What Medicare Covers for Blood Pressure Monitors at Home

Medicare covers blood pressure monitors, but only certain types and only with a doctor's order

Medicare Part B covers a home blood pressure monitor when your doctor prescribes it as medically necessary. You do not pay the full cost — Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible, and you pay the remaining 20 percent. The catch is that not every monitor qualifies, and your doctor has to document why you need one at home rather than checking your blood pressure at the clinic.

The monitor must be a standard automatic or manual cuff device that measures systolic and diastolic pressure. Wearable devices like smartwatches that track blood pressure, or continuous monitoring systems, are not covered. Your doctor orders it through a supplier enrolled in Medicare, and the supplier handles the paperwork with Medicare — you do not submit a claim yourself.

Key Takeaways

Medicare Part B covers home blood pressure monitors when your doctor prescribes them as medically necessary, and you pay 20 percent of the approved cost after your deductible.
The monitor must be a standard cuff device (automatic or manual), not a smartwatch or wearable, and must come from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
Your doctor has to document in your medical record why home monitoring is necessary for your condition — routine checkups alone usually do not may have access to.
If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower than the standard 20 percent, depending on your plan.
You can ask your doctor's office to send the prescription to a specific supplier, or ask for a list of suppliers Medicare covers in your area.

When your doctor can order a covered monitor

Medicare requires your doctor to have a medical reason documented in your chart. Common reasons include uncontrolled high blood pressure (readings that stay high even on medication), a recent diagnosis of hypertension that needs close tracking, or a condition like heart disease or kidney disease where blood pressure control is critical to your treatment plan. A doctor cannot order one straightforward because you want to monitor yourself or because you have a family history of high blood pressure.

Your doctor writes an order that includes the reason for home monitoring and sends it to a Medicare-enrolled durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. The supplier verifies the order with Medicare before dispensing the monitor. If Medicare denies the order, the supplier will tell you and your doctor — you are not responsible for the denial, but you can ask your doctor to resubmit with more detail about your medical need.

What you pay out of pocket

The amount you pay depends on whether you have Original Medicare alone or a supplemental plan. With Original Medicare Part B, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after you have met your annual Part B deductible (the deductible amount changes each year). If the approved amount is $100, and you have already met your deductible, you pay $20.

If you have a Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan, your plan may cover some or all of that 20 percent, depending on which Medigap plan you chose. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your cost-sharing rules are different — check your plan documents or call the plan to find out what you pay for durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover the monitor with no cost-sharing, while others charge a copay.

How to get a monitor through Medicare

Start by talking to your doctor at your next appointment or by calling your doctor's office. Tell them you want to monitor your blood pressure at home and ask whether they think it is medically necessary for your condition. If your doctor agrees, ask them to send the prescription to a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. You can request a specific supplier if you have one in mind, or ask your doctor's office for a list of suppliers in your area.

Once the supplier receives the order, they will contact you to confirm your Medicare information and arrange delivery. The supplier handles all communication with Medicare — you do not need to call Medicare yourself or fill out forms. The supplier will tell you when to expect the monitor and whether there are any costs you need to pay upfront. Most suppliers deliver within one to two weeks.

Buying a monitor on your own versus using Medicare

You can buy a blood pressure monitor at a pharmacy or online without involving Medicare or your doctor. Drugstore monitors cost between $30 and $100 for a basic automatic cuff. If you choose to buy one yourself, you pay the full cost out of pocket — Medicare does not reimburse you for a monitor you purchased without a doctor's order.

The advantage of using Medicare is that you pay only 20 percent of the approved cost instead of the full retail price. The disadvantage is that you need a doctor's order and the process takes longer. If you need a monitor right away and your doctor has not yet prescribed one, buying one yourself may be faster. You can always ask your doctor later whether they would order one through Medicare if your situation changes.

Continuous monitoring and other devices Medicare does not cover

Medicare does not cover wearable blood pressure monitors built into smartwatches or fitness trackers, even if they are FDA-approved. It also does not cover ambulatory blood pressure monitors that you wear for 24 or 48 hours to track changes throughout the day — those are considered diagnostic tests, not home monitoring devices, and are covered under different rules if your doctor orders them in a clinical setting.

Some newer devices measure blood pressure without a cuff (using light or sound waves on your wrist or finger). These are not covered by Medicare because they are not considered standard blood pressure measurement devices. If your doctor thinks you need one of these devices for a specific reason, ask whether they can order it as a diagnostic test instead, though coverage varies.

What to ask your doctor

Before your appointment, write down your blood pressure readings if you have been tracking them, and note any symptoms you have noticed (like headaches, shortness of breath, or dizziness). At your visit, ask your doctor these questions:

Do you think I need to monitor my blood pressure at home, and why?
If yes, will you send a prescription to a Medicare-enrolled supplier?
Do you have a preferred supplier, or can you give me a list of suppliers in my area?
What should I do with the readings — should I keep a log and bring it to my next visit, or call your office with high readings?
How often should I check my blood pressure (daily, a few times a week, etc.)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a monitor someone gave me instead of getting one through Medicare?

Yes. If you already own a blood pressure monitor or someone gives you one, you can use it without involving Medicare. Medicare only covers monitors ordered by your doctor through an enrolled supplier. Using your own monitor does not affect your Medicare coverage.

What if my doctor says I do not need home monitoring but I want one anyway?

Medicare will not cover it without a doctor's order. You can buy a monitor yourself at a pharmacy or online for $30 to $100. Talk to your doctor about your concerns — if your blood pressure readings at home are different from readings at the clinic, that information may convince your doctor that home monitoring is medically necessary.

Do I have to use the monitor the supplier gives me, or can I choose a different brand?

Your doctor's order specifies the type of monitor (automatic or manual cuff), but the supplier chooses the brand based on what Medicare approves and what they have in stock. If you have a strong preference for a specific brand, ask your doctor to note that on the order, though the supplier may not be able to honor it. You can always buy a different monitor with your own money if you prefer.

Will Medicare pay for replacement if my monitor breaks?

Medicare covers one monitor per order. If it breaks or stops working, you would need your doctor to send a new order to the supplier. The supplier will check with Medicare to see whether a replacement is covered — this depends on how long you have had the original monitor and whether it was damaged by misuse. Ask the supplier about their warranty and repair options first.

What if I have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover blood pressure monitors at the same level as Original Medicare, but your out-of-pocket cost may be different. Call your plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask what you pay for durable medical equipment. Some plans cover it with no cost-sharing, while others charge a copay or coinsurance.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.