Ambulatory Assist Devices: Walkers, Canes, and Crutches

Aetna covers canes (including quad), crutches, standard walkers (including 2–4 wheeled models) and related accessories, pediatric crawlers and the Mulholland Walkabout when the member has a mobility limitation that significantly impairs one or more MRADLs at home, can safely use the device, and the functional deficit can be sufficiently resolved by the device. Aetna excludes axillary/articulated/spring‑assisted crutches and sit‑and‑stand walking assistants as not medically necessary, does not cover standard strollers (specially adapted strollers may be covered as wheelchair substitutes for children), and devices with spring‑impact features must be billed with existing cane/crutch codes (no separate special‑code coverage).

"Specially adapted strollers may be considered medically necessary DME when they are used in place of a wheelchair for children (standard strollers are excluded)."