Medicare.gov

Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary DME if your Medicare-enrolled doctor or other health care provider prescribes it for use in your home. You must rent most items, but you can also buy them. Some items become your property after you’ve made a certain number of rental payments.

Medicare-covered DME includes, but isn't limited to:

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (if your supplier accepts assignment). Medicare pays for 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.

Make sure your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. It’s also important to ask a supplier if they participate in Medicare before you get DME. If suppliers are participating in Medicare, they must accept assignment (which means, they can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible for the Medicare‑approved amount). If suppliers aren’t participating and don’t accept assignment, you may have to pay for the full cost of the DME.

 

What it is

DME is defined as equipment that meets these criteria:

  • 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

Things to know

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 more about how to replace lost or damaged equipment in a disaster or emergency. 

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Related resources

Is my test, item, or service covered?