Medicare Part B covers oxygen concentrators as durable medical equipment, but only if your doctor prescribes one and you meet specific medical requirements
Medicare will pay for an oxygen concentrator if a doctor documents that you need it to treat a chronic lung condition. The device must be prescribed by a doctor, and you typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. Medicare covers both renting and purchasing a concentrator, though the payment method differs depending on which option you choose.
The coverage applies to stationary concentrators you use at home, as well as portable models. However, Medicare does not cover oxygen itself — only the machine that concentrates it from the air in your home. Your oxygen supply comes from a separate supplier, and that cost is handled differently.
Key Takeaways
- Your doctor must prescribe an oxygen concentrator and document that you have a condition requiring supplemental oxygen, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
- Medicare Part B covers the concentrator as durable medical equipment after you pay your deductible, and you pay 20 percent of the approved amount.
- You can rent or buy a concentrator through a Medicare-approved supplier, and the rental or purchase price is what Medicare bases its payment on.
- If you rent for 36 months, Medicare ownership transfers to you at no additional cost, so renting is often the better choice unless you need the machine for less than three years.
- Oxygen itself is covered under a separate benefit, and your supplier bills Medicare directly for the gas or liquid oxygen you use.
How to get a prescription for an oxygen concentrator
Your doctor will order an oxygen concentrator only after testing your blood oxygen level. This test, called an arterial blood gas test or pulse oximetry, measures how much oxygen is in your blood at rest and during activity. Medicare requires documentation showing your oxygen level is below a certain threshold — usually 88 percent or lower on room air.
Your doctor will write the prescription with specific details: whether you need oxygen all day, only at night, or only during exercise, and how many liters per minute the concentrator should deliver. This prescription goes to a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment supplier, not to a pharmacy. The supplier uses the prescription to set up your equipment and handle the billing with Medicare.
Renting versus buying through Medicare
Medicare allows you to either rent or purchase a concentrator, and the choice affects your long-term cost. When you rent, Medicare pays the supplier a monthly rental fee, and you pay 20 percent of that fee after your deductible. The supplier owns the machine and is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
If you rent for 36 consecutive months, Medicare automatically transfers ownership of the concentrator to you at no additional charge. After that point, you own the machine outright, though you remain responsible for any repairs or replacement parts. This means renting is often the better choice if you expect to need oxygen for more than three years, because you eventually own the equipment without paying a purchase price.
If you purchase outright, Medicare pays a one-time amount based on the approved purchase price, and you pay 20 percent of that amount. You own the machine when ready and are responsible for all maintenance. Purchasing makes sense only if you need the concentrator for less than three years or if you prefer to own it from the start.
What Medicare does not cover
Medicare does not pay for the oxygen gas or liquid oxygen itself — only the machine that concentrates it. Your oxygen supplier bills Medicare separately for the oxygen, and that is covered under a different part of your Medicare benefit. You will have a separate supplier for the oxygen, or sometimes the same company provides both the concentrator and the oxygen.
Medicare also does not cover portable concentrators for travel if they are separate from your main home unit. However, if your prescribed concentrator is portable and you use it as your primary machine, Medicare covers it the same way it covers a stationary model.
Accessories like tubing, masks, and humidifier bottles are sometimes covered, but coverage varies. Your supplier can tell you which accessories Medicare will pay for with your specific concentrator.
Finding a Medicare-approved supplier
You must order your concentrator from a supplier enrolled in Medicare, or Medicare will not pay for it. You can search for approved suppliers on the Medicare website by entering your ZIP code. The search tool shows which suppliers in your area are authorized to provide durable medical equipment.
Once you have your prescription, you can contact suppliers directly and compare their rental or purchase prices. Medicare pays based on an approved amount, but suppliers may charge different rates. You are responsible for 20 percent of whatever the approved amount is, so the supplier's price does not change your out-of-pocket cost — but it is still worth comparing service quality and equipment options.
Some suppliers offer both stationary and portable concentrators, while others specialize in one type. Ask about delivery time, maintenance support, and what happens if the machine breaks down. A good supplier will have a backup plan to get you a loaner concentrator while yours is being repaired.
What happens after Medicare approves your concentrator
Once your doctor's prescription reaches the supplier and Medicare approves it, the supplier will deliver the concentrator to your home and set it up. They will show you how to use it, how to clean the filters, and what to do if it stops working. The supplier handles all billing with Medicare — you do not submit claims yourself.
You will receive a bill from the supplier for your 20 percent share after your Part B deductible is met. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, your cost-sharing may be different, so check your plan documents or call your plan to confirm what you will owe.
If you rent and reach 36 months of rental payments, the supplier will notify you that ownership is transferring to you. At that point, you own the concentrator, and the supplier is no longer responsible for maintenance unless you have purchased an extended service agreement.
When to contact your doctor or supplier
Contact your doctor if you feel short of breath even while using your concentrator, if your oxygen prescription seems wrong for your activity level, or if your symptoms have changed. Your doctor may need to adjust the prescription or order testing to see if your condition has progressed.
Contact your supplier if the concentrator is not delivering oxygen, if it is making unusual noises, if the tubing is cracked or leaking, or if any part is not working as it should. Most suppliers offer 24-hour support for equipment problems. Do not try to repair the machine yourself — call the supplier and ask for a loaner while yours is being fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicare pay for a portable concentrator for travel?
Yes, if your doctor prescribes a portable concentrator as your primary oxygen device. Medicare covers it the same way as a stationary model. However, if you already have a stationary concentrator at home and want a separate portable one just for trips, Medicare will not pay for the second machine.
What if I do not meet my Part B deductible yet?
You will pay the full approved amount for your concentrator until you meet your deductible, then 20 percent after that. Once you reach your deductible, Medicare starts paying its share. Your supplier can tell you how much the approved amount is so you know what your deductible will cover.
Can I switch suppliers if I am not happy with mine?
Yes. You can request a different Medicare-approved supplier at any time. If you are renting, the new supplier takes over the rental agreement. If you own the concentrator, you keep it and can use a new supplier for maintenance or oxygen refills.
Does Medicare cover oxygen concentrators in a nursing home or assisted living?
No. If you are in a nursing home, the facility is responsible for providing oxygen equipment as part of your care. In assisted living, coverage depends on your specific situation — ask your facility and your Medicare plan whether equipment is covered.
What if my concentrator breaks and I need a replacement right away?
Your supplier should provide a loaner concentrator while yours is being repaired. If they cannot, contact Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan to report the problem. Most suppliers have backup equipment on hand for emergencies, so ask about this when you first set up your concentrator.