Question: Will Medicare cover used equipment under warranty?

Answer: Many insurance programs, including Medicare, will cover both new and used wheelchairs and scooters. When buying used equipment from a dealer you may be able to get a limited warranty on the item, or negotiate one. However, when you buy a wheelchair or scooter privately, the warranty becomes void as the warranty only covers the original owner of the equipment. Make sure you are aware of this before buying any medical equipment. Don’t assume the warranty is still in effect as it may not be. Many states now have "lemon laws" which apply to durable medical equipment and assistive technology. These laws require the manufacturers or dealers to guarantee their products for at least a full year. However, most of these lemon laws only apply to new equipment. If you want to find out whether you have any legal consumer protections when you buy used devices such as wheelchairs and scooters you should call your state's commission on disability.