What Medicare actually covers — without the sales pitch.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) when you have diabetes and meet documented monitoring criteria. As of 2023, you no longer need to be on insulin if you have a documented history of problematic hypoglycemia.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers walkers as durable medical equipment when your doctor prescribes one as medically necessary for use in your home.

Partially. Medicare Part B covers the seat-lift mechanism inside a lift chair, but not the chair itself. Reimbursement on the mechanism (HCPCS E0627) is approximately $300 in 2026 — the rest of the chair is your responsibility.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers manual and power wheelchairs as durable medical equipment when your doctor documents you can't safely move around your home with a cane, walker, or other mobility aid. Power wheelchairs require prior authorization.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers a power-operated vehicle (POV / scooter) when you can't accomplish daily activities at home with a cane or walker, you can sit upright and operate the tiller, and your doctor completes a face-to-face mobility evaluation.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers a CPAP machine for obstructive sleep apnea after a qualifying sleep study and a 3-month trial period. The machine is rented for 13 months; after that, it's yours.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers home oxygen equipment and supplies when your doctor documents that you have a severe lung disease or low blood oxygen levels and a qualifying arterial blood gas or oxygen saturation test. Oxygen is rented for a 36-month payment period followed by 24 months of supplier-maintained service.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic shoes per calendar year plus three pairs of inserts for people with diabetes who have at least one qualifying foot complication. Pending federal legislation (S.4070, introduced March 2026) would simplify documentation and expand prescriber recognition, but the bill has not been enacted as of May 2026.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers a hospital bed for home use when your doctor documents a medical condition requiring positioning that a regular bed can't provide. The bed is rented; ownership transfers after 13 months of continuous rental.

Yes — Medicare Part B covers rigid and semi-rigid orthopedic braces (knee, back, ankle, neck, shoulder) when your doctor prescribes one as medically necessary. Soft elastic supports are not covered.