Durable Medical Equipment (DME): What You Need to Know Before Ordering

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) — from wheelchairs and walkers to CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators — is essential for many patients. Understanding how to access DME through your insurance can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

What Qualifies as DME?

DME includes medical devices and equipment that are:

• Durable — can withstand repeated use
• Used for a medical purpose
• Not useful to an injured person in the absence of illness or injury
• Expected to last at least 3 years

Common examples include wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, CPAP machines, blood glucose monitors, and prosthetic devices.

Does Insurance Cover DME?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover DME when prescribed by your doctor. Coverage typically includes:

• Medicare Part B — Covers 80% of approved DME costs after your deductible
• Medicaid — Coverage varies by state; Ohio Medicaid covers most medically necessary DME
• Private insurance — Coverage depends on your specific plan and deductible

How ExpressRx Simplifies DME

Getting DME doesn't have to be complicated. ExpressRx handles the entire process:

• We verify your insurance coverage before delivery
• We coordinate with your prescriber for the required documentation
• We deliver and set up equipment in your home
• We provide ongoing maintenance and support
• We handle reorders and replacements as needed

Common DME Categories

• Mobility — Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes
• Respiratory — Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, nebulizers
• Bathroom safety — Grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs
• Bedroom — Hospital beds, bed rails, patient lifts
• Diabetic supplies — Glucose meters, test strips, insulin pumps