Medicare Blog

11. what are requirements for medicare coverage of home oxygen

by Lisandro Rohan II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

For Medicare to cover oxygen equipment and supplies, beneficiaries must have the following: Have a prescription from your doctor Have documentation from your doctor showing you have a lung disorder preventing you from receiving enough oxygen and that other measures have not been successful in improving your condition

Full Answer

What is the Medicare criteria for home oxygen?

“As required by the NCD Home Use of Oxygen (240.2), coverage of home oxygen therapy requires that the beneficiary be tested in a ‘chronic stable state’ and that all co-existing diseases or conditions that can cause hypoxia must be treated sufficiently. Moreover, the beneficiary must have a severe lung disease, such as chronic obstructive

How long does Medicare pay for home oxygen?

Oxygen machines are supplied to Medicare beneficiaries for five years at a time. Medicare generally pays to rent an oxygen machine for 36 months, but the supplier must provide service on the device for another 24 months. There are few things as central to living a comfortable life as being able to breathe.

What are the Medicare guidelines for oxygen?

To be covered for oxygen supplies and accessories, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Your doctor says you have a severe lung disease or you aren’t getting enough oxygen.
  • Your health might improve with oxygen therapy.
  • Your arterial blood gas level falls below a certain range.
  • Other treatments haven’t improved your condition.
  • Your doctor accepts Medicare assignment.

More items...

What is the criteria for home oxygen?

  • Angina pectoris in the absence of hypoxemia. ...
  • Breathlessness without cor pulmonale or evidence of hypoxemia. ...
  • Severe peripheral vascular disease resulting in clinically evident desaturation in one or more extremities. ...
  • Terminal illnesses that do not affect the lungs.

What qualifies a patient for home oxygen?

Patient is mobile in the home (E1392) SpO2 ≥90% non-qualifying result taken at rest, breathing room air, and b. SpO2 = 89% and qualifying secondary diagnosis or SpO2 ≤88%. Results taken during exercise, breathing room air, and c.

What is the Medicare requirement for oxygen saturation?

An arterial PO2 at or below 55 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below 88 percent, taken during exercise for a patient who demonstrates an arterial PO2 at or above 56 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or above 89 percent during the day while at rest.

What diagnosis will cover oxygen?

In that NCD, CMS covers home oxygen for beneficiaries with severe lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diffuse interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, widespread pulmonary neoplasm, or with hypoxia-related symptoms or findings that might be expected to improve with oxygen ...

Are oxygen meters covered by Medicare?

Medicare considers home oxygen equipment and accessories to be durable medical equipment (DME), which it covers. Medicare Part B medical insurance will cover oxygen equipment and accessories used in your home if your doctor determines that the supplies are medically necessary and you meet certain other criteria.

Does Medicare cover home oxygen for pneumonia?

If you own your own equipment, Medicare will help pay for oxygen, contents and supplies for the delivery of oxygen when all of these conditions are met: Your doctor says you have a severe lung disease or you aren't getting enough oxygen. Your health might improve with oxygen therapy.

Does Medicare cover oxygen for hypoxia?

Effective September 27, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will not cover oxygen therapy and oxygen equipment in the home in the following circumstances: Angina pectoris in the absence of hypoxemia.

Is hypoxemia a qualifying diagnosis for oxygen?

Many beneficiaries with non-chronic lung diseases, such as pneumonia, do seek assistance breathing with oxygen but these beneficiaries are not covered. Significant hypoxemia (oxygen deprivation, shortness of breath) may only be demonstrated to Medicare by oxygen level testing satisfying strict requirements.

Does Medicare pay for nasal cannulas?

Portable oxygen concentrator. Medicare will cover stationary oxygen units for use at home. This coverage includes: oxygen tubing. nasal cannula or mouthpiece.

Will Medicare pay for the purchase of a portable oxygen concentrator?

If you own your own equipment, Medicare will help pay for oxygen contents and supplies for the delivery of oxygen upon meeting Medicare conditions including doctor recommendation, failing arterial blood gas level range and other alternative measures have failed.

