What Medicare Does and Doesn't Cover for Home Medical Supplies

Health and coverage notice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911. Coverage rules change and depend on your plan. This is general information, not insurance advice.

Quick answer. Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and changes start January 1. Original Medicare (Part B) can help pay for durable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds and glucose monitors when a doctor orders them for use at home and the supplier is enrolled in Medicare. Medicare.gov states that Original Medicare does not cover incontinence supplies or adult diapers.

Part of our guide: The Complete Guide to Daily Living Aids for Safe, Independent Living.

When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During that time you can join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage Plan, switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and join, drop or switch a Medicare drug plan. Coverage starts January 1 of the next year, and the plan must get your request by December 7. It is a good time to ask what your plan does and does not help pay for at home. This guide is a starting point. Your own plan is the final word.

Two kinds of Medicare coverage

• Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is the federal fee-for-service program.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are sold by private insurers and may cover some benefits Original Medicare does not.

What home equipment does Original Medicare cover?

Part B can help pay for durable medical equipment when your doctor or other health care provider orders it for use in your home, and you get it from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Medicare lists examples that include commode chairs, crutches, glucose monitors and related supplies, hospital beds, walkers, and wheelchairs and scooters. After you meet the Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount when the supplier accepts assignment.

Our catalog includes equipment in these groups. Examples: the drive Clever-Lite LS Aluminum Walker, the drive Cruiser III Lightweight Wheelchair, and the Glucocard Expression Blood Glucose Meter. Browse Mobility Aids, Diabetes Supplies and Bathroom Aids.

What does Original Medicare not cover?

Everyday supplies are where many people are surprised. Medicare.gov states that Original Medicare does not cover incontinence supplies or adult diapers. Other everyday supplies may not be covered either. Rules differ by item, so check before you buy.

For items you pay for yourself, our Incontinence category includes products such as Attends Advanced Briefs and CareFor Deluxe Underpads. Products come in different UOM, such as Each, Box and Case, so compare by UOM.

What might a Medicare Advantage plan add?

Medicare Advantage plans may cover things Original Medicare does not, such as vision, hearing and dental care. Some plans may also cover certain over-the-counter drugs that Part D does not cover, as described in Medicare & You. These benefits are generally limited, so check with the plan before you join.

What questions should I ask when I compare plans?

1. Which home equipment and supplies do you cover, and with what limits?
2. Do I need a doctor's order or prior approval?
3. Which suppliers can I use?
4. Does the plan cover any over-the-counter items? What counts, and are there limits?
5. What will I pay, including deductibles and coinsurance?

Where can I get free, objective help?

• Medicare.gov has a plan finder that compares plans in your area.
• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) answers questions about your coverage. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
• Your state's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free local counseling (SHIP locator and information).

What about items I buy myself?

Many people buy everyday supplies on their own. Some of those purchases may qualify for payment with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), depending on the item and your plan.

Frequently asked questions

When is Medicare Open Enrollment? October 15 to December 7 each year. Coverage changes start January 1.

Does Medicare pay for adult briefs? Medicare.gov says Original Medicare does not cover incontinence supplies or adult diapers. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain extras. Check with your plan.

Does Medicare cover walkers and wheelchairs? Part B can help pay for them as durable medical equipment when a doctor orders them for use in your home and the supplier is enrolled in Medicare.

Who can help me choose a plan? Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, and your state's SHIP counselors.

Next steps

Shop Incontinence and Mobility Aids, and see Preventing Falls at Home as the Days Get Shorter.

Sources

1. Medicare.gov, "Open Enrollment": https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment
2. Medicare.gov, "Joining a plan": https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan
3. Medicare.gov, "Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage": https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
4. Medicare.gov, "Incontinence supplies & adult diapers": https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/incontinence-supplies-adult-diapers
5. Medicare.gov, "Your health plan options": https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-health-plan-options
6. Medicare.gov, "What's not covered by Part A & Part B?": https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/original-medicare/not-covered
7. Medicare.gov, "Medicare & You" handbook: https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10050-medicare-and-you.pdf
8. Medicare.gov, "Talk to someone": https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone
9. SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, "About SHIP": https://www.shiphelp.org/about-ship/

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911. Coverage rules change and depend on your plan. Last reviewed October 2026.