Market Reference Note: This article covers information from both Korea and the U.S. Each section is marked 🇰🇷 Korea or 🇺🇸 U.S. to indicate which country's standards apply.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed wondering how much it would cost to install handrail grips so your parents don't fall at home? Or maybe you've picked up and put down the phone, uncertain whether your mother in the U.S. would have insurance coverage for a power wheelchair. Assistive devices and welfare equipment are the most practical means of helping older adults continue living in their own homes. Here we compare the systems of both countries as of 2026.
🇰🇷 Korea If you are a recipient of the Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly (grades 1–5 or Cognitive Support Grade), you can receive support for purchasing or renting welfare equipment up to 1.6 million won per year through the "Welfare Equipment Benefit Program." Items are divided into 12 types available for purchase (such as mobile toilets and canes) and 8 types available for rental (such as electric beds and wheelchairs). The beneficiary copay rate is 15% for general recipients, 6–9% for those eligible for reduced rates, and 0% (free) for basic livelihood security recipients.
🇰🇷 Korea In 2026, new support specifically focused on fall prevention has been added. According to an announcement by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, a new program provides separate support for safety items such as safety rails and step reducers, with a lifetime limit of 1 million won per person (with a 15% copay) to help long-term care recipients prevent falls at home. This is a separate item from the annual welfare equipment benefit limit, so both benefits can be used together.
🇰🇷 Korea The monthly limit for in-home services has also increased. As a result of the 2026 fee schedule adjustment, the monthly in-home service limit increased by 18,920 won to 247,800 won depending on grade, with recipients in severe categories (grades 1 and 2) seeing monthly limit increases of more than 200,000 won compared to the previous year. Based on grade 1 standards, beneficiaries can now use up to 44 visits per month for 3-hour home care services.
🇺🇸 U.S. In the U.S., Medicare Part B covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prescribed by a doctor as medically necessary. Representative items include wheelchairs, power scooters, electric beds, walkers, and oxygen supply devices. After meeting the 2026 annual deductible of $283, Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount, with the remaining 20% paid by the beneficiary or supplemental insurance (Medigap). However, you must verify that the supplier is registered with Medicare and accepts "Medicare assignment"; otherwise, excess costs may apply.
🇺🇸 U.S. In 2026, Medicare is expanding coverage to new device types, including advanced mobility aids and smart home safety devices. Additionally, through a April 2026 amendment, repair and maintenance costs for DME, including power wheelchairs less than 5 years old, were included in the 80% coverage range, and previous age-restriction clauses were removed. Medicare Advantage plans may offer broader benefits than Original Medicare, so an annual plan review is recommended.
Both countries' programs share a common requirement: "a doctor's prescription or certification (or long-term care grade determination approval) must be obtained first." In Korea, when applying for welfare equipment benefits to the National Health Insurance Service, a physician's opinion or grade determination investigation results are required. In the U.S., without a doctor's prescription and medical necessity documentation, Medicare will deny the claim entirely. Preparing documents in advance can save significant time.
Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare Press Release "2026 Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Rate 0.9448%" (November 4, 2025); Government of the Republic of Korea Policy Briefing "Here's How Health and Welfare Policies Change in 2026" (December 2025); Yuyu Tajin Blog "2026 Welfare Equipment Benefit Standards Guide" (April 2026); Medicare Resources.org "Does Medicare cover DME?"; NikoHealth "Medicare DME Fee Schedule"; Humana "How Much Does Medicare Cost in 2026".
Note: This article was compiled by AI from the sources cited above. We strive for accuracy, but for decisions about your specific situation, please confirm the latest guidance from a professional or the relevant agency.