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Your durable medical equipment
Do you need durable medical equipment (DME)? Medicare covers DME like wheelchairs, hospital beds, pumps and more. Read on to learn about the types of DME that are covered and how to find what you need.
What’s DME?
What’s DME?
Most DME is medical equipment that’s durable and reusable. It’s expected to last at least three years. It’s equipment for when you’re sick or injured.
Other items, like diabetic test strips and lancets, may also be covered as DME.
Your own DME is for use at home, in long-term care or to get around. If you’re in a hospital, nursing home or skilled nursing facility, they should provide all the DME you need for your stay.
What DME does Medicare cover?
What DME does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers DME when it’s medically necessary. With a prescription from your doctor, Medicare covers items like:
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Diabetic supplies, like blood sugar meters and test strips
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Hospital beds
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Oxygen equipment
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Mobility aids, like wheelchairs, walkers and canes
Medicare also covers these items and more:
Commode chairs
Continuous passive motion machines, devices and accessories
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
Crutches
Home infusion services
Infusion pumps and supplies
Lancet devices and lancets
Nebulizers and related medicines
Patient lifts
Pressure-reducing support surfaces
Scooters
Suction pumps
Traction equipment
Items that modify your home, like ramps or widened doors
Tools that you only use outside your home
- Most items that are used only for comfort or convenience, like air conditioners
- Items that are thrown away after you use them
You must buy some DME items. Others you have to rent. Some DME you can rent or buy. And you may need prior authorization for certain items.
How do I get the DME I need?
First, talk to your doctor to get a prescription for your DME. Then, you’ll need to find an in-network DME provider.
Use the provider search tool to find a provider. You may need to enter your ZIP code and choose your plan.
You can search by type of DME or search all providers. If you want your plan to help with the cost of your DME, make sure the provider is in your plan’s network.
Will I need prior authorization?
Prior authorization (PA) helps us make sure a treatment or medicine is medically necessary. It’s a preapproval process that helps keep your costs down and keep you safe.
You’ll need PA for:
- Electric scooters
- Motorized wheelchairs
- Lower limb prosthetics
Your doctor will submit a PA request for you. PA can take up to two weeks. You can log in to your secure member website to check the status. Or contact Member Services.