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[1] 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.
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[2] -- 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[3] 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[4] in Omaha, Nebraska. You can locate a local chapter of Easter Seals through EasterSeals.com[5] , or contact your county health department for a referral to a local program.
Shopping for crutches:
Crutches can be purchased at many drug stores or pharmacies, as well as online at sites such as Amazon[6] or DrugStore.com[7] , or through medical supply companies such as Allegro Medical[8] or The Medical Supply Group.
Products that have received good customer reviews include: Carex Push Button Aluminum Crutches[9] , Medline Aluminum Forearm Crutches[10] , and Millenial Crutch In-Motion Pro Ergonomic Folding Crutches[11] .
With crutches, fit is important and most crutches are adjustable. eMedicineHealth.com[12] has an overview on crutches and getting the proper fit.
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.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
Hi i would like to order a pair of forearm crutches but i dont find the product ,shape and model please guide me in this regard ,and tell me what type of rubber tips shall i buy due to the durability and lasting
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more]
DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more]
DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more]
Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more]
Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more]
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]