Coverage by Plan Type
How DME coverage works under each Medicare plan type.
Original Medicare (Part B)
Covered with RequirementsMedicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) that is medically necessary, prescribed by a physician, and ordered from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. DME is defined as equipment that can withstand repeated use, is primarily used for a medical purpose, is not useful to someone who is not sick or injured, and is appropriate for use in the home. You pay 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible. For some high-cost items, Medicare may rent rather than purchase the equipment.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered + Possible ExtrasMedicare Advantage plans must cover all DME that Original Medicare covers. Some plans offer additional benefits such as coverage for non-Medicare-approved items or lower cost-sharing for common equipment. Network restrictions apply: you must use in-network DME suppliers. Using an out-of-network supplier can result in significantly higher costs or full denial of coverage.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
Covers Cost-SharingMedigap plans cover the 20% Part B coinsurance you owe for covered DME. For expensive equipment such as power wheelchairs or home oxygen systems, this can represent hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. Plan G covers the coinsurance entirely after the annual Part B deductible of $283 in 2026.
What Is and Is Not Covered
Common durable medical equipment items and their Medicare coverage status.
Walkers and rollators
Manual wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs and scooters (with documentation)
Hospital beds for home use
CPAP and BiPAP machines for sleep apnea
Home oxygen equipment and supplies
Blood glucose monitors and test strips (diabetics)
Nebulizers and compressors for respiratory conditions
Crutches and canes
Traction equipment
Infusion pumps (for home infusion therapy)
Prosthetic limbs and orthotic braces
Hearing aids
Eyeglasses (except after cataract surgery)
Comfort or convenience items (e.g., raised toilet seats without medical necessity)
Equipment used primarily for safety or personal comfort
Hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare. This is one of the most common coverage gaps. Some Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing aid benefit. See our hearing aids coverage page for details.
Your Costs for Medical Equipment in 2026
What you can expect to pay under Original Medicare for DME.
| Equipment | How Medicare Pays | What You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Walker or rollator | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible |
| Manual wheelchair | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance |
| Power wheelchair | 80% of approved amount (after documentation) | 20% coinsurance |
| CPAP machine | Rents for 13 months, then you own it | 20% coinsurance during rental |
| Home oxygen equipment | Rents for 36 months, then free for 24 more | 20% coinsurance during rental |
| Hospital bed (home use) | 80% of approved amount or rental | 20% coinsurance |
| Blood glucose monitor | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance |
| Prosthetic limb | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance |
Always Use a Medicare-Enrolled Supplier
If you purchase or rent DME from a supplier that is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare will not pay any portion of the cost. Before ordering any equipment, confirm that your supplier is Medicare-enrolled by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or checking Medicare.gov.
Medigap Covers the 20% Coinsurance on DME
A Medigap Plan G covers your 20% coinsurance for all covered DME after the annual Part B deductible. For a power wheelchair costing $3,000, your 20% share would be $600. Medigap covers that entirely. Learn more about Medigap plans.
Medical Equipment Coverage in Brandon and the Tampa Bay Area
Local guidance for Hillsborough County Medicare beneficiaries.
Serving Brandon, Tampa, Riverview, Valrico, and Hillsborough County
Brandon and the greater Tampa Bay area have several Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers serving Hillsborough County. When your physician prescribes equipment after a hospital stay or procedure at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, AdventHealth Brandon, or another local facility, the discharge team will typically recommend a supplier. It is always your right to choose your own Medicare-enrolled supplier, and prices and service quality can vary.
For beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage plans, it is especially important to confirm that your DME supplier is in-network before ordering equipment. Out-of-network DME can result in significantly higher costs or denial of coverage. Residents of Riverview, Valrico, and other Hillsborough County communities should verify supplier network status with their plan before discharge from a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Greg Wohl helps Brandon and Tampa Bay area residents understand their DME benefits and choose the Medicare plan that best fits their needs. Call 813-699-5559 for a no-cost consultation.
Related Coverage Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Medicare DME coverage.
Questions About Your DME Coverage?
Whether you need a wheelchair, CPAP, or home oxygen, the right Medicare plan can significantly reduce your equipment costs. Greg Wohl can help you compare your options.