Frequently Asked Questions
What durable medical equipment does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) prescribed by your doctor including walkers and rollators, wheelchairs (manual and power), hospital beds for home use, CPAP machines, oxygen equipment, blood glucose monitors and supplies, nebulizers, crutches, canes, and commode chairs. You pay 20% of Medicare-approved costs after the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare cover power wheelchairs?
Yes — Medicare covers power wheelchairs (power-operated vehicles) when prescribed by a doctor for a qualifying condition and when a standard manual wheelchair cannot meet the patient's mobility needs. Coverage requires a face-to-face evaluation, detailed documentation of medical necessity, and equipment from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
Does Medicare cover walkers and rollators?
Yes — Medicare covers standard walkers and rollators (4-wheeled walkers with seats) when prescribed by a doctor for a qualifying medical condition. You pay 20% of Medicare-approved costs. Rollators typically cost $100–$200, so your Medicare coinsurance is $20–$40 after the deductible.
How do I get DME through Medicare?
Your doctor writes a prescription (Certificate of Medical Necessity) for the needed equipment. You obtain the equipment from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount directly to the supplier; you pay the 20% coinsurance. Always confirm the supplier accepts Medicare assignment before ordering — some suppliers balance-bill.
Does Medicare cover hospital beds at home?
Yes — Medicare covers home hospital beds when prescribed by a physician for a qualifying condition. Coverage includes a semi-electric bed with adjustable head and foot positions. It also covers accessories such as safety rails when medically necessary. The bed is rented for 13 months, then ownership transfers to the patient.
Medicare Part B covers a wide range of durable medical equipment (DME) — but only when prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical need. Understanding what qualifies, how to obtain it correctly, and which suppliers to use can save hundreds of dollars and prevent coverage denials. Here is everything seniors need to know.
What Qualifies as Durable Medical Equipment
To be covered by Medicare, equipment must meet four criteria: it must be durable (able to withstand repeated use), primarily medical in nature (not useful to someone who is not sick or injured), used in the home, and have an expected lifetime of at least 3 years. Furniture, bathroom fixtures, and comfort items generally do not qualify even if helpful to seniors.
Most Commonly Covered DME Items
| Equipment | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard walker | ✅ Yes | Prescription required |
| Rollator (4-wheel walker) | ✅ Yes | With seat and brakes |
| Manual wheelchair | ✅ Yes | Medical necessity required |
| Power wheelchair/scooter | ✅ Yes | Strict criteria, face-to-face exam |
| CPAP machine + supplies | ✅ Yes | After qualifying sleep study |
| Home hospital bed | ✅ Yes | Rented 13 months then owned |
| Blood glucose monitor | ✅ Yes | Insulin users qualify for CGM |
| Grab bars (bathroom) | ❌ No | Not durable medical equipment |
| Raised toilet seat | ❌ No | Not classified as DME |
How to Get DME Through Medicare — Step by Step
- Talk to your doctor. Describe your mobility limitations or medical need. Your doctor must document the medical necessity.
- Get a written prescription (Certificate of Medical Necessity) from your doctor specifying the exact equipment needed.
- Find a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Use Medicare.gov's DME supplier directory or ask your doctor for a referral. Always confirm the supplier accepts Medicare assignment before ordering.
- Supplier submits the claim. The supplier bills Medicare directly. You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible.
If anyone contacts you unsolicited (by phone, text, or door-to-door) offering free medical equipment and asks for your Medicare number — hang up or close the door. This is Medicare fraud. Legitimate DME is always initiated by your doctor based on a clinical evaluation.
- Always get DME through your doctor — never from an unsolicited contact
- Confirm your supplier accepts Medicare assignment before ordering any equipment
- Keep documentation of all DME prescriptions and deliveries
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice for any DME charges you didn't authorize
- With Medigap Plan G, your DME 20% coinsurance is covered
→ Medicare CPAP Coverage: Complete Guide
→ Fall Prevention Equipment for the Home
→ Medicare Home Health Care