🦽🩺
Durable Medical Equipment Guide
Walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more, what you need to know
For mild balance issues or one-sided weakness. Provides light support.
- Types
- Single point, quad cane (4 feet for more stability)
- Cost
- $15-75
- Medicare
- Covered with prescription
- Fitting
- Handle at wrist height when arm hangs down
For moderate balance issues. More stable than canes. Several types for different needs.
- Standard walker
- No wheels, most stable, must be lifted
- Front-wheel walker
- 2 front wheels, easier to push
- Rollator
- 4 wheels, seat, basket, for those with endurance issues
- Cost
- $30-300 depending on type
- Medicare
- Covered with prescription
For those who cannot walk safely or have limited endurance.
- Manual
- Self-propelled or pushed by caregiver
- Transport
- Lightweight, small wheels, must be pushed
- Power/Electric
- Battery-powered, for those who can't self-propel
- Cost
- $100-500 manual; $1,500-5,000+ power
- Medicare
- Covered with prescription (power chairs require more documentation)
Getting the Right Fit
Poorly fitted equipment causes falls and injuries. Have a physical therapist or DME provider fit the equipment properly. Seat height, handle height, and wheel type all matter.
For those with good upper body strength who can transfer on/off safely. Good for longer distances.
- Best for
- Outdoor use, shopping, community mobility
- Not for
- Tight indoor spaces, those who can't operate controls
- Cost
- $600-3,000
- Medicare
- May cover if medically necessary (requires documentation)
Adjustable head/foot, easier for caregiving. Important for those who spend much time in bed.
- Benefits
- Easier positioning, transfers, and caregiving
- Types
- Semi-electric, full electric, manual crank
- Cost
- $500-2,000+ (rental often available)
- Medicare
- Covered if medically necessary (doctor order required)
Critical for preventing falls in the most dangerous room.
- Grab bars
- $20-100 (installation may cost more)
- Shower chair/bench
- $30-100 (Medicare covers)
- Raised toilet seat
- $30-80 (Medicare covers)
- Commode (bedside)
- $50-150 (Medicare covers)
For those with respiratory conditions requiring supplemental oxygen.
- Types
- Concentrator (home use), portable tanks, portable concentrator
- Cost
- Typically rental through DME company
- Medicare
- Covered with prescription and qualifying oxygen levels
- Note
- Requires regular monitoring and refills
For transferring those who cannot bear weight. Protects caregiver's back.
- Hoyer lift
- Portable, uses sling to lift and transfer
- Sit-to-stand lift
- For those with some leg strength
- Cost
- $300-2,000
- Medicare
- May cover if medically necessary
Medicare DME Coverage Basics
- Requires prescription from doctor
- Must be medically necessary (not just convenient)
- 20% copay after deductible (Part B)
- Must use Medicare-approved supplier
- Rental vs. purchase depends on equipment type
- Repairs and maintenance often covered
Beware of DME Scams
Only get equipment from Medicare-approved suppliers. Be wary of unsolicited calls offering "free" equipment, these are often scams. Never give your Medicare number to callers. If you need equipment, talk to your doctor first.
Where to Find Used Equipment
- Local senior centers (often have lending closets)
- Area Agency on Aging
- Charitable organizations (Lions Club, Rotary)
- Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist (clean thoroughly)
- Hospital auxiliary shops
- Goodwill / Salvation Army