10 Medical Devices Covered by Insurance: What We Paid and What We Didn't
HEALTH
If deemed medically necessary and ordered by a doctor, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and other insurance plans may cover certain medical devices and the accompanying supplies, whether in part or completely. To give you an idea of what those devices can be, I've shared what my mom has gotten covered through her Medicare Advantage PPO plan.
Medical Devices with No Out-of-Pocket Costs
Below are devices that were given to my mom with no out-of-pocket cost. However, please note that insurance plans vary and are subject to change. If the device is covered, always ask what percentage will be covered.
1) Blood glucose monitor
My mother was given a basic, no-frills blood glucose monitor at no out-of-pocket cost. She does not have diabetes. However, the nurse practitioner wanted her to be able to monitor her blood sugar because of her advanced age.
2) Blood pressure monitor
After being diagnosed with a heart condition, my mother was given a basic, no-frills blood pressure monitor at no out-of-pocket cost.
3) Weight scale
Upon discharge due to congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, my mom was given a basic weight scale at no out-of-pocket cost.
4) Leg muscle stimulator
My mother broke her hip and required a hip replacement. She was given a leg muscle stimulator device at no out-of-pocket cost to keep her leg from developing a blood clot.
5) Wheelchair
Upon discharge from the skilled nursing facility, my mother went home in a collapsible wheelchair with detachable footrests. There was no out-of-pocket cost that I am aware of, although it seems like there should have been with this one.
Medical Devices with an Out-of-Pocket Cost
These are the devices my mom paid something for under her Medicare Advantage plan. Plans vary and can change, so if a device is covered, always ask what percentage you’ll owe. In my mom’s case, it’s typically been 20%.
6) Walker with a seat
After my mother had a stroke and complained of dizzy spells, she was given a four-wheeled walker with a seat. The out-of-pocket cost was $20. It's a very nice walker!
7) Sleep apnea Bi-PAP machine
After a sleep study, my mother was diagnosed with complex sleep apnea. Once the doctor determined the right machine to prescribe, we paid approximately $800 of the total cost over time. With a Bi-PAP, parts such as the mask and tubing can be replaced every 3 months. We have paid $60 for the replaceable parts, and they can be ordered quarterly.
We received the following items at the same time. She went home with the wheelchair, while the hospital bed, lightweight medical-style walker, and bedside commode were delivered to the house the day she was discharged. We paid approximately $200 for those three items.
8) Bedside commode
After my mother’s hip replacement, she was sent home with a bedside commode (also called a portable commode) in case getting to the bathroom was too difficult. Our out-of-pocket cost for the commode, a walker, and a hospital bed together was $200. Costs vary by plan, but if your insurance covers a commode, expect to pay something.
A tip: if you remove the bucket, the frame fits over the toilet and doubles as a toilet seat with arm rests. That can come in handy if you don't have grab bars installed.
9) Hospital bed
Upon discharge from a skilled nursing facility, my mother was given an adjustable-height hospital bed with a remote control and a mattress on a "rent-to-own" basis. If she survived for 13 months after receiving the bed, she would keep it; otherwise, the bed would be returned to the medical device company. Thankfully, she has surpassed that odd milestone.
10) Medical-style walker
My mother received a standard medical walker. The $200 out-of-pocket cost included this item.
Can You Get Replacement Medical Devices Covered by Insurance?
In our experience, yes! My mom recently got a replacement walker, and we signed an agreement stating that she could not receive another replacement for 5 years. I don't know if that applies to all medical devices and equipment, but that at least applied to the walker.
What If the Medical Device is Not Covered by Insurance?
In my experience, the basic version of most medically necessary items are covered by insurance and provided to you. If you would like a more advanced model or other specifics, you might need to buy it on your own. You can always ask your insurance plan if they will reimburse you for your preferred item, but I recommend asking before you buy as 1) reimbursement is not a guarantee, and 2) if reimbursement is an option, the plan might have rules and requirements
There are many sources for medical equipment, including brick-and-mortar medical supply stores, online medical supply stores, drug stores, and giants such as Amazon and Walmart. You can also look into second-hand equipment. I have seen quite a few walkers and portable commodes at Goodwill. As a word of caution, if an item requires a doctor's prescription, I encourage you to trust the process and go through your doctor. If you try to acquire the item on your own, you might end up with an expensive piece of equipment that you can't use or that will cause you harm.
