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How does TRICARE cover durable medical equipment (DME)?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini)
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers medically necessary durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, CPAP machines, and oxygen equipment with authorization.
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Key Takeaways
- Covered when medically necessary
- Prior authorization usually needed
- Rental or purchase
- Use network suppliers
Detailed Answer
DME coverage is available for necessary equipment.
What's Covered
- Wheelchairs
- Hospital beds
- CPAP/BiPAP machines
- Oxygen equipment
- Walking aids
- Diabetic supplies
Requirements
- Medical necessity
- Prescription from provider
- Prior authorization (most)
- Network DME supplier
Cost Shares
- Standard TRICARE costs
- Rental vs purchase
- May be significant for major items
- Counts toward catastrophic cap
Rental vs Purchase
- Short-term: Usually rental
- Long-term: Purchase considered
- TRICARE determines
- Based on duration of need
Getting Equipment
- Provider prescription
- Authorization if required
- Network DME supplier
- Delivery and setup included
Sponsored
What do most military families add to their TRICARE coverage?
Most Popular
Supplemental health insurance is the most common addition — it covers dental, vision, and out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE leaves uncovered. Life insurance and a legal will are also highly recommended.
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