If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or transitioning home from the hospital, there is a good chance you will need durable medical equipment, commonly known as DME. Despite being one of the most essential parts of post-acute care, DME is also one of the most confusing for families to navigate.

This guide breaks down what DME is, what qualifies, how to get it covered by insurance, and how to find reliable DME suppliers in your area.

In This Guide

What Is Durable Medical Equipment?
Common Types of DME
How Is DME Covered by Insurance?
How to Get DME: Step by Step
How to Choose a DME Supplier
Common DME Problems and How to Avoid Them
When You Might Need DME
Find DME Suppliers Near You
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Durable Medical Equipment?

Durable medical equipment refers to medical devices and supplies that are prescribed by a doctor for use in the home. To officially qualify as DME under Medicare and most insurance plans, equipment must meet four criteria:

1. Durability: The item must be able to withstand repeated use over an extended period, typically three years or more.

2. Medical purpose: It must serve a medical function, not just provide comfort or convenience.

3. Home use: The equipment must be appropriate for use in the home, even if it can also be used elsewhere.

4. Prescription required: A physician or qualified healthcare provider must order it.

This distinction matters because it determines whether insurance will cover the cost. Items that do not meet all four criteria, such as bathroom grab bars or raised toilet seats, are often considered convenience items and may not be covered.

Common Types of DME

DME covers a surprisingly wide range of equipment. Here are the most common categories:

Mobility Equipment

Wheelchairs (manual and power)
Walkers and rollators
Canes and crutches
Knee scooters
Patient lifts and transfer aids

Respiratory Equipment

Oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen systems
CPAP and BiPAP machines for sleep apnea
Nebulizers for respiratory medications
Suction machines

Hospital and Home Care Equipment

Hospital beds (manual and electric)
Alternating pressure mattresses for pressure ulcer prevention
Overbed tables
Bedside commodes

Diabetic Supplies

Blood glucose monitors
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
Insulin pumps
Diabetic testing strips and lancets

Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices

Braces (knee, back, ankle)
Prosthetic limbs
Compression garments

Infusion and Nutrition Equipment

IV poles and infusion pumps
Enteral feeding pumps (tube feeding)
Parenteral nutrition equipment

🔍 Find Post-Acute Care Providers Near You Search our directory of 77,900+ providers to find home health, hospice, SNF, and rehab services in your area. Search Providers →

How Is DME Covered by Insurance?

One of the biggest questions families face is: who pays for this? The answer depends on your insurance, but here is how the major payers handle DME coverage.

Medicare Coverage (Part B)

Medicare Part B covers DME when all of the following are true:

Your doctor prescribes the equipment
The supplier is enrolled in Medicare
The item is medically necessary for use in the home
The equipment meets Medicare's definition of DME

What Medicare pays: Generally, Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible. You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

Rental vs. purchase: Some equipment, like hospital beds and wheelchairs, is rented on a month-to-month basis. After 13 months of continuous rental, ownership typically transfers to the patient. Other items, like walkers and canes, are purchased outright.

Important: Medicare requires that you obtain DME from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. If you purchase from a non-enrolled supplier, Medicare will not reimburse any portion of the cost.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same DME benefits as Original Medicare, but many offer additional coverage such as:

Lower out-of-pocket costs on certain equipment
Expanded coverage for items not covered by Original Medicare
Network-specific suppliers with negotiated rates

Check your plan's provider directory or call your plan to confirm which DME suppliers are in-network.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage for DME varies significantly by state, but it generally covers essential equipment with little or no cost to the patient. Some states require prior authorization, and coverage may be more restrictive than Medicare.

Private Insurance

Most private health insurance plans cover DME, but the specifics vary widely. Key questions to ask your insurer:

Is prior authorization required?
Are there preferred or in-network DME suppliers?
What is my copay or coinsurance for DME?
Is there an annual cap on DME spending?
Does the plan rent or purchase equipment?

How to Get DME: Step by Step

Getting the right equipment does not have to be overwhelming. Here is the typical process:

Step 1: Get a prescription. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must write a prescription specifying the exact equipment needed, the medical diagnosis, and the expected duration of use.

Step 2: Verify insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company before ordering to confirm the item is covered, what your out-of-pocket costs will be, and whether prior authorization is required.

Step 3: Choose a DME supplier. Select a supplier that is enrolled with your insurance plan. For Medicare patients, the supplier must be Medicare-enrolled. You can search for DME suppliers in your area using the NDPAP directory.

