 | With Insurance: $5-$100+ |
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 | Basic Crutches: $15-$40 |
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 | Forearm, Folding or Hands-Free: $40-$450 |
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| Typical costs: | - Without health insurance, crutches typically cost $15 to $40 for basic axillary crutches -- the most common type that fit under the arms -- in wood or aluminum; or $40 to $100 or more for deluxe forearm crutches and folding crutches, typically made of metal; or $450 or more for a hands-free crutch.
- Basic crutches usually are covered by health insurance when necessary -- such as when a patient has an injury that interferes with mobility. However, health insurance typically will not cover higher-end crutches such as the hands-free crutch unless needed. For example, CIGNA will cover the hands-free crutch for a patient who is physically unable to use basic crutches or a walker.
- With health insurance, the typical cost of crutches would consist of a copay or coinsurance for durable medical goods that could range from less than $5 to $100 or more, depending on the type of crutches.
What should be included: | - Axillary crutches usually are made of wood or metal and have a pad made of rubber or another soft material that fits under the armpit; midway down, they have hand grips, and, on the bottom, rubber tips.
- Forearm crutches typically are made of metal and have a plastic cuff that fits around the forearm, as well as a hand grip and, on the bottom, a rubber tip.
- A hands-free crutch -- such as the iWALKFree crutch -- can be used by people with an injury to one lower leg; it straps onto the injured leg and supports the knee, allowing the user to walk without holding onto the crutch.
Additional costs: | - Replacement rubber arm pads, hand grips and tips come in kits that cost about $10.
Discounts: | - Some local or regional nonprofits have programs that provide free, short-term (three- to four-month) loans of crutches and other medical equipment. For example, Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota has a medical equipment loan program, as does HELP Adult Services in Omaha, Nebraska. You can locate a local chapter of Easter Seals through EasterSeals.com, or contact your county health department for a referral to a local program.
Shopping for crutches: | |
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated September 2010 |
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