Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary DME if you're eligible.
Yes: Part B
Source: Medicare.gov, Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage, checked October 23, 2026.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Yes
- Which part
- Part B
- What you pay
- After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
- Type
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Medicare.gov page
- Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage
Description
DME is defined 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
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
Medicare-covered DME includes, but isn't limited to:
- Canes
- Commode chairs
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Crutches
- Glucose monitors and related supplies
- Blood sugar monitors
- Blood sugar test strips
- Blood sugar 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
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs and scooters
Medicare covers different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment:
- You may need to rent the equipment.
- You may need to buy the equipment.
- You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment.
- Some items become your property after you’ve made a certain number of rental payments.
Where can I get covered DME items?
If you live in an area that's been declared a disaster or emergency, the usual rules for your medical care may change for a short time. Learn how to replace lost or damaged equipment in a disaster or emergency.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Who's eligible
Part B covers medically necessary DME if your doctor or other health care provider orders it for use in your home.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Provider requirements
Make sure your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare and will accept assignmen t. Medicare will only pay for DME items if you get them from suppliers who are enrolled in Medicare. It’s also important to ask your suppliers if they participate in Medicare or will accept assignment of your claims before you get DME.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (if your supplier accepts assignment).
It’s important to ask a supplier if they participate in Medicare or will accept assignment of your claims before you get DME. If a supplier participates in Medicare, they must accept assignment (which means, they can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible for the Medicare-approved amount).
A non-participating provider doesn't have to accept assignment, but may choose to do so in your case. If a DME supplier doesn't participate in Medicare or won't accept assignment, you may be charged more. For rented DME, make sure the supplier is willing to accept assignment for all rental months, otherwise you’ll have to pay the full cost of your DME upfront. If this happens, Medicare will pay you later for the amount it covers after your claims have been submitted and processed by Medicare.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 280.1: Durable Medical Equipment Reference List
Version 4, effective June 9, 2025
An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.
Related pages
- Does Medicare Cover CPAP Machines?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs and Scooters?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Hospital Beds?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Walkers?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Canes?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Crutches?
Yes
- Medicare Part B deductible 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket max 2027
- Dual eligible: Medicare and Medicaid together
- 2027 Medicare plans by county
- Everything Medicare covers, A to Z
Questions
Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary DME if you're eligible.
Which part of Medicare covers Durable Medical Equipment?
Medicare.gov lists Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage under Part B.
How much do you pay for Durable Medical Equipment with Medicare?
Per Medicare.gov: After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Is there a national coverage determination for Durable Medical Equipment?
Yes. CMS NCD 280.1, Durable Medical Equipment Reference List, version 4, effective 2025-06-09.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Durable Medical Equipment?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary DME if you're eligible.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi