ALS Walking Aids

The following devices assist with balance, stability, and walking safely. They are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

Canes

typically the first piece of equipment used for walking difficulties
Typical Cost: $10–$25

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Where can I get one?

  • Indemedical: canes
  • Walmart: canes
  • Many stores like Walgreens and CVS sell canes.

​Note: Even though canes are covered by Medicare, many people choose to just buy them out of pocket because they are inexpensive. By going to a store, you can also choose the color and design.

Helpful Tips

  • There are a variety of canes and handles. Talk with your physical therapist at your ALS clinic to discuss which is best for you.
  • For comfort, you may want to try some at a store before purchasing.
  • Standard canes have one tip on the base. Quad canes have four tips to provide greater stability.
  • You do not need a doctor’s prescription to purchase a cane, but if you get a prescription, you will not be charged tax. Having a prescription may also allow you to write the cane off on your federal income tax  return.

Ankle foot brace

also called an ankle foot orthosis (AFO), it helps you walk with more stability, spend less energy, and be less likely to trip
Typical Cost:
​$250–$500 each

Where can I get one?

An ankle foot brace must be prescribed in person by your doctor. Then you take the order to a prosthetics and orthotics facility, such as Hanger Clinic, to be fitted in person.​

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Front-wheeled walker

a light-framed walking aid with hand grips, two front wheels, and two glides on back; it provides stability and support for walking and resting
Typical Cost: $35–$50

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • If you don’t want to go through the insurance process, you can pay out of pocket for a walker at Walgreens or other stores like CVS and Walmart.
  • If you want to go through the insurance process and have your walker paid for, your ALS clinic team will coordinate the order with a local DME provider, who will contact you to make delivery arrangements.
  • Once the walker is delivered, a physical therapist may come to your home to show you how best to use it.

Helpful Tips

  • Many people with ALS choose to skip the front-wheeled walker and start with the four-wheeled walker because it provides greater stability and has a seat if you get tired.
  • Most people add tennis balls to the back two glides to make it easier to push.
  • There are a variety of two-wheeled walkers. Talk with your physical therapist at your ALS Clinic to discuss which is best for you.
  • You do not need a doctor’s prescription to purchase a front-wheeled walker, but if you get a prescription, you will not be charged tax. Having a prescription may also allow you to write the walker off on your federal income tax return.

Four-wheeled walker with seat & brakes

a sturdy walking aid with handles, hand brakes, four wheels, and a seat that provides stability and support for walking, resting, and sitting
Typical Cost: $60–$150

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • If you don’t want to go through the insurance process, you can pay out of pocket for a walker at Walmart or other stores like CVS and Walgreens.
  • If you want to go through the insurance process and have your walker paid for, your ALS clinic team will coordinate the order with a local DME provider, who will contact you to make delivery arrangements.
  • Once the walker is delivered, a physical therapist may come to your home to you how best to use it.

Helpful Tips

  • Four-wheeled walkers are easier to push than two-wheeled walkers, especially outside or on carpet.
  • Four-wheeled walkers provide a seat and compartment for storage.
  • You do need enough hand and wrist strength to safely operate the brakes.
  • There are a variety of four-wheeled walkers. Talk with your physical therapist at your ALS Clinic to discuss which is best for you. Walkers come in different sizes, so be sure to get the right fit.
  • You do not need a doctor’s prescription to purchase a four-wheeled walker, but if you get a prescription, you will not be charged tax. Having a prescription may allow you to write the walker off on your federal income tax return.

Ramp

a fixed or portable structure that allows easier access into and around your home
Typical Cost:
​$115–$250

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • Indemedical: Ramp
  • Activeforever: Access ramp

Helpful Tips

  • There are many different types of ramps. Ask your local chapter for a home visit to determine which type of ramp and other potential modifications would be best for your home.
  • Inexpensive threshold ramps can help you maneuver your walker, scooter, or wheelchair more easily over a small door sill rise. They are often made from aluminum and rubber.
  • More heavy duty wooden or cement ramps need to be specifically measured and custom built for specific areas of your home.
  • Portable ramps are lightweight and designed to be moved around for use outside of the home.
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Back to Mobility Equipment

Equipment Safety

​Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS Association chapter to assess your equipment needs.

To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.