OFFICIAL 2026 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE BY WALTER JOHNSON, LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT (CA #0J15814).
How Medicare covers medical equipment and what you can expect to pay
Written by Walter Johnson, Licensed Insurance Agent
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance
Does Medicare cover durable medical equipment? Learn what’s covered, eligibility rules, costs, and how to get approved equipment through Medicare.
Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?
👉 Yes — Medicare covers durable medical equipment (DME) when it is medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
These items are used to support treatment or recovery at home and must meet specific Medicare requirements.
Understanding how this coverage works can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Start here: 👉 Medicare Coverage
Related: 👉 Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care
What Is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
Durable medical equipment includes reusable medical items used at home to assist with a medical condition.
Common examples include:
Wheelchairs and walkers
Hospital beds
Oxygen equipment
Blood sugar monitors
CPAP machines
These items must be durable, used for medical reasons, and appropriate for home use.
Related: 👉 Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy
Which Part of Medicare Covers DME?
Durable medical equipment is covered under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance).
Part B covers equipment that is ordered by your doctor and supplied by a Medicare-approved provider.
Eligibility Requirements for Coverage
To qualify for DME coverage, you must:
Have a doctor’s prescription
Use the equipment for a medical condition
Obtain equipment from a Medicare-approved supplier
If these requirements are not met, Medicare may not cover the equipment.
See also: 👉 Does Medicare Cover Outpatient Services
Related: 👉 Does Medicare Cover Doctor Visits
What You Pay for Durable Medical Equipment
With Part B, you typically pay:
An annual deductible
20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount
Costs may vary depending on whether you rent or buy the equipment.
Learn more: 👉 How Much Does Medicare Cost Per Month
See also: 👉 Medicare Costs Explained
Renting vs Buying Equipment
Medicare may either:
Rent the equipment (monthly payments)
Allow you to purchase the equipment
The decision depends on the type of equipment and Medicare guidelines.
Using Medicare-Approved Suppliers
To receive full coverage, you must use a Medicare-approved supplier that accepts assignment.
This ensures:
Lower out-of-pocket costs
Standard pricing
If you use a non-approved supplier, you may pay more.
DME Under Medicare Advantage Plans
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, durable medical equipment is still covered but may follow different rules.
Plans may include:
Network suppliers
Prior authorization requirements
Learn more: 👉 How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Learn more: 👉 Is Medicare Advantage Worth It?
What Medicare Does NOT Cover
Medicare does not cover:
Equipment not considered medically necessary
Items used primarily for convenience or comfort
Understanding these limits helps avoid unexpected costs.
Learn more: 👉 What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Why This Matters
Understanding DME coverage helps you:
access necessary medical equipment
manage healthcare costs
use your benefits effectively
Next Step
Now that you understand durable medical equipment coverage, the next step is reviewing transportation and non-covered services.
Continue to: 👉 What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Related Guides
• Medicare Coverage
• Does Medicare Cover Lab Tests and Imaging
• What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
• How Medicare Advantage Plans Work