Durable Medical Equipment and Medicare |The Prescription Shop

Do you have Medicare Part B? If so, you should know that this medical insurance can cover medically necessary durable medical equipment (also called DME). The Prescription Shop wants to make sure you know how to get the DME you need for a better quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about getting DME when you have Medicare Part B.

First of all, Medicare Part B will only cover the durable medical equipment which your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Everyone with Medicare Part B is eligible, though DME must also meet the following criteria:

• It must be durable to withstand repeated use with an expected lifespan of at least 3 years
  
• It must be used for a medical reason
  
• It should be an item intended for those who may be sick or injured
  
• It must be used inside your home
  

Examples of some of the DME that Medicare typically covers include:

• Rented “air-fluidized beds” or other support surfaces
  
• Blood glucose monitors and test strips
  
• Canes to assist with limited mobility–as opposed to the white canes for the blind
  
• Commode chairs
  
• Continuous passive motion (CPM) machines
  
• Crutches and walkers
  
• Hospital-style beds
  
• Infusion pumps and supplies for drug administration
  
• Manual wheelchairs, electric-powered mobility devices, and patient lifts
  
• Nebulizers, as well as nebulizer medications
  
• Oxygen equipment and complementary accessories
  
• Sleep apnea devices and accessories such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines
  
• Suction pumps
• Traction equipment
  

Keep in mind that Medicare only covers DME when your doctors and DME suppliers are also enrolled in Medicare. To participate in Medicare, physicians and DME suppliers must continuously meet strict standards. Medicare will not pay the claims submitted by doctors and suppliers who aren’t enrolled in the program.

To make sure you receive the coverage you deserve, be sure to ask your suppliers if they participate in Medicare before you accept any DME. All participating DME suppliers must “accept assignment” on your order to make sure it is covered by Medicare.

The Prescription Shop is pleased to supply a wide range of durable medical equipment. We understand how important it is to get the equipment you need to enjoy a healthier and more comfortable life. Visit our website today, or stop by the pharmacy to learn more.