Medicare-Covered Medical Supplies: What's Included?

_{October 30, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Healthcare}

What medical supplies are covered by Medicare? Find out which medical supplies are covered by Medicare, helping you understand the range of healthcare items eligible for insurance reimbursement.

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What medical supplies are covered by Medicare?

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for eligible individuals aged 65 and certain younger individuals with disabilities, covers a range of medical supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) when they are deemed medically necessary. The coverage may vary depending on the specific part of Medicare you have, such as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Here are some examples of medical supplies and DME that may be covered by Medicare:

Blood Sugar Monitors and Test Strips: Medicare typically covers blood glucose monitors, lancets, and test strips for individuals with diabetes.
Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids: Manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches are often covered when medically necessary.
Oxygen Equipment: Medicare may cover oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators, and related supplies for individuals with respiratory conditions.
Hospital Beds: Adjustable hospital beds may be covered if a doctor prescribes them for home use.
Commodes: Commode chairs or bedside commodes are covered when considered medically necessary.
Prosthetic Devices: This includes artificial limbs and other prosthetic devices.
Orthotic Devices: Braces, splints, and other orthotic devices may be covered.
Nebulizers: Nebulizer machines and medications for respiratory treatments may be covered.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Equipment: CPAP machines and supplies for individuals with sleep apnea.
Enteral Nutrition: Certain enteral nutrition supplies and equipment may be covered when prescribed by a doctor.
Urinary Catheters: Indwelling or intermittent urinary catheters may be covered when medically necessary.
Wound Care Supplies: Some wound care dressings and supplies may be covered.
Home Dialysis Equipment: Equipment and supplies for home dialysis may be covered in certain cases.
Colostomy Supplies: Supplies for individuals with colostomies, including colostomy bags and related accessories.
Breast Prostheses: Medicare may cover breast prostheses for individuals who have had a mastectomy.

It's important to note that coverage can vary based on medical necessity, specific Medicare plan, and the supplier or provider you use. Medicare typically requires a doctor's prescription and documentation of medical necessity for many of these items. Additionally, you should check with your specific Medicare plan or provider for the most up-to-date information on coverage and any cost-sharing responsibilities. Medicare's coverage policies and guidelines can change over time, so it's crucial to stay informed about your specific benefits.

What Medical Supplies Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare Part B covers certain medical supplies, including durable medical equipment (DME), that are medically necessary and ordered by your doctor.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

DME is equipment that can be used over and over again to treat an illness or injury. Some examples of DME that Medicare covers include:

Blood sugar meters and test strips
Canes
Commode chairs
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
Crutches
Hospital beds
Infusion pumps
Nebulizers
Oxygen equipment
Ostomy supplies
Traction equipment
Walkers
Wheelchairs

Essential Healthcare Items Covered by Medicare

Medicare also covers some essential healthcare items that are not considered DME, such as:

Breast pumps for new mothers
Diabetic shoes and inserts
Orthotics and prosthetics
Seat lift chairs
Wheelchairs for power mobility

Accessing Medicare Benefits for Medical Equipment

To access Medicare benefits for medical equipment, you will need to get a prescription from your doctor. The prescription must state that the equipment is medically necessary and that it will be used in your home.

Once you have the prescription, you can take it to a Medicare-approved supplier to get the equipment. The supplier will bill Medicare for the equipment, and you will be responsible for any deductibles and copays.

If you have any questions about whether or not Medicare will cover a particular medical supply, you can contact Medicare customer service at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Here are some additional tips for accessing Medicare benefits for medical equipment:

Make sure that your doctor is enrolled in Medicare.
Get a prescription from your doctor for the medical equipment that you need. The prescription must state that the equipment is medically necessary and that it will be used in your home.
Take the prescription to a Medicare-approved supplier to get the equipment.
Be prepared to pay any deductibles and copays.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Medicare customer service.