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 | |
| Fact Sheet: Helping Beneficiaries Access Oxygen Equipment | Professionals | |
| FAQ: Durable Medical Equipment | Older Adults, Professionals | |
| Handout: Medicare Coverage of DME | Older Adults | |
| Train the Trainer: DME Overview Slide Deck | Professionals | PPT |