Did you know Medicare Advantage and other insurance plans can potentially cover everything from wheelchairs to hospital beds — sometimes at little to no out-of-pocket cost? The operative words are "medically necessary" — here's what my mom has gotten so far and what we paid.
If you can wait, ask before you buy on your own. My tendency is to buy buy buy, but as a caregiver, I can tell you that expenses add up fast, so there are trade-offs between paying for the exact model and color you want and accepting a device that insurance will cover at little to no cost. However, the more you know, the more informed a decision you can make; so talk to your loved one's doctor and their insurance plan; they can give you the scoop on what medical devices are covered by insurance.
The moral of this story: Always ask first!
Ask the doctor before you buy the medical device; it might be covered
Weigh your options, i.e., freebie vs the colors/features you prefer
Based on insurance, you can only get replacements every so often. I was told it's currently every 5 years (this was as of April 2026), but that can change, so back to the moral of the story, always ask :)
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare and Medical Devices
1. Does Medicare cover a bedside commode?
Yes. Medicare Part B may cover a bedside commode as durable medical equipment (DME) when it's medically necessary, prescribed by a healthcare provider and meets Medicare's coverage requirements. Coverage generally applies when someone is confined to their bedroom or otherwise meets Medicare's medical criteria.
After my mom's hip surgery, she came home with a bedside commode through her Medicare Advantage PPO plan. [Add our actual out-of-pocket cost.]
Source: Medicare.gov — Commode Chairs
2. How much will I actually pay for a walker, wheelchair or other medical equipment?
It depends on your insurance plan, the equipment and the supplier. With Original Medicare, you generally pay the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), followed by 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered equipment when the supplier accepts assignment.
My mom's Medicare Advantage PPO has been a different experience. We paid nothing for her wheelchair, $20 for a walker with a seat and approximately $200 for a medical walker. Same insurance plan, very different costs.
My caregiver tip: Before ordering equipment, ask your insurer and supplier what you'll actually owe, including any deductible, copay or coinsurance.
Sources:
3. What's the difference between a copay and coinsurance?
A copay is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered service or item. Coinsurance is a percentage of the covered cost.
For example, a $20 copay means you pay $20 for that covered item. With 20% coinsurance, you'd pay $40 on a $200 Medicare-approved amount, assuming your deductible has been met.
Check your insurance plan documents to see which applies to your medical equipment.
Source: Medicare.gov — Medicare Costs
4. Do you need a doctor's order for Medicare to cover medical equipment?
Yes. Medicare generally requires a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider to order medically necessary durable medical equipment for use at home. Depending on the equipment and insurance plan, additional documentation or prior authorization may be required.
My caregiver tip: If your loved one is leaving the hospital, ask the discharge team to arrange the equipment order and coordinate with the supplier before discharge. It's one less thing to figure out once you're home.
Source: Medicare.gov — Durable Medical Equipment Coverage
5. Does Medicare Advantage cover the same medical equipment as Original Medicare?
Yes. Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same medically necessary categories of durable medical equipment as Original Medicare, including eligible walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds and bedside commodes.
But there's a catch: Medicare Advantage plans may have different supplier networks, prior-authorization requirements and out-of-pocket costs. Even with a PPO, check which suppliers are in-network, whether approval is required and how much you'll pay before ordering equipment.
Sources:
Medicare.gov — Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Medicare.gov — Medicare Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment and Other Devices (PDF)
Last reviewed: October 22, 2026.
Medicare coverage and costs vary by plan, medical necessity and supplier. The costs described above reflect my family's experience and may differ from yours.
About the Author
3+ years ago, my mother's stroke turned me into a full-time caregiver, dealing with some elder-specific and some mom-specific conditions, including vascular dementia, Alzheimer's, congestive heart failure, and aortic stenosis. My caregiving journey didn't start there, though. In high school, I would skip class to take my dad to his doctor's appointments. In different ways, my parents have both been unwell throughout my life. I've put this site together to share a little knowledge, sprinkled with a few laughs. I hope it's helpful, and at least, I hope you know that you are not alone.
Widad's Daughter,
Patty Fadhouli
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