Medicare covers portable oxygen concentrators, but only if a doctor prescribes them and you meet specific medical requirements

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME), which includes portable oxygen concentrators. The device must be prescribed by your doctor, and you must have a medical condition that requires supplemental oxygen — typically documented through a blood oxygen test showing your oxygen level is below a certain threshold. Medicare will not cover a concentrator you buy on your own or one prescribed without proper testing.

The coverage works through DME suppliers that are enrolled with Medicare. You cannot straightforward purchase a concentrator and submit a receipt. Instead, your doctor orders the equipment, Medicare reviews the prescription and medical records, and if approved, you rent or purchase the device through a Medicare-approved supplier. The supplier handles the paperwork and billing.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must prescribe the portable oxygen concentrator based on a blood oxygen test showing you need supplemental oxygen.
  • Medicare covers the device through a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not through retail purchases or online orders.
  • You typically rent the concentrator, though you may purchase one after renting for a set period, depending on the supplier and your plan.
  • You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible; the supplier bills Medicare for the rest.
  • If your doctor's order is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within 120 days.

How the prescription and approval process works

Your doctor must order the portable oxygen concentrator and include the medical reason — usually chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, heart disease, or another condition causing low blood oxygen. The doctor will reference a recent blood oxygen test (arterial blood gas test or pulse oximetry reading) that shows your oxygen saturation level. Medicare requires this documentation before the order moves forward.

Once your doctor places the order, they send it to a Medicare-approved DME supplier. The supplier submits the prescription and your medical records to Medicare for review. Medicare's contractor in your state examines whether the prescription meets coverage rules — whether the diagnosis is covered, whether the oxygen level is low enough, and whether the equipment is medically necessary. This review typically takes 5 to 10 business days.

If Medicare approves the order, the supplier contacts you to arrange delivery and setup. If the order is denied, the supplier notifies you and your doctor in writing, explaining the reason. You then have 120 days to appeal the decision if you believe it was wrong.

What you pay out of pocket

Your cost depends on whether you rent or purchase the concentrator and whether you have already met your Part B deductible for the year. For 2024, the Part B deductible is $240 (this amount changes yearly). Once you meet the deductible, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the equipment.

If you rent a portable oxygen concentrator, you pay 20 percent of the monthly rental fee. Rental fees vary by supplier and region but typically range from $50 to $150 per month after your deductible is met. If you choose to purchase the concentrator outright, you pay 20 percent of the purchase price, which usually falls between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the model and supplier.

Some suppliers allow you to rent for a set period (often 12 to 36 months) and then own the equipment. The total rental payments may equal or exceed the purchase price, so ask your supplier about the rent-to-own terms before you start. Supplemental insurance (Medigap) may cover part or all of your 20 percent coinsurance, depending on your plan.

Finding a Medicare-approved DME supplier

Not all oxygen equipment companies are enrolled with Medicare. You must use a supplier that Medicare recognizes to may support the equipment and service are covered. You can search for approved suppliers in your area using the Medicare Supplier Directory on Medicare.gov, or you can ask your doctor's office for a referral — most doctors work regularly with one or two local suppliers.

When you contact a supplier, confirm that they are Medicare-approved and ask whether they handle the paperwork with Medicare or whether you need to submit anything yourself. Reputable suppliers will manage the entire process: they collect your prescription from your doctor, submit it to Medicare, follow up on the approval, and bill Medicare directly. You should not have to pay upfront or chase Medicare yourself.

If your area has multiple approved suppliers, compare their equipment models, delivery timeframes, and customer service reputation. Some suppliers offer 24-hour support if your concentrator breaks down; others may have longer wait times for repairs. Ask about their backup plan if your device needs service.

Portable versus stationary concentrators and coverage limits

Medicare distinguishes between stationary (plug-in) oxygen concentrators and portable models. A stationary concentrator stays in one room and plugs into an outlet; a portable model runs on batteries or a rechargeable power pack and can move with you. Medicare covers both types, but the approval process and cost may differ slightly.

Portable concentrators are heavier and more expensive than stationary models, so Medicare may require additional justification — your doctor may need to document that you leave home regularly and need oxygen while away. If you rarely leave home, Medicare might deny a portable model and cover only a stationary one instead. If this happens, you can appeal and provide evidence that you do travel or attend activities outside the home.

Medicare does not limit you to one concentrator. If your doctor prescribes both a stationary unit for home and a portable unit for travel, both may be covered. However, Medicare will not cover a second portable concentrator unless your doctor documents a medical reason — for example, if one is in repair and you need a backup.

What happens if Medicare denies your order

If Medicare denies the order, the supplier will send you a notice called an "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) or a "Notice of Non-Coverage" explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include: the oxygen level shown in your test is not low enough to meet Medicare's threshold, the diagnosis is not one Medicare covers for oxygen, or the prescription lacks required medical documentation.

You have the right to appeal within 120 days of the denial notice. To appeal, you can ask your doctor to provide additional medical evidence — for example, a more recent blood oxygen test, notes about your symptoms, or documentation of how the condition affects your daily activities. Your doctor can resubmit the prescription with this new information, or you can submit a written appeal directly to Medicare's contractor in your state (the address is on the denial notice).

If you appeal and Medicare still denies coverage, you may request an independent review by a may have access to independent contractor (QIC). This process takes longer but gives you a second opinion from someone outside Medicare's initial review team. Your supplier or doctor's office can guide you through the appeal steps.

Maintenance, repairs, and replacement

If you rent a portable oxygen concentrator from a Medicare-approved supplier, the supplier is responsible for maintenance and repairs. If the device breaks down, contact the supplier when ready — they should provide a loaner or replacement while yours is being fixed. This service is included in your rental fee; you do not pay extra for repairs.

If you purchase the concentrator, you are responsible for maintenance after the warranty expires (typically one to three years). Some suppliers offer extended service plans for an additional fee. Ask about warranty coverage and service plans before you purchase.

Medicare covers replacement of a portable oxygen concentrator if it is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, but only once every five years. If your concentrator is damaged, report it to your supplier and provide documentation (police report for theft, photos of damage, etc.). Your supplier will submit a replacement request to Medicare with the supporting evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Part D cover oxygen concentrators?

No. Part D covers prescription drugs, not equipment. Portable oxygen concentrators are covered under Part B as durable medical equipment. If you have a Medigap plan, it may cover part of your coinsurance, but the equipment itself is a Part B benefit.

What if my doctor says I need oxygen but my blood oxygen test is borderline?

Medicare uses specific oxygen saturation thresholds to determine coverage. If your test result is close to the cutoff, ask your doctor whether a second test or an exercise test (which measures oxygen levels during activity) might show a clearer need. Some people have normal oxygen at rest but low oxygen when they move around; an exercise test can document this and support the prescription.

Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator I already own, or do I have to rent from a Medicare supplier?

Medicare will not reimburse you for a concentrator you purchased independently. However, if you own one and your doctor prescribes one through Medicare, you can use your own device at home and rent a second portable unit from a Medicare supplier for travel. The supplier's unit will be covered; your personal device will not be.

How long does it take to get a portable oxygen concentrator after my doctor prescribes it?

Once Medicare approves the order, delivery typically takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the supplier's inventory and your location. The approval process itself takes 5 to 10 business days. In total, expect 2 to 3 weeks from the time your doctor places the order to the time you receive the equipment.

If I move to a different state, will my portable oxygen concentrator still be covered?

Yes. Your Medicare coverage travels with you. However, you may need to switch to a DME supplier in your new state because suppliers are regional. Contact your current supplier before you move and ask for a referral to an approved supplier near your new home. The new supplier can take over your rental or purchase agreement.