You are here: Home » Equipment and Supplies » Medical Equipment and Supplies Covered by Medicare

RSS Feed

Medical Equipment and Supplies Covered by Medicare

What Type of Medical Equipment Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers numerous types of medical equipment and supplies. Before they will cover it, however, you must have a documented and real reason for needing it. In other words, it just can't be something that would be nice to have. People in the hospital, home health care, or a nursing home will have their needs covered by Part A coverage. For people outside those settings medical equipment and supplies is covered by Part B coverage. Sample of the types of medical supplies and equipment that are covered by Medicare include:

Some Catheters
Ostomy Supplies, ostomy bags, and irrigation and flushing equipment
Supplies required for feeding tubs (such as catheters, filters, and nutrient solutions)
Supplies for tracheotomy care
Dressing required for treatment of a wound caused by a surgical procedure or after debridement (removing non-living tissue of a wound)
Diabetic supplies, glucose monitors and Diabetic Shoes
Respiratory supplies including home oxygen equipment
Vacuum devices for impotence treatment
Manual Wheelchairs and Electric Wheelchairs
Augmentative communication devices
Orthotics and prosthetics, when these devices are considered medically necessary or when they replace or support a body part
Other supplies and equipment may be covered if they can be shown to be medically necessary and your doctor has documented it in your medical records.

Examples of items which are not covered and considered 'personal convenience' are:

Raised toilet seat
Shower/commode wheelchair
Grab bars and other safety equipment for the bathroom
Hearing aids
Examination gloves
Some Catheters

What Does It Cost Me to Buy Equipment or Supplies?

How much you pay for equipment and supplies will depend on whether or not you have Part B coverage and where you buy your equipment. However in general if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B:

You will pay 20 percent of the approved Medicare amount after you have met your yearly deductible (if you do not have secondary insurance).
You may owe little to nothing if you receive your Medicare through a Medicare Advantage Health Plan - depending on the plan you are signed up with and your benefits with the plan. It is important to do your homework.

Read about the factors that affect how much coverage you will receive. Make sure all paperwork is completed correctly and that you buy your equipment through an approved supplier that accepts assignment.

Where Do I Purchase Supplies and Equipment?

You will save money if you order your items from a Medicare approved provider. Suppliers must meet strict standards to qualify as a Medicare supplier and will have a Medicare supplier number. You may also buy your equipment from any store that sells it. However, if the supplier from which you order is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare will not pay for the durable medical equipment.

Things you should think about before you choose a supplier:

There are two types of Medicare suppliers, participating suppliers and those who are enrolled, but have chosen not to participate. A Medicare approved provider who does not want to participate can charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. However, they cannot charge more than 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount. They may also ask you to pay the entire bill when you pick up your order. In this situation, Medicare will send the reimbursement directly to you. However, be prepared to wait; it may take a couple months to receive payment. If you receive your Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan(HMO or PPO), it is likely that the plan will have its own steps for equipment purchases.

- View Full List of Equipment and Supplies

Coverage Topics

Quick Site Navigation

Untitled Document

This website is a private website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Health Care Financing Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services nor do we claim to be. This site contains basic information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Government Medicare program please visit the Official US Government Site for People with Medicare located at www.medicare.gov.