Medicare Supply Benefits

Medicare is a federally funded and operated health insurance program for elderly and disabled individuals who have a work history that is sufficient to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Medicare may cover your necessary medical equipment and supplies.
Types of Coverage
If you are in a hospital or long-term care facility, Medicare Part A hospital benefits will cover your medical supplies and equipment. Medicare Part B pays for medical supplies and equipment received on an outpatient basis.
Covered Supplies & Equipment
Covered equipment and supplies include catheters, ostomy supplies, supplies for feeding tubes, supplies for tracheotomy care, diabetic supplies, respiratory supplies, vacuum devices for impotence treatment, wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices and orthotics and prosthetics. Examples of respiratory supplies include breathing treatment machines and home oxygen equipment and cannisters. Examples of diabetic supplies include testing strips, glucometers and diabetic shoes.
Other Supplies & Equipment
Medicare may pay for the cost of other medical supplies and equipment if your medical provider documents that they are medically necessary. You may have to submit an appeal to Medicare if payment is rejected. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss the specifics of the appeal process.
Suppliers
Medicare has an online directory for locating suppliers of medical equipment and supplies that are approved to bill Medicare (see resources). You may utilize suppliers that are not approved to bill Medicare, but you will be required to submit a Medicare claim form and will only be reimbursed at Medicare-approved rates for the supplies and equipment.