Do you have Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Part A (hospital insurance) does not cover home DME equipment.
⚠️ Medicare Part B is Required for DME Coverage
Without Medicare Part B, Medicare will not cover durable medical equipment used at home. Part B is the medical insurance portion of Original Medicare.
- If you're not yet on Medicare, you can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday).
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it includes Part B and may cover DME — check your plan's Evidence of Coverage document.
- For help enrolling, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit medicare.gov.
You can still continue to see what would be required once enrolled.
ℹ️ What Is Medicare Part B?
Medicare has two main parts:
- Part A — Hospital insurance (inpatient care, skilled nursing facility)
- Part B — Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care, and home durable medical equipment)
How to check: Look at your red, white, and blue Medicare card — it should list your effective dates for Parts A and B. Or log in at medicare.gov to view your coverage details.
You can continue the checker and we'll note this in your results.
Has your doctor said you need this equipment for use at home?
Medicare only covers DME that is medically necessary and intended for home use. Your treating physician must document this need.
⚠️ A Doctor's Order Is Required for Medicare DME
Medicare requires that a doctor (or other licensed treating practitioner) document that the equipment is medically necessary for you. Without this, Medicare will deny the claim.
- Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and limitations — they may be able to write an order.
- If your current doctor won't help, consider a second opinion from a specialist.
- Self-purchasing equipment without a prescription means Medicare will not reimburse you.
Continue to see the full documentation requirements.
💡 Ask Your Doctor at Your Next Visit
Many patients are eligible for Medicare-covered DME but haven't asked their doctor yet. Bring up your symptoms and how they affect daily activities — your doctor can determine if a written order is appropriate.
A good approach: "Would a [device name] help my condition, and could you write a prescription for one?"
Continue to see what would be needed.
What type of equipment do you need?
Select the DME category that best matches your equipment. This determines which documents and prior authorizations may be required.
Has your doctor provided (or can they provide) a prescription or CMN?
Medicare typically requires a written order (prescription) from your doctor. Some equipment also requires a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) — a form your doctor completes for CMS.
📄 What Is a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN)?
A Certificate of Medical Necessity is a form that your doctor fills out for Medicare, certifying that a specific piece of medical equipment is medically necessary for you. It includes:
- Your diagnosis and relevant clinical information
- Why the equipment is necessary
- How long you'll need it
- Your doctor's signature
Not all DME requires a CMN. Many items only need a standard written prescription. CMNs are typically required for: CPAP/BiPAP devices, power wheelchairs, home oxygen, and hospital beds.
Your DME supplier will usually coordinate with your doctor to complete the CMN — you don't have to handle the paperwork yourself.