10 Medical Devices Covered by Insurance: What We Paid and What We Didn't
HEALTH
Did you know Medicare Advantage and other insurance plans can 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 deemed medically necessary and ordered by a doctor, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and other insurance plans will 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 Copay
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. 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.
Medical Devices with an Insurance Copay
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) Portable commode
She was given a portable commode in case getting to the bathroom was too difficult. The out of pocket cost of $200 included this item.
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.
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
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs for the elderly?
Yes. Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans typically cover manual wheelchairs when a doctor determines they are medically necessary. Coverage may be full or partial depending on the plan, and you will likely need to use a Medicare-approved DME supplier.
Does Medicare cover a hospital bed at home?
Yes, in many cases. If a doctor orders a hospital bed for home use, Medicare Advantage plans often cover it — sometimes on a rent-to-own basis. My mother received an adjustable hospital bed after discharge from a skilled nursing facility at no upfront cost, moving to ownership after 13 months.
Is a blood pressure monitor covered by Medicare?
It can be. If your doctor prescribes a blood pressure monitor due to a diagnosed heart condition or other medical need, Medicare Advantage plans may cover it fully or partially. My mother received one at no out-of-pocket cost after her heart diagnosis.
What is a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier?
A DME supplier is a Medicare-approved vendor that provides medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and CPAP machines. Using an in-network DME supplier is important — going out of network can mean paying significantly more or receiving no coverage at all.
What does "medically necessary" mean for insurance coverage?
"Medically necessary" means a licensed physician has determined that a device or treatment is required to diagnose or treat a medical condition. The doctor must document this in writing, often through a prescription or letter of medical necessity, for insurance to approve coverage.
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