Does Medicare cover durable medical equipment?

What Counts as Durable Medical Equipment

Medicare defines durable medical equipment as items that can withstand repeated use. Generally, these products help people who are ill or hurt. The equipment is also expected to last at least three years.

Common Items That Are Covered

Medicare covers many specific types of durable medical equipment, among others. You may find coverage for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy devices. Glucose monitors and related supplies, including blood sugar monitors, are also included. High frequency chest oscillation devices fall under this benefit as well.

Oxygen equipment and accessories, including oxygen humidifiers, are part of the covered list. Your doctor or other health care provider must order these items for use in your home.

How Payment Works for DME

The way Medicare pays for durable medical equipment varies by item type. You might need to rent the item, depending on what kind of equipment it is. In other cases, you may need to buy the equipment outright. In some cases, you can decide to rent or buy the equipment.

If Part B covers your insulin pump, you pay no more than $35 for a month's supply of Part B-covered insulin for that pump. The Part B deductible won't apply to this specific insulin cost.

Why Your Supplier Matters

To get Medicare to pay for durable medical equipment, you must get it from suppliers enrolled in Medicare. Before getting durable medical equipment, ask the supplier if they join Medicare or accept assignment of your claims. Suppliers who join Medicare must accept assignment, so they can only bill you for the coinsurance and Part B deductible on the Medicare-approved amount.

A provider who does not join Medicare is not required to accept assignment, though they might agree to do so for you. You may face higher charges if the durable medical equipment supplier does not join Medicare or refuses to accept assignment. When renting durable medical equipment, confirm the supplier accepts assignment for every rental month, or you will pay the full cost upfront.

Special Situations and Plan Differences

If a disaster or emergency is declared in your area, standard medical care rules may change briefly. You need to know how to get new equipment if yours is lost or damaged during a disaster or emergency. In that situation, Medicare reimburses you for its covered share once it submits and processes your claims.

Your plan may have different rules if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare plan. However, your plan must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare.

Common questions

Last reviewed October 2026. Medicare rules, dates and dollar amounts can change each year; Medicare.gov has the official details.