Step 4: Place the order. The DME supplier will work with your doctor's office to process the prescription, handle insurance paperwork, and arrange delivery.

Step 5: Delivery and setup. Most suppliers deliver equipment to your home and provide instructions on proper use. For complex equipment like hospital beds or oxygen systems, the supplier should demonstrate how to operate and maintain the equipment safely.

Step 6: Follow up. If equipment needs adjustment, repair, or replacement, contact your supplier. Many items are covered for maintenance under the original prescription.

📋 Understanding Your Care Options? Read: What Happens After the Hospital: A Step-by-Step Guide to Post-Acute Care

How to Choose a DME Supplier

Not all DME suppliers are the same. Here is what to look for:

Accreditation: Look for suppliers accredited by organizations such as The Joint Commission, ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care), or HQAA (Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation). Accreditation indicates the supplier meets quality and safety standards.

Insurance enrollment: Confirm the supplier is enrolled with your specific insurance plan. Using a non-enrolled supplier can result in paying the full cost out of pocket.

Product range: Some suppliers specialize in specific categories (respiratory, mobility, etc.) while others offer a full range. Choose based on your needs.

Delivery and service area: Confirm the supplier delivers to your location and ask about delivery timeframes, especially for urgent needs after hospital discharge.

Customer support: Equipment breakdowns happen. Choose a supplier that offers responsive customer service, emergency support, and timely repairs or replacements.

Patient reviews and reputation: Check for reviews and ask your healthcare provider for recommendations. A supplier's reputation in your community matters.

Common DME Problems and How to Avoid Them

Families frequently run into these issues when navigating DME:

Denied claims: The most common reason for denial is insufficient documentation. Make sure your doctor's prescription is detailed and includes the medical necessity justification. If a claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

Wrong equipment: Ensure the prescribed equipment actually matches your needs. A physical or occupational therapist can help assess which equipment is most appropriate.

Delayed delivery: If you are being discharged from the hospital, start the DME process as early as possible, ideally 2 to 3 days before discharge. Last-minute orders frequently result in delays.

Surprise costs: Always verify coverage and costs before accepting equipment. Ask for a written estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.

Equipment quality: Not all brands are equal. Ask your supplier about the specific brand and model, and whether higher-quality options are available at a reasonable cost difference.

When You Might Need DME

DME needs commonly arise during these care transitions:

After hip or knee replacement surgery: Walkers, raised toilet seats, hospital beds, and continuous passive motion machines.
After a stroke: Wheelchairs, transfer aids, communication devices, and adaptive equipment.
For chronic respiratory conditions: Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and nebulizers.
During cancer treatment: Hospital beds, IV pumps, and mobility aids.
For diabetes management: Glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and diabetic supplies.
During end-of-life care: Hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and comfort care supplies (often covered under the Medicare hospice benefit).

Find DME Suppliers Near You

Finding the right DME supplier is a critical step in your care journey. NDPAP's national directory includes thousands of DME suppliers across all 50 states, searchable by location and insurance accepted.

Search DME suppliers in your area →

Whether you are planning ahead or need equipment urgently after a hospital discharge, having a reliable DME supplier ensures you get the right equipment, at the right time, with proper insurance coverage.

🔍 Compare Providers in Your Area Browse verified providers, compare services, and find contact information. Search All Providers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DME and medical supplies? DME refers to durable, reusable equipment like wheelchairs and hospital beds. Medical supplies are typically disposable items like bandages, catheters, and testing strips. Both may be covered by insurance, but through different benefit categories.

Can I buy DME on my own without a prescription? You can purchase equipment out of pocket without a prescription, but insurance will not cover the cost without a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.

What happens if my DME breaks? If you are renting equipment, your supplier is typically responsible for repairs and maintenance. If you own the equipment, check whether your insurance covers repair or replacement. Medicare generally covers repairs on owned equipment if they are medically necessary.

How long does it take to get DME after a prescription? Standard delivery is typically 3 to 7 business days. Urgent needs, especially after hospital discharge, can sometimes be accommodated within 24 to 48 hours. Always communicate urgency to your supplier.

Can I switch DME suppliers? Yes. If you are unsatisfied with your current supplier, you can switch to a different Medicare-enrolled or in-network supplier. Contact your insurance company to confirm the process.

What Is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)? 2026 Guide