Does Medicare Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

A portable oxygen concentrator is a piece of medical equipment that converts the air around you to purer oxygen. These devices are much smaller than oxygen tanks, which can help support mobility and lifestyle choices for those that require oxygen. But does Medicare cover portable oxygen concentrators? 

Does Medicare Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Portable oxygen concentrators are classified as durable medical equipment (DME), which is covered by Medicare Part B and all Medicare Advantage plans.

Portable oxygen concentrators are only covered by Medicare when certain eligibility requirements are met. These include:

• Certification from a doctor that you have severe lung disease or are not receiving enough oxygen into your lungs. 
• A doctor's recommendation that your health would improve with supplemental oxygen.
• Your arterial blood oxygen saturation is below 88%.
• Other efforts have not improved your oxygen intake. 

Many Medicare beneficiaries who are approved for coverage of their portable oxygen concentrators are those with COPD, pneumonia and other lung conditions. 

When approved, Medicare's coverage includes the portable oxygen concentrator itself along with the necessary tubing and connectors. 

Why Are Oxygen Concentrators So Expensive?

Portable oxygen concentrators are expensive because they're complex pieces of equipment. They have internal workings to take regular air from wherever you are and convert it into mostly just oxygen. They are also able to rely on battery power, which means they have to be relatively efficient.  

Which Is Better: an Oxygen Tank or Oxygen Concentrator?

Portable oxygen concentrators can cost a few thousand dollars and need to be powered by a battery or a connection to an electrical outlet, so you do have to plan for using one to maximize benefits such as flexibility and mobility.

Oxygen tanks are also covered by Medicare but they're less flexible and can reduce your mobility. 

Ultimately, you'll need to weigh your own needs and budget to decide which option is right for you.