Medicare Part B covers compression stockings, but only when a doctor prescribes them for a medical reason and orders them through a supplier Medicare has approved

Medicare does not pay for compression stockings you buy over the counter at a drugstore or online. The stockings must be prescribed by your doctor, ordered through a Medicare-approved supplier, and documented as medically necessary — usually for a circulation problem, lymphedema, or venous insufficiency. If those conditions are met, Medicare Part B typically covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you have met your annual deductible.

The process starts with your doctor, not with you ordering stockings yourself. Your doctor must write an order that includes the medical reason, the type of stocking (knee-high, thigh-high, or full-length), and the compression level in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). That order goes to a Medicare-approved supplier — a medical equipment company, not a retail store — and the supplier bills Medicare directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must prescribe compression stockings and document a medical reason such as venous insufficiency, lymphedema, or a circulation disorder.
  • You must order through a Medicare-approved supplier, not buy them retail; Medicare will not reimburse retail purchases.
  • Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible; you pay the remaining 20 percent.
  • Your doctor's order must specify the compression level (measured in mmHg) and the type of stocking for Medicare to process the claim.
  • Coverage typically includes one pair per month, though the exact quantity depends on your medical condition and what your doctor orders.

How to get your doctor's prescription

Start by telling your doctor that you need compression stockings and why — swelling in your legs, pain after standing, skin changes, or a diagnosis like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or lymphedema. Your doctor will examine you and decide whether compression stockings are medically necessary for your condition.

If your doctor agrees, they will write an order that includes the medical diagnosis, the type of stocking, and the compression level. Common compression levels are 15–20 mmHg (mild), 20–30 mmHg (moderate), and 30–40 mmHg (firm). Your doctor chooses the level based on your condition. Do not ask for a specific brand or compression level yourself — let your doctor decide what your medical situation requires.

Your doctor's office will either give you the order to take to a supplier or send it directly to a supplier they work with. Ask which Medicare-approved suppliers your doctor uses, because using an approved supplier is the only way Medicare will pay.

Finding a Medicare-approved supplier

Medicare maintains a list of approved suppliers on its website at Medicare.gov/Suppliers. You can search by your zip code to find companies near you that are authorized to bill Medicare for compression stockings and other medical equipment.

Call the supplier and tell them you have a doctor's order for compression stockings. They will ask for your Medicare number, your doctor's contact information, and the details of the prescription. The supplier handles the paperwork — they contact your doctor to confirm the order, verify that Medicare will cover it, and then send you the stockings.

Some suppliers are local medical equipment stores; others are national companies that ship by mail. Either way, the supplier must be on Medicare's approved list. If you use a supplier that is not approved, Medicare will not pay, and you will owe the full cost.

What Medicare pays and what you pay

Medicare Part B covers compression stockings at 80 percent of the approved amount after you have met your annual Part B deductible (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). You pay the remaining 20 percent, called coinsurance.

The approved amount varies by region and by the type of stocking. A pair of knee-high compression stockings typically costs between $40 and $150 for the approved amount, meaning your 20 percent coinsurance would be roughly $8 to $30 per pair. Thigh-high or full-length stockings cost more.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage of that 20 percent coinsurance may differ. Check your plan documents or call your plan to see whether they cover the coinsurance for compression stockings.

How often Medicare covers replacement stockings

Medicare typically covers one pair of compression stockings per month. If your doctor orders more than one pair per month, Medicare may deny the additional pairs unless your doctor documents a medical reason — for example, if you need different compression levels for different activities, or if you have a condition that requires frequent replacement.

Compression stockings wear out over time and lose their compression. If you need a replacement after a month, your doctor can write a new order and the supplier can submit a new claim. You do not have to wait a full year between pairs.

Common reasons Medicare denies compression stocking claims

The most common reason for denial is that the order came from a non-approved supplier. If you bought stockings retail or ordered them from a company not on Medicare's approved list, Medicare will not pay, even if your doctor prescribed them. Always verify the supplier is approved before placing an order.

The second common reason is that the doctor's order does not include enough medical detail. Medicare needs to see the diagnosis (such as "venous insufficiency" or "lymphedema"), not just "patient wants compression stockings." If the order is vague, the supplier will ask your doctor for clarification before submitting the claim.

A third reason is ordering more than one pair per month without documented medical justification. If your doctor orders two pairs in one month and does not explain why, Medicare may cover only one and deny the second.

What to do if Medicare denies your claim

If Medicare denies your claim, the supplier will send you a notice called a Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The EOB explains why the claim was denied — for example, "supplier not approved" or "medical necessity not documented."

If the denial is because the supplier was not approved, you will need to start over with an approved supplier and have your doctor send a new order. If the denial is because of missing medical information, ask your doctor to send additional documentation to the supplier, and the supplier can resubmit the claim.

You have the right to request a review of the denial. The EOB will include instructions for how to file an appeal. You can also contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about the denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy compression stockings myself and ask Medicare to reimburse me?

No. Medicare only pays when you order through an approved supplier. If you buy stockings retail or online and submit a receipt, Medicare will not reimburse you. The supplier must be the one to submit the claim to Medicare.

What if my doctor says I need compression stockings but I do not have a diagnosis like DVT or lymphedema?

Medicare requires a documented medical reason. If your doctor believes compression stockings are medically necessary for your condition, they should document that reason in your medical record and include it in the prescription order. Conditions like severe varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, or post-thrombotic syndrome may also may have access to.

Does Medicare Advantage cover compression stockings the same way?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but they may have different rules about suppliers, prior authorization, or coinsurance amounts. Contact your plan directly to ask about their coverage for compression stockings before you order.

If I have a Medigap plan, do they pay the 20 percent coinsurance?

Most Medigap plans cover the 20 percent coinsurance for durable medical equipment like compression stockings, but coverage varies by plan. Check your Medigap policy documents or call your plan to confirm.

Can I get compression stockings more than once a month?

Medicare typically covers one pair per month. If your doctor orders more than one pair in a month, Medicare may deny the additional pairs unless your doctor documents a specific medical reason for the higher quantity.