Medicare covers Inogen portable oxygen concentrators, but only if your doctor prescribes one and you meet specific medical requirements

Medicare Part B covers oxygen equipment and supplies when a doctor determines you have a medical need — but the coverage depends on which Inogen model you want, whether you rent or buy, and whether you use it at home, while traveling, or both. Inogen makes several models: the Inogen One G5 and G4 are the most common portable units, and both can be covered. However, Medicare does not cover every Inogen product equally, and some models fall outside coverage entirely.

The process starts with your doctor. You cannot walk into a supplier and request an Inogen; your physician must write a prescription stating that you have a chronic lung condition (like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis) and that portable oxygen will improve your health or safety. Medicare then pays 80 percent of the approved amount for the equipment after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent, unless you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan that covers durable medical equipment (DME) copays.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must prescribe an Inogen and document that you have a chronic lung condition requiring portable oxygen.
  • Medicare covers the Inogen One G5 and G4 as durable medical equipment, paying 80 percent of the approved amount after your Part B deductible.
  • You can rent or buy; Medicare covers both, but rental costs accumulate over time while purchase lets you own the device outright.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not order directly from Inogen or a non-participating retailer.
  • Coverage does not include accessories, batteries beyond what comes standard, or travel cases, though some Medigap plans may cover these.

How Medicare determines whether you need portable oxygen

Medicare requires your doctor to document that you have a may have access to condition and that oxygen will help. The most common may have access to conditions are COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and severe asthma. Your doctor may order a blood oxygen test (arterial blood gas test) or a pulse oximetry reading to show that your oxygen level drops below a certain threshold, either at rest or during activity.

If your oxygen level is borderline, your doctor may order a "six-minute walk test," where you walk for six minutes while wearing a pulse oximeter. If your oxygen drops significantly during the walk, that can justify portable oxygen coverage. Medicare does not cover oxygen for mild or occasional shortness of breath, and it does not cover oxygen for conditions like heart disease or anxiety unless a lung condition is also present.

Once your doctor has the test results, they submit a prescription to a Medicare-approved DME supplier. The supplier then requests Medicare's approval before ordering the equipment. This step usually takes a few days to a week. If Medicare denies the request, your doctor can appeal or provide additional medical evidence.

Rent versus buy: what Medicare pays for each option

Medicare covers both renting and purchasing an Inogen, but the payment structure differs. If you rent, Medicare pays the supplier a monthly rental fee — typically $150 to $250 per month depending on the model and your region — and you pay 20 percent of that amount. After you have rented for 13 months, Medicare stops paying, and you own the equipment outright. This is called the "rental-to-purchase" pathway.

If you buy outright, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved purchase price (usually $1,500 to $2,500 for an Inogen One G5, depending on your region) after your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent upfront. Once you own it, Medicare does not pay for repairs, replacement batteries, or accessories — those are your responsibility.

The financial choice depends on how long you expect to use the device. If you need oxygen for a few years, renting-to-purchase may cost less overall. If you need it long-term, buying saves money because you avoid ongoing rental payments after 13 months. Discuss both options with your DME supplier; they can calculate the total cost for your situation.

Which Inogen models Medicare covers

Medicare covers the Inogen One G5 and Inogen One G4 as durable medical equipment. Both are portable, battery-powered concentrators that weigh between 2.8 and 4.7 pounds and can run for several hours on a single charge. The G5 is newer and slightly more efficient; the G4 is older but still widely available and covered.

Medicare does not cover the Inogen One G3, which is an older model no longer manufactured. It also does not cover the Inogen TAV (travel model) or any Inogen models designed primarily for backup or emergency use rather than daily therapy. If you already own an uncovered model and want to switch to a covered one, you will need a new prescription and a new approval from Medicare.

Coverage also does not extend to accessories like extra batteries, carrying cases, car chargers, or power adapters beyond the standard equipment included with the machine. Some Medigap plans (supplemental insurance) cover these extras, but Original Medicare does not. Ask your DME supplier what comes standard with the rental or purchase before assuming you will need to buy accessories separately.

The role of your DME supplier in getting coverage

You cannot order an Inogen directly from Inogen's website or from a non-participating retailer and expect Medicare to pay. You must work with a Medicare-approved DME supplier — a company that has a contract with Medicare to provide oxygen equipment and supplies. Your doctor's office usually has a list of approved suppliers in your area, or you can search the Medicare supplier directory online.

