Medical Supplies Covered by Medicare - What’s Included

Medicare covers far more everyday medical supplies than many people realize.

Knowing what’s included—and the rules that apply—can help you save money, get equipment faster, and avoid surprise denials.

How Medicare covers medical supplies (quick primer)

Medicare Part B typically covers durable medical equipment (DME) and many related supplies when they’re medically necessary, ordered by a doctor, and provided by a supplier enrolled in Medicare. In most cases, after you meet the Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and Medicare pays 80%. Learn the basics here: Medicare DME coverage.

Many items are rented first, then may convert to a purchase; some have replacement schedules (for example, masks or tubing) and extra documentation rules. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage must be at least as good as Original Medicare, but networks, prior authorization, and costs can differ. You can search approved suppliers by ZIP code using Medicare’s tool: Find medical equipment & supplies.

Common Medicare-covered medical supplies (and how they help)

1) Blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and CGMs

For people with diabetes, Medicare covers home blood glucose monitors and supplies, plus many continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) when eligibility criteria are met (for example, insulin use or documented problematic hypoglycemia). See details: Diabetes supplies & services and CGM coverage.

Typical allowance: Medicare commonly covers different quantities of strips and lancets based on need (often higher if you use insulin); your doctor can document a higher frequency if medically necessary.
Tip: Use one supplier for all diabetes testing supplies to minimize paperwork and denials.

2) CPAP/BiPAP machines and sleep apnea supplies

Medicare covers a 12-week trial of CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea after a qualifying sleep study, with ongoing coverage if you meet adherence rules. Masks, tubing, filters, and cushions have regular replacement schedules. Learn more: CPAP therapy coverage.

What’s covered: CPAP or BiPAP device (as ordered), humidifier, and replenishable supplies (at set intervals).
Tip: Keep proof of use (device download or compliance report) to avoid interruptions in coverage.

3) Oxygen equipment and supplies

For qualifying lung conditions, Medicare covers oxygen concentrators, tanks, regulators, tubing, and related supplies through contracted suppliers. Coverage rules differ for stationary vs. portable oxygen. See: Oxygen equipment & accessories.

Note: Documentation must show your test results and medical need; suppliers often coordinate this with your clinician.

4) Walkers, canes, crutches, and wheelchairs/scooters

Mobility devices are covered when a condition limits daily activities at home and simpler aids aren’t sufficient. Learn specifics for each item: Walkers and Wheelchairs & scooters.

Manual wheelchairs and power scooters: Require a face-to-face evaluation and documentation that you can safely operate the device inside your home.
Tip: Measurements and home assessments help ensure the correct size and configuration are ordered the first time.

5) Hospital beds and patient lifts

Adjustable hospital beds and mechanical or electric patient lifts may be covered when they facilitate positioning or safe transfers that a regular bed cannot. Details: Hospital beds and Patient lifts.

Use case: Conditions requiring frequent repositioning, traction, or caregiver-assisted transfers.

6) Nebulizers and respiratory supplies

Medicare covers nebulizer machines, selected medications administered via nebulizer, and accessories like tubing and masks when prescribed for certain respiratory conditions. See: Nebulizers, accessories & meds.

7) Ostomy supplies

Colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy supplies—including pouches, faceplates (barriers), skin preps, and accessories—are covered in reasonable quantities based on medical need. Reference: Ostomy supplies.

Tip: Ask your clinician to specify product types and quantities on the order to match your stoma size and wear-time.

8) Wound care supplies (surgical dressings)

Medicare covers many advanced dressings—like alginates, foam dressings, hydrocolloids, and wound fillers—for qualifying open wounds. Routine bandages for minor cuts aren’t covered. Details: Surgical dressings.

9) Urinary catheters and related supplies

Intermittent straight catheters, hydrophilic catheters, closed systems, and indwelling catheter supplies are covered when medically necessary. Learn more: Urinary catheters & supplies.

Tip: Infection control matters—ask your supplier about sterile vs. clean technique and document any medical need for higher quantities.

10) Enteral nutrition pumps and supplies

If you can’t swallow or absorb nutrients normally and require tube feeding, Medicare may cover enteral pumps, feeding bags, and tubing. See: Enteral nutrition supplies & equipment.

11) Infusion pumps and supplies

For certain medications that must be administered with a pump (for example, some parenteral therapies), Medicare can cover the infusion pump and necessary supplies. Details: Infusion pumps & supplies.

12) Commode chairs and bathroom safety items

Bedside commode chairs are covered when you’re confined to a room or level of home without a toilet. Grab bars and raised toilet seats are typically not covered. Coverage page: Commode chairs.

13) Suction pumps

Portable suction pumps for tracheostomy or other medical needs can be covered with appropriate documentation. Learn more: Suction pumps.

14) Braces and orthotics (e.g., back or knee)

Medicare covers medically necessary orthotics like back braces and knee braces. These are typically off-the-shelf or custom-fitted devices ordered by your clinician.

15) Therapeutic shoes and inserts for diabetes

For qualifying individuals with diabetes and severe foot disease, Medicare may cover one pair of therapeutic shoes and inserts each calendar year. Details: Therapeutic shoes & inserts.

Items people often think are covered—but usually aren’t

Over-the-counter (OTC) supplies: Adult diapers, most incontinence pads, gauze for minor cuts, and OTC bandages.
Home modifications: Grab bars, ramps, and widened doorways (some exceptions may exist via Medicaid waivers or community programs).
Comfort items: Air conditioners, humidifiers (unless integrated with covered equipment), and bathroom safety rails.

When in doubt, ask your supplier to verify coverage with your diagnosis and get a written order from your clinician.

How to get Medicare-covered supplies without headaches

Start with your clinician: Make sure the prescription/order clearly lists the diagnosis, medical necessity, item type, and quantities.
Use enrolled suppliers: Confirm the supplier participates in Medicare and accepts assignment to limit your out-of-pocket costs. Use: Find medical equipment & supplies.
Know replacement schedules: Ask how often parts (like CPAP masks, wheelchair cushions, or ostomy barriers) can be replaced.
Document need for higher quantities: If you require more frequent supplies (e.g., extra wound dressings), your clinician should document the reason.
Appeal denials: If a claim is denied, you have appeal rights—check your Medicare Summary Notice for instructions.

What you’ll pay

Under Original Medicare, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered DME and supplies after the Part B deductible, and Medicare pays the rest. Your costs can vary if the supplier doesn’t accept assignment or if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan. Review the cost basics here: DME coverage and costs.

Bottom line

From glucose monitors and CPAP supplies to ostomy products and wheelchairs, Medicare covers a wide array of medical supplies when they’re medically necessary and ordered correctly. Partner with your clinician and a Medicare-enrolled supplier, keep good documentation, and you’ll be well positioned to get what you need with minimal hassle.