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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) that is medically necessary, ordered by a doctor or other health care provider for use in the home, and supplied by a Medicare-enrolled supplier. For the 20% coinsurance to apply, the supplier must accept assignment. This guide is for patients, caregivers and clinic or supply staff who need to decide whether an item qualifies and what to check with a supplier before ordering. It focuses on Part B mechanics; for item-level coverage see Medicare DME coverage: what is reimbursable and what is not and the durable medical equipment list.
What Part B counts as durable medical equipment
Medicare’s consumer coverage page states that Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary DME if you are eligible, when your doctor or other health care provider orders it for use in your home. The same page lists the characteristics of DME: durable (it can withstand repeated use), used for a medical reason, typically only useful to someone who is sick or injured, used in the home, and expected to last at least 3 years. Items it names as covered include canes, commode chairs, CPAP therapy, crutches, glucose monitors and related supplies, oxygen equipment and accessories (including oxygen humidifiers), respiratory assist devices, walkers, and wheelchairs and scooters, and the list is not limited to those.
The regulatory test: does the item pass?
The consumer page paraphrases a longer definition in the federal regulation 42 CFR 414.202, which defines DME as equipment, furnished by a supplier or a home health agency, that meets all of the conditions below. The table sets the two side by side.
| Test | Medicare.gov wording | 42 CFR 414.202 wording |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable (can withstand repeated use) | Can withstand repeated use |
| Expected life | Expected to last at least 3 years | Expected life of at least 3 years, for items classified as DME after January 1, 2012 |
| Purpose | Used for a medical reason | Primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose |
| Usefulness without illness | Typically only useful to someone who is sick or injured | Generally not useful to an individual in the absence of an illness or injury |
| Setting | Used in your home | Appropriate for use in the home |
The regulatory definition contains no minimum dollar amount, so an item cannot fail the definition for being inexpensive. Note the date qualifier on the 3-year rule: it applies to items classified as DME after January 1, 2012.
Ordered for home use
Part B covers DME when a doctor or other health care provider orders it for use in your home. The order is therefore a coverage condition, not an optional extra. Related documentation, such as a certificate of medical necessity (CMN), is covered in its own guide, and the contractor that processes DME claims is explained in what a DME MAC is.
Supplier enrolment and assignment
Medicare states that it will only pay for DME items obtained from suppliers enrolled in Medicare, and advises making sure both your doctors and your DME suppliers are enrolled and will accept assignment. After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if the supplier accepts assignment. Medicare also advises asking suppliers whether they participate in Medicare or accept assignment of claims before you get the equipment. For how enrolment of the ordering provider is checked, see what PECOS is.
If the supplier does not accept assignment
Medicare notes that a supplier who does not accept assignment may charge you more. For rentals, it says the supplier should be willing to accept assignment for all rental months; otherwise you may have to pay the full cost up front and Medicare pays you back its share later.
Rental versus purchase
Medicare covers different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the equipment, you may need to rent it, you may need to buy it, or you may be able to choose. Some items become your property after you have made a certain number of rental payments. The rental and purchase rules differ by item category, so check which applies to your item before ordering; the trade-offs are discussed in rent versus buy for home medical equipment.
What to verify before you order
| Check | Why (source statement) |
|---|---|
| The item meets the DME definition | Durable, medical purpose, not useful without illness or injury, home use, 3-year expected life (Medicare.gov; 42 CFR 414.202) |
| A doctor or other provider has ordered it for home use | Part B covers DME ordered for use in the home (Medicare.gov) |
| The supplier is enrolled in Medicare | Medicare only pays for DME from enrolled suppliers (Medicare.gov) |
| The supplier accepts assignment | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount applies after the deductible if so; otherwise you may be charged more (Medicare.gov) |
| For rentals, assignment covers every rental month | Otherwise you may pay the full cost up front and be reimbursed later (Medicare.gov) |
| Whether the item is rented, bought or your choice | Depends on the equipment; some rentals become yours after set payments (Medicare.gov) |
Common mistakes
- Assuming that an enrolled doctor means an enrolled supplier. Medicare lists both as things to confirm.
- Treating “Medicare-approved” as the supplier’s price. The 20% applies to the Medicare-approved amount, and only when the supplier accepts assignment.
- Not asking about assignment for the full rental period.
- Expecting a low-cost item to be excluded because of its price. The regulatory definition has no dollar floor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Medicare durable medical equipment?
It is equipment that can withstand repeated use, serves a medical purpose, is generally not useful without illness or injury, is appropriate for the home, and is expected to last at least 3 years, as set out in 42 CFR 414.202 and summarised on Medicare.gov.
Does Medicare Part B cover durable medical equipment?
Yes, Part B covers medically necessary DME when your doctor or other health care provider orders it for use in your home and you get it from an enrolled supplier. After the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if the supplier accepts assignment.
Do I rent or buy Medicare-covered equipment?
It depends on the equipment. Medicare says you may need to rent, you may need to buy, or you may be able to choose, and some rented items become yours after a certain number of payments.
Sources
- Medicare.gov, Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage, checked 2026-11-01.
- Legal Information Institute, 42 CFR 414.202, Definitions, checked 2026-11-01.