The DME supplier handles the paperwork: they collect your prescription, submit it to Medicare for approval, and order the equipment once approval comes through. They also handle billing, so you receive an invoice for your 20 percent copay, not a full bill from Inogen. If Medicare denies the claim, the supplier notifies you and your doctor so you can appeal or gather more medical evidence.

Choosing a supplier matters because they determine which Inogen model you receive (within what Medicare covers), how quickly you get it, and what support you receive afterward. Ask potential suppliers how long delivery takes, whether they offer local pickup or mail delivery, and what happens if the machine breaks down during the warranty period.

What happens after Medicare approves your claim

Once Medicare approves your prescription, the DME supplier orders the Inogen and arranges delivery or pickup. Delivery usually takes 5 to 14 days depending on your location and whether the supplier has the model in stock. When the equipment arrives, the supplier should provide basic training on how to use it, how to charge the batteries, and how to clean the filters.

Medicare covers the equipment for as long as your doctor says you need it. If your condition improves and you no longer need oxygen, your doctor can discharge you from oxygen therapy, and Medicare stops paying. If your condition worsens and you need a higher-capacity model or a backup system, your doctor can request an upgrade, and Medicare will review the new prescription.

Repairs and replacements during the warranty period (usually one to three years) are typically covered by the manufacturer or the DME supplier at no cost to you. After the warranty expires, you pay for repairs out of pocket. If the machine cannot be repaired, you can request a replacement from Medicare, but your doctor must document that you still need oxygen and that the old machine is no longer functional.

Medicare Advantage plans and Inogen coverage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage for Inogen may differ. Most Medicare Advantage plans cover oxygen equipment and supplies, but they may require you to use specific DME suppliers, may charge different copays, or may have prior authorization requirements. Some plans cover accessories that Original Medicare does not.

Contact your Medicare Advantage plan directly before starting the prescription process. Ask whether Inogen is covered, which models are covered, which suppliers are in-network, and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. If your plan does not cover the model your doctor recommends, you may be able to appeal the decision if your doctor documents medical reasons why that specific model is necessary.

Common reasons Medicare denies Inogen coverage

Medicare denies Inogen coverage most often when the doctor's prescription lacks sufficient medical documentation. For example, if the prescription does not include recent blood oxygen test results or a walk test, Medicare may request more information before approving. If your oxygen level is only slightly low or only low during sleep, Medicare may deny coverage for portable oxygen and approve only stationary oxygen for home use.

Another common reason for denial is that the supplier submitted the claim to the wrong Medicare contractor or used outdated coding. If this happens, the supplier should resubmit with corrected information. You can also appeal a denial by asking your doctor to provide additional medical evidence or by requesting a peer-to-peer review, where your doctor speaks directly with a Medicare medical reviewer.

Occasionally, Medicare denies coverage because you already own a similar piece of equipment. For example, if you already have a stationary oxygen concentrator at home, Medicare may determine that a portable unit is not medically necessary. In this case, your doctor can appeal by explaining why portable oxygen is needed in addition to stationary oxygen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay my Part B deductible before Medicare covers an Inogen?

Yes. Medicare Part B has an annual deductible (currently $226 in 2024, though this changes yearly). You must pay this deductible out of pocket before Medicare begins paying its 80 percent share of DME. Once you meet the deductible, Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved amount for the Inogen.

Can I use my Inogen while traveling, and does Medicare still cover it?

Yes. Medicare covers your Inogen whether you use it at home or while traveling. However, you are responsible for keeping the batteries charged and carrying the charger with you. Medicare does not cover extra batteries or travel accessories, though some Medigap plans do. Check with your plan before traveling.

What if my doctor prescribes an Inogen but Medicare denies it?

Ask your DME supplier why Medicare denied the claim — it is usually due to missing medical documentation. Your doctor can submit additional test results or a written statement explaining why you need portable oxygen. You can also request a formal appeal, which Medicare must review within 30 days.

If I rent an Inogen for 13 months, do I own it after that?

Yes. Under Medicare's rental-to-purchase rule, after 13 months of rental payments, you own the equipment outright and Medicare stops paying. At that point, any repairs, batteries, or accessories are your responsibility. Some DME suppliers offer extended warranties or maintenance plans you can purchase.

Does Medicare cover a second Inogen if I want a backup?

No. Medicare covers one portable oxygen concentrator per person. If you need a backup system, you would have to purchase it yourself. Some people buy a second used Inogen or a different brand as a backup, but Medicare will not pay for it.