Key Takeaways

  • Durable medical equipment (DME) includes equipment and supplies ordered by a health care provider for extended use.

  • Medicare has specific rules and procedures for ordering and covering durable medical equipment, which are outlined in this toolkit.

  • Check out these fact sheets and other resources to bolster your understanding of Medicare rules when it comes to coverage of DME like wheelchairs and scooters, home oxygen machines, and more.

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) when prescribed by a health care provider for extended use in a person's home. DME includes items such as:

  • Wheelchairs and motorized scooters (when needed for use inside the home)
  • Walkers
  • Home oxygen equipment
  • Hospital beds
  • Blood sugar monitors and test strips
  • Sleep apnea and CPAP devices

Depending on the type of equipment ordered, Medicare pays for durable medical equipment in different ways. Some DME may only be rented, while other equipment and supplies must be purchased.

Medicare will only cover durable medical equipment if a beneficiary's doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. 

The following resources have been developed  to help Medicare counselors better understand the rules around Medicare's coverage of DME and how to help beneficiaries navigate the ordering and replacement of equipment.

Resource Audience  Link
Fact Sheet: Helping Beneficiaries Access Diabetes Supplies Professionals         PDF
Fact Sheet: Helping Beneficiaries Access Oxygen Equipment Professionals PDF
FAQ: Durable Medical Equipment Older Adults, Professionals PDF
Handout: Medicare Coverage of DME Older Adults PDF
Microlearning Video on Medicare & DME Older Adults Watch
Train the Trainer: DME Overview Slide Deck Professionals PPT