There are those on Medicare in need of durable medical equipment in order to get around and do daily activities. Durable Medical Equipment is any medical equipment that people use in their homes to help them in their quality of living. Most insurances consider durable medical equipment a covered benefit. Therefore, most durable medical equipment is covered by Medicare Part B.
According to medicare.gov, Medicare Part B covers the cost of medically necessary durable medical equipment if your doctor prescribes it for use in the home.
Medicare DME coverage includes, but is not limited to…
- Blood sugar monitors
- Blood sugar test strips
- Canes
- Commode chairs
- Continuous passive motion devices
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices
- Crutches
- Hospital beds
- Infusion pumps & supplies
- Lancet devices & lancets
- Nebulizers & nebulizer medications
- Oxygen equipment & accessories
- Patient lifts
- Pressure-reducing beds, mattresses, and mattress overlays
- Suction pumps
- Traction equipment
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs & scooters
There is certain criteria to be met in order to be considered durable medical equipment. It must be…
-durable (can withstand repeated use)
-used for medical reasons
-not usually useful to someone who is not sick or injured
-used in the home
-generally has an expected lifetime of at least three years
If your DME supplier is contracted with Medicare, you will have coverage, but you would be 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies. Medicare will only provide coverage for DME if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. If they are not, Medicare won’t pay the claims submitted by them, included hospital bed coverage.
To find out how much the item will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you owe will depend on any other insurance you may have. Contact a licensed agent to get started on finding the right coverage for your durable medical equipment.
