Durable Medical Equipment is medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in the home. Durable medical equipment includes things like the following:
- Home oxygen equipment
- Hospital beds
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs
| Medicare does not purchase oxygen equipment. Medicare provides for oxygen equipment only on a rental basis. |
"Medicare pays for most durable medical equipment on a rental basis. Medicare only purchases inexpensive or routinely purchased items, such as canes, power wheelchairs, and, in rare cases, items that must be made specifically for you." (See page 8)
"If you rent durable medical equipment and other devices, Medicare makes only monthly payments for use of the equipment. The rules for how long monthly payments continue vary based on the type of equipment." (See page 9)
"If you rent oxygen equipment, Medicare will pay for up to 36 months of rental payments. After 36 months, your supplier is required to continue furnishing the equipment as long as it is medically necessary. After 36 months, Medicare will also pay for oxygen contents for any gaseous or liquid oxygen equipment you rent." (See page 10) |
