Does Medicare Cover a Oxygen?
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.
Who qualifies
- Your doctor has diagnosed a severe lung disease or condition causing low blood oxygen.
- Your blood oxygen levels meet Medicare's criteria (PaO2 ≤55 mmHg or SaO2 ≤88% on room air at rest, during sleep, or during exercise).
- Other reasonable measures haven't improved your hypoxia.
- You're using a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
Qualifying conditions
- COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
- Severe chronic heart failure with documented hypoxia
- Cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis
- Other severe lung disease with documented arterial desaturation
What it costs
- You pay 20% coinsurance on the monthly rental after the deductible.
- Medicare pays the supplier for 36 months of rental; the supplier then continues to provide the equipment and contents for an additional 24 months at no additional rental charge.
- Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are covered when ordered for portability — same coverage rules apply.
- If you travel, your supplier may transfer service to a supplier in the destination area; coordinate at least 30 days in advance.
Check if you qualify
Step 1 of 2Takes about 60 seconds. We'll show you what your plan covers and connect you with a supplier if you qualify for Oxygen.
Prior authorization timeline
No prior authorization required, but supplier documentation must be in order before Medicare will pay.
Frequently asked
Will Medicare cover a portable oxygen concentrator I can travel with?
Yes, when prescribed for portability. The Medicare benefit is for the oxygen therapy itself (HCPCS E1392 / E0431); whether your specific delivery device is a stationary concentrator, portable concentrator, or tanks is between you and the supplier within the equipment Medicare classifies you as needing.
What happens after the 36-month rental cap?
Your supplier continues to provide the equipment, accessories, and oxygen contents for an additional 24 months. You don't pay rental during that period — only the contents and maintenance fees Medicare allows. After the full 5-year period, you can begin a new rental cap with the same or different supplier.
Does Medicare cover oxygen for sleep only?
Yes, when nocturnal pulse oximetry shows you meet the qualifying SaO2 threshold during sleep. Documentation must include the testing methodology and titration results.