Does Medicare cover compression stockings?

Does Medicare cover compression stockings?

Only for lymphedema. Medicare Part B covers lymphedema compression treatment items, which help control and reduce swelling caused by lymphedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. Part B may cover gradient compression garments (standard and custom-fitted), gradient compression wraps with adjustable straps, and compression bandaging supplies.

To qualify, you must have lymphedema and your doctor or other health care provider must order the items. CMS's Medicare Benefit Policy Manual says this coverage has been available since January 1, 2024, and that coverage of these items for any diagnosis other than lymphedema isn't allowed.

Which compression items does Medicare pay for?

CMS says the benefit includes medically necessary treatment items for each affected body part:

• Standard and custom-fitted gradient compression garments, including daytime and nighttime garments, which offer different levels of compression
• Compression bandaging systems and supplies during the first (decongestion) phase of treatment and the maintenance phase
• Gradient compression wraps with adjustable straps
• Necessary accessories, like aids for putting garments on and taking them off (such as foot slippers that help you put on compression stockings), fillers, lining, padding and zippers

Who has to order and supply the garments?

A physician must prescribe the items, or a physician assistant, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist to the extent state law allows. The supplier must be enrolled in Medicare as a durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) supplier for Medicare to pay.

CMS says the supplier's payment already includes the services that go with furnishing the garments, including teaching you how to put them on and take them off.

What do I pay for compression garments?

After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered lymphedema compression items. What you owe also depends on any other insurance you have, how much your doctor charges, whether your doctor accepts assignment, the type of facility and where you get the item.

A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy helps cover your share of costs, like coinsurance and deductibles, for services Original Medicare covers. Medicare Advantage plans cover almost all medically necessary services Original Medicare covers, but each plan sets its own network rules and costs, so check with the plan before you get the items.

How many compression garments will Medicare cover?

CMS sets these limits for each affected body part:

• Daytime garments: 3 every 6 months
• Nighttime garments: 2 every 2 years
• Replacements as needed for items that are lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair
• New items as needed if your condition changes, like a change in limb size

Does Medicare cover a compression pump for lymphedema?

Medicare Part B may cover lymphedema powered compression devices if you're eligible, as durable medical equipment (DME). Part B covers medically necessary DME that your provider prescribes for use in your home, and depending on the item you may rent it, buy it, or choose between the two.

After the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts assignment. Ask the supplier whether it participates in Medicare or will accept assignment before you get the device; for rented equipment, make sure it accepts assignment for all rental months. See how Medicare covers medical equipment.