Does Medicare cover durable medical equipment?

What equipment does Medicare cover as DME?

Medicare Part B covers a wide range of durable medical equipment. See wheelchairs and scooters, hospital beds and home oxygen for the rules on those items. Medicare-covered DME includes, but isn't limited to:

• Canes, crutches and walkers
• Commode chairs
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
• Glucose monitors and related supplies, like blood sugar test strips, control solutions, lancets and lancet holders
• High frequency chest oscillation devices
• Hospital beds
• Infusion pumps and supplies
• Lymphedema powered devices
• Oxygen equipment and accessories, including oxygen humidifiers
• Respiratory assist devices
• Wheelchairs and scooters

Who qualifies for Medicare DME coverage?

Part B covers medically necessary DME if your doctor or other health care provider orders it for use in your home. Make sure your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare, because Medicare only pays for DME items you get from suppliers enrolled in Medicare. Medicare defines DME as equipment that is:

• Durable (can withstand repeated use)
• Used for a medical reason
• Typically only useful to someone who is sick or injured
• Used in your home
• Expected to last at least 3 years

What do I pay for durable medical equipment?

After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts assignment. A supplier that participates in Medicare must accept assignment and can charge you only the coinsurance and the Part B deductible.

A supplier that doesn't participate in Medicare or won't accept assignment may charge you more. For rented DME, make sure the supplier will accept assignment for all rental months; otherwise you may have to pay the full cost upfront, and Medicare pays you its share later, after your claims are processed.

Do I rent or buy medical equipment with Medicare?

It depends on the equipment. Medicare covers different kinds of DME in different ways: you may need to rent the equipment, you may need to buy it, or you may be able to choose, and some items become your property after a certain number of rental payments. For example, Medicare pays the supplier to rent a CPAP machine for 13 continuous months before you own it, and makes rental payments for oxygen equipment for 36 months.

What equipment doesn't Medicare cover?

CMS's durable medical equipment reference list denies coverage for equipment that isn't primarily medical, is a disposable supply, or isn't suited for home use. Examples include:

• Air conditioners, air cleaners, dehumidifiers and portable room heaters (environmental control equipment)
• Grab bars, bathtub lifts, bathtub seats and raised toilet seats
• Stairway elevators
• Exercise equipment and treadmills
• Massage devices and saunas (personal comfort items)
• Telephone alert systems
• Disposable supplies like incontinence pads and disposable sheets
• White canes for the blind

What if my equipment is lost or damaged in a disaster?

If Original Medicare already paid for DME (like a wheelchair or walker) or supplies (like diabetic supplies) that were damaged or lost during a declared emergency or disaster, Medicare will in most cases cover the cost to repair or replace them, but only when you get them from a Medicare-approved supplier. If your equipment needs repair, Medicare will usually cover the cost of rentals for items like wheelchairs. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact the plan to find out how it replaces lost or damaged equipment.