ 5. Charlotte Mobility Provides All Required Documentation

After your purchase, we send you:

• A detailed, itemized invoice
• Our National Provider Identifier (NPI)
• Our Tax ID
• Any supplemental information your insurer requests

You then attach this to your claim form.

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✔️ 6. Submit the Reimbursement Package to Your Insurance Company

This typically includes:

• The completed CMS-1490s (or your insurer’s specific form)
• Your doctor’s prescription
• Your Charlotte Mobility invoice
• Provider identifiers
• Proof of payment

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✔️ 7. Receive Your Check

Once processed, your insurance company will reimburse you directly.
Processing times vary but are often significantly faster than Medicare’s approval cycle.

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💳 Charlotte Mobility Accepts HSA & FSA Funds

Yes — mobility scooters are eligible medical devices.
You can use:

• HSA
• FSA
• HRA

This allows many customers to use tax-free dollars or avoid large upfront costs.

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💬 Share Your Experience

Have you gone through the medicare path?
Did you successfully file for reimbursement through private insurance?

We’d love to hear your story.

Leave a comment below and share your experience — your insight could help someone in the Charlotte community gain access to the mobility support they need.