Supporting Information

Durable medical equipment is reusable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds. Anyone who has Medicare Part B can get durable medical equipment as long as the equipment is medically necessary.

If you have Part B, Original Medicare covers durable medical equipment when your doctor or treating practitioner (such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or clinical nurse specialist) prescribes it for you to use in your home. A hospital or nursing home that is providing you with Medicare-covered care can’t qualify as your “home” in this situation. However, a long-term care facility can qualify as your home.

Note: If you are in a skilled nursing facility and the facility provides you with durable medical equipment, the facility is responsible for this equipment.

Medicare Advantage Plans (like an HMO or PPO) must cover the same items and services as Original Medicare. Your costs will depend on which plan you choose, and may be lower than Original Medicare. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan and you need durable medical equipment, call your plan to find out if the equipment is covered and how much you will have to pay.

For more information about Medicare-covered Equipment and Supplies, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

What's Changing

Starting October 2009, new rules will go into effect for certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers in order to be paid by Medicare. The new requirements for suppliers include being accredited and having a surety bond which will help assure that you continue to get high-quality products and services and help to prevent fraud in the Medicare program.

What You Need to Know

Although most suppliers will continue in the Medicare program, some have chosen not to stay enrolled. Ask if your current supplier plans to meet these new Medicare program requirements to avoid any interruption in your services. If your supplier doesn't meet these new requirements, use the Medicare Supplier Directory to look for another Medicare-approved supplier in order for Medicare to pay for your equipment and supplies.

In order to ensure payment, beneficiaries should always ask any new supplier they contact if they are still approved by Medicare to provide covered medical equipment and supplies.