What Types Of Medical Equipment Is Covered By Insurance?

Unfortunately, even though you might need a piece of medical equipment and your doctor has written a prescription for it, this does not automatically mean it will be covered by Medicare or your health insurance plan. What types of medical equipment are covered by insurance and what kinds of medical equipment are not generally covered?

Medical Equipment Covered by Insurance

In order to meet the criteria to be considered Durable Medical Equipment or DME, the equipment must contain the following components:

• It needs to withstand repeated use, or in other words it needs to be durable;
• It must be used for a medical reason;
• It has no use for someone who is not injured, sick or receiving treatment of any kind;
• It must be used in the home

Some examples of types of equipment that are normally covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans include:

• C-PAP machines and supplies
• Blood sugar monitors
• Ostomy supplies
• Manual and Power Wheelchairs
• Nebulizers
• Home oxygen and supplies
• Orthotics and artificial limbs

It is important to note that while Medicare covers the above supplies, as do most insurance companies, some medical equipment requires a physician to get an approved authorization before the insurance company pays the claim. This is especially true for any types of rentals or equipment that is purchased above a certain dollar amount. It is always important to check with Medicare or your health insurance plan to see how they cover medical equipment and what rules apply.

Medical Equipment Not Usually Covered by Insurance

Certain types of medical equipment are deemed an item of convenience or comfort. Even though these types of equipment can be helpful in the home and may improve your health or quality of life, they still are not covered by insurance.

Some examples of types of equipment not normally covered by Medicare or most health insurance plans include:

• Shower chairs
• Safety railing systems
• Exercise equipment
• Message devices
• Bathtub lifts
• Catheters
• Communication devices
• Dehumidifiers
• Telephone Alert Systems

Even though the above types of equipment and supplies are not currently covered, remember the health insurance industry is rapidly changing. Before purchasing or renting any type of medical equipment, it is important to check your plan to determine whether or not it is covered. Another place you can look to see whether or not the medical equipment in question is covered by your plan is the evidence of coverage (EOC). Remember, it is your responsibility to know and understand your benefits including what kinds of medical equipment your plan covers. (For more information, contact Lincoln Mobility)