A walking cane is a common mobility aid that offers an extra point of contact for stability, balance, and weight support during movement. The best place to acquire one depends on the urgency of the need, the user’s specific mobility requirements, and whether the purchase is intended to be covered by insurance. For immediate needs, a fast retail option is often best, but for complex or long-term support, a professional consultation is necessary.
Immediate and General Retailers
For a quick, temporary solution or a basic style, general retailers offer the most convenient access to a cane. Chain drug stores like Walgreens and CVS, as well as large department stores such as Walmart, stock a selection of readily available models on their shelves. These locations typically carry standard single-point canes and folding canes, often featuring adjustable height and various handle types like the common T-handle or offset handle.
While the selection is limited to common models, they often include quad canes with four points of contact for increased stability. A major drawback, however, is the lack of professional fitting services or expert advice on the correct height and handle type for a specific user. Online marketplaces like Amazon further expand the selection and offer quick delivery, but buying sight-unseen eliminates any chance of in-person assessment before use.
Specialized Medical Equipment Suppliers
Individuals with more specific mobility challenges or those requiring a cane for long-term use benefit significantly from specialized suppliers. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) stores and medical supply shops offer a much wider inventory and professional guidance. These locations provide access to specialized models like forearm canes, which distribute weight across the forearm, or canes with orthopedic grip handles designed to reduce stress on the wrist and fingers.
The most valuable service from these suppliers is the professional fitting and consultation process. A trained specialist can ensure the cane is adjusted to the correct height, which is calculated based on the user’s wrist crease when standing upright. This adjustment promotes proper posture and maximum weight bearing. Physical therapy clinics or hospitals may also recommend or sell specific models suited to a patient’s rehabilitation plan.
Navigating Insurance and Coverage
Acquiring a cane through health insurance, particularly Medicare, involves a specific process that classifies the device as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Medicare Part B typically covers medically necessary DME, including canes, but the purchase requires a doctor’s order or prescription. This prescription documents the medical reason for the aid, such as an impairment of gait or a high risk of falling.
For coverage to apply, the cane must be obtained from a DME supplier who is enrolled in Medicare and agrees to accept assignment. Once the annual Part B deductible is met, Medicare generally pays 80% of the approved cost for the cane. The user is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. It is important to confirm with the supplier that they accept assignment and to verify the specific coverage details with the insurance plan.
Alternative and Low-Cost Sources
For those needing a cane immediately without the means for a retail purchase or while awaiting insurance approval, several low-cost alternatives exist. Medical equipment lending closets, often run by non-profit organizations, community centers, or religious groups, provide gently used mobility aids, including canes, at no cost to the borrower.
Senior centers and local area agencies on aging can also be valuable resources, often maintaining their own small lending programs or directing individuals to nearby donation-based services. Before using a donated cane, it is prudent to inspect it for signs of wear, ensure the rubber tip is intact, and adjust the height to the proper fit. Online classifieds or local “Buy Nothing” social media groups sometimes feature free or very low-cost equipment, providing another option for budget-conscious individuals.