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Medicare can help pay for many kinds of home medical equipment, but not everything, and only when certain rules are followed. Here is a plain-English guide to what is usually covered, what isn't and how to avoid surprise bills.
What counts as durable medical equipment?
According to Medicare, durable medical equipment is equipment that:
- Is durable, meaning it can stand repeated use
- Is used for a medical reason
- Isn't usually useful to someone who isn't sick or injured
- Is used in your home
- Is generally expected to last at least 3 years
Disposable items and things mainly for comfort or convenience usually don't qualify, even if they are helpful.
The rules for getting DME covered
- Your doctor or treating provider orders it. They must write an order saying the item is medically necessary for you to use at home. Some items, such as power wheelchairs and scooters, need extra steps like a face-to-face exam.
- Your doctor and supplier are enrolled in Medicare. If either one isn't, Medicare won't pay the claim.
- You pay your share. After you meet the yearly Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan may help with this share.
- Ask if the supplier "accepts assignment." A supplier that accepts assignment agrees to take the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. If they don't, they can charge you more than that amount, and you may have to pay the full bill up front and wait for Medicare to reimburse you.
Rent or buy?
Medicare decides whether some items are rented and others are bought. Some equipment, such as hospital beds, is often rented. Oxygen equipment has its own rental rules. Lower-cost items may be bought outright. Your supplier can explain how your item will be handled. In some areas, Medicare may require you to use certain contracted suppliers for some items.
Covered vs. not covered: a quick table
This table shows how Original Medicare generally treats common home equipment. Coverage always depends on your medical need, your doctor's order and the rules in effect when you get the item.
| Item | Original Medicare Part B | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canes and crutches | Usually covered | White canes for the blind are not covered |
| Walkers and rollators | Usually covered | See our rollator guide |
| Manual wheelchairs | Usually covered | Must be needed for use in the home |
| Power wheelchairs and scooters | May be covered | Extra requirements, including a face-to-face exam |
| Hospital beds | Usually covered | Often rented |
| Commode chairs | Usually covered | For example, when you are confined to your bed or room |
| Patient lifts | Usually covered | With a doctor's order |
| Blood sugar monitors and test strips | Usually covered | For people with diabetes |
| Nebulizers | Usually covered | Some medications covered too |
| Oxygen equipment | Usually covered | Special rental rules apply |
| CPAP machines | Usually covered | After a sleep apnea diagnosis; ongoing use may be checked |
| Grab bars | Not covered | Considered a home modification |
| Bath and shower chairs | Not covered | Considered a convenience item |
| Raised toilet seats and safety frames | Not covered | A commode chair may be covered instead |
| Incontinence supplies (adult briefs, pads) | Not covered | Some Medicaid programs may help |
| Stair lifts | Not covered | Considered a home modification |
| Consumer adjustable beds | Not covered | Hospital beds are handled differently |
Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and other help
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers. But they may require you to use in-network suppliers and get prior authorization before you receive the item. Your costs may differ, too. Some Advantage plans offer extra benefits, such as bathroom safety items or over-the-counter allowances. Call your plan before you order.
Medicaid rules vary by state, and some programs cover items that Medicare doesn't, such as incontinence supplies. Local agencies on aging, veterans programs and loan closets may also help with equipment.
Can I buy online and have Medicare pay?
Generally, no. Purchases from regular online retailers, such as Amazon, usually can't be billed to Medicare, because the seller isn't a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier and there's no doctor's order attached to the sale. If an expensive item might be covered, like a hospital bed, power wheelchair or patient lift, check your coverage first and work with an enrolled supplier.
For items Medicare doesn't cover, shopping online can be a practical way to compare options and save money. This is true for things like shower chairs, grab bars and raised toilet seats. Our guides to choosing a shower chair and the bathroom safety checklist can help.
Browse shower chairs and grab bars on Amazon
HSA and FSA funds
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can often use those funds for medical equipment, including some items Medicare doesn't cover. Check your plan's rules and keep your receipts.
How to check before you buy
- Visit Medicare.gov and use the "What's covered" tool or search for your item.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
- Ask your doctor whether the item is medically necessary and if they will write an order.
- Ask the supplier whether they are enrolled in Medicare and accept assignment.
- If you have Medicare Advantage, call the number on your plan card.
Medicare rules and payment amounts change over time. The information here is general and was accurate to the best of our knowledge when written. Always verify details with Medicare or your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover shower chairs?
Generally no. Original Medicare considers bath and shower chairs convenience items. Some Medicare Advantage plans or state programs may offer help, so it's worth asking.
Do I need a prescription for Medicare to cover equipment?
Yes. Your doctor or treating provider must order the item and document that it's medically necessary for use in your home.
What does "accepts assignment" mean?
It means the supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. You still pay your 20% share and any deductible, but the supplier can't charge you more than that.
Will Medicare pay me back if I already bought a walker online?
Usually not. Medicare generally pays only when the item was ordered by your doctor and supplied by a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Check with Medicare before buying covered items.