Does Medicare cover a walker after hip replacement surgery?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers walkers after hip replacement when prescribed by your surgeon with a written order documenting medical necessity. Your supplier must be Medicare-enrolled and accredited. You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible.

Does Medicare cover a shower chair after hip replacement?

Generally no. Shower chairs are classified as convenience items under Original Medicare and are not covered by Medicare Part B. However, Medicare Advantage plans often include supplemental home safety benefits. Check your plan's evidence of coverage, or be prepared to pay out of pocket (typically $25–$80).

When should I order equipment for hip replacement recovery?

Order equipment at least 1–2 weeks before your surgery date. You'll be discharged 1–2 days after surgery and will need a walker and bathroom safety items waiting at home. Talk with your surgeon's office and ask if the hospital has a discharge planner who can assist with referrals.

Does Medicare cover a raised toilet seat after hip surgery?

Raised toilet seats are generally not covered by Original Medicare Part B. They are considered convenience items. A commode chair may be covered if your bathroom is inaccessible. Medicare Advantage plans may cover raised toilet seats as part of supplemental home safety benefits — check your specific plan.

How long will I need a walker after hip replacement?

Most patients use a walker for 4–6 weeks after hip replacement, then progress to a cane for another few weeks. The exact timeline depends on your recovery, physical therapy progress, and your surgeon's protocol. Your physical therapist will guide when it is safe to reduce walker use.

Equipment You May Need After Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery requires several weeks of recovery at home. Medicare covers walkers, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and other equipment — here's what to expect and how to arrange coverage before discharge.

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common elective procedures for Medicare patients. Planning your home equipment before surgery — not after — makes recovery significantly safer and can prevent costly re-hospitalizations. Here's what Medicare covers and what you need to arrange in advance.

Why Equipment Planning Before Surgery Matters

Most patients are discharged 1–2 days after hip replacement surgery. You'll need walking aids and modified bathroom equipment waiting at home on discharge day. If you try to arrange it after the fact, you may face delays from suppliers, and in some cases patients have been readmitted after falls during that gap period.

Talk with your surgeon's office at least two weeks before your scheduled date. Many hospitals have a discharge planner or case manager who coordinates equipment orders — but don't assume they've covered everything.

Walking Aids: What You'll Need

For the first 4–8 weeks of hip replacement recovery, you'll use a walking aid to limit weight on the operated side and maintain stability. Your surgeon or physical therapist will specify what's appropriate for your recovery protocol:

Standard walker: Most common for the first 1–3 weeks when you need maximum stability
Rolling walker (two-wheeled): Often prescribed as you progress — requires less effort but still provides significant stability
Four-wheeled rollator with seat: Useful for longer distances and when you need rest breaks
Quad cane: May be used later in recovery as you progress toward full weight-bearing

Medicare coverage: Part B covers walkers and canes with a physician's written order documenting the medical necessity. Get the prescription before discharge so your supplier can have equipment ready.

Find Medicare-enrolled walker suppliers near you through our directory.

Bathroom Safety Equipment

Bending the hip beyond 90 degrees is prohibited during early recovery (typically 6–12 weeks). Standard toilets and showers create exactly the movements your surgeon wants to prevent. This is why bathroom safety equipment is non-negotiable:

Raised toilet seat / toilet safety frame: Raises the seat height so you don't have to bend as far when sitting or standing. Critical for preventing hip dislocation
Shower chair or tub transfer bench: Allows you to sit while bathing instead of standing; reduces fall risk and prevents excess hip flexion
Grab bars: Permanently installed support for toilet and shower transfer
Long-handled sponge and reacher: Allows you to wash and dress without bending past 90 degrees

Medicare coverage note: This is where coverage gets complicated. Medicare Part B has limited coverage for bathroom safety equipment. Raised toilet seats and shower chairs are generally not covered by Original Medicare as they are classified as convenience items. However:

A commode chair may be covered if your bathroom is inaccessible
Medicare Advantage plans often offer supplemental home safety benefits — check your plan's evidence of coverage
Your hospital or rehab facility may provide some items before discharge

Many patients pay out of pocket for bathroom safety items (~$30–$120 total) given the limited Medicare coverage. This is a worthwhile expense given the risk of falls and re-hospitalization.

Hospital Bed or Adjustable Bed

Most hip replacement patients sleep in their regular bed at home, but if you have a condition that makes getting in and out of bed dangerous or painful, Medicare may cover a hospital bed. Coverage requires:

A physician's written order documenting medical necessity
Documented clinical need such as severe respiratory disease, cardiac condition, or other condition requiring positioning
Standard hip replacement alone generally does not qualify for a hospital bed

If you do have a secondary qualifying condition, search for Medicare-enrolled hospital bed suppliers as part of your pre-surgery planning.

Crutches: An Alternative to Walkers

Some surgeons and rehabilitation protocols use crutches rather than walkers, particularly for younger, more active patients. Medicare covers crutches with a physician's order. Both axillary (underarm) and forearm (Lofstrand) crutches are covered under Part B.

What Your Physical Therapist Should Cover

Before discharge, a physical therapist should walk you through the safe use of whatever walking aid you've been prescribed. If you haven't received this training, ask your nurse or surgeon before leaving the hospital. Improper use of a walker or crutches is a leading cause of post-surgical falls.

A Pre-Surgery Equipment Checklist

✓ Walker or crutches ordered and confirmed (prescription from surgeon)
✓ Raised toilet seat or commode confirmed
✓ Shower chair or tub transfer bench at home
✓ Long-handled reacher and shoe horn
✓ Rubber non-slip mat for shower/tub
✓ Home environment assessed for trip hazards (loose rugs, cords)
✓ Bed height appropriate (hip level when sitting on edge)

Finding a Medicare-Approved Supplier

Your hospital may have preferred suppliers, but you're not required to use them. You can choose any Medicare-enrolled, accredited DME supplier. Search our directory to find Medicare-approved suppliers near you who carry walkers, crutches, and other post-surgical equipment — and confirm they accept Medicare assignment before ordering.