Medicare covers many durables, but not all. Those they do cover are not necessarily the best option for long-term use. Much of what Medicare covers is oriented to hospitals and to short-term rehabilitation. In contrast, durable equipment better suited to longer-term care and aging can differ and take into account comfort as well as function.

The list of durable equipment (DME) covered under Medicare Part B as medically necessary looks comprehensive. However, Original Medicare pays up to a pre-approved amount and requires a co-pay of 20% (in the absence of other insurance). If both your doctor and the supplier aren’t enrolled in Medicare, the supplier is not limited to a Medicare-approved amount and can charge you more. Depending on the DME, you may need to rent it, buy it, or choose between the two. Also, for some equipment, such as powered wheelchairs, you may need to get prior authorization.

Medicare Part B covers DME when your doctor, nurse, or similar professional prescribes it for you to use in your home. If you are in a hospital or nursing home getting Medicare-covered care, that doesn’t qualify, and it is the institution’s choice of equipment.

Medicare Has a tool to locate DME suppliers. It helps you compare up to three suppliers at a time. The results include: a list of supplied items, if they accept Medicare assignment, and contact information to check inventory.

Items Medicare does not cover include equipment for custodial care in the home and not supervised by medical personnel. That means stairway elevators, grab bars, home modifications, etc. However, Medicaid may cover some of them.