Does Medicare cover oxygen for COPD patients?

Original Medicare Part B covers oxygen and equipment for use at home, although certain conditions apply. Part A covers oxygen therapy during an inpatient stay. If someone has a lung disorder, such as severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a heart problem, or asthma, they may need oxygen therapy.

Does Medicare cover portable concentrators?

Medicare Part B provides coverage for durable medical equipment like portable oxygen concentrators - if you meet the qualifications.

Can you bill E1390 and E1392 together?

Only one maintenance and servicing payment can be made for beneficiaries using both stationary (E1390) and portable oxygen concentrators (E1392).

How to get oxygen for Medicare?

For Medicare to cover oxygen equipment and supplies, beneficiaries must have the following: 1 Have a prescription from your doctor 2 Have documentation from your doctor showing you have a lung disorder preventing you from receiving enough oxygen and that other measures have not been successful in improving your condition 3 Proof of gas levels in your blood from your doctor

How long does DME have to supply oxygen?

Your rental payments will be paid up to 3 years. After that, the supplier will still own the equipment. However, they must still supply oxygen to you for an additional 24 months.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a form of therapy where your whole body gets exposed to oxygen through increased atmospheric pressure. The oxygen distributes through a chamber. Medicare usually includes coverage for this therapy.

How much does canned oxygen cost?

Typically, canned oxygen with a concentration of around 95%, runs at about $50 per unit. Canned oxygen could be costly if you were to rely on the constant use of an oxygen machine. Costs could quickly escalate to more than $1,160 per day and more than $426,000 per year!

Does Medicare cover oxygen?

Medicare coverage for oxygen therapy is available when your doctor prescribes it to treat a lung or respiratory condition. Oxygen therapy can serve as a source of relief for those with severe asthma, COPD, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases. Medicare covers oxygen therapy in a hospital or at home when you meet specific criteria. Below we discuss the requirements necessary to qualify for oxygen supplies.

Does Medicare Supplement cover coinsurance?

Yes, supplement plans help cover the 20% coinsurance that Medicare doesn’t cover. It also covers other cost-sharing in the form of deductibles Choosing Medigap means you choose peace of mind. For those wanting to protect retirement savings, a Medicare Supplement plan will do just that.

How much does Medicare pay for oxygen?

You must also pay a monthly premium. In 2020, the premium is typically $144.60 — though it may be higher, depending on your income. Once you’ve met your Part B deductible for the year, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of the cost of your home oxygen rental equipment.

Why do we need oxygen at home?

The medical necessity of home oxygen is determined by testing to see whether your condition is causing hypoxemia. Hypoxemia occurs when you have low levels of oxygen in your blood.

What are the different types of oxygen systems?

Several types of oxygen systems exist, including compressed gas, liquid oxygen, and portable oxygen concentrators. Here’s an overview of how each of these systems works: Compressed gas systems. These are stationary oxygen concentrators with 50 feet of tubing that connects to small, prefilled oxygen tanks.

What is the Medicare Part B deductible?

This is the amount of out-of-pocket costs you must pay before Medicare begins to cover approved items and services.

How long does Medicare pay for equipment rental?

The supplier still owns the equipment, but the monthly rental fee ends after 36 months. Even after the rental payments have ended, Medicare will continue paying its share of the supplies needed to use the equipment, such as the delivery of gas or liquid oxygen.

Does Medicare cover portable oxygen concentrators?

These electric units don’t require tanks to be filled and come with only 7 feet of tubing. But it’s important to know that Medicare covers portable oxygen concentrators only in very specific circumstances. Medicare will cover stationary oxygen units for use at home.

Can you use too much oxygen?

You need to work with your doctor to find the right treatment, dosage, and duration for your specific condition. Just as too little oxygen can harm you, too much oxygen can also carry risks . Sometimes, you only need to use oxygen for a short time.

Description Information

Please Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.

Transmittal Information

03/1987 - Clarified coverage criteria for home oxygen use including portable and stationary oxygen systems. Effective date 04/13/1987. (TN 13)

How To Pay For A Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators are great devices for those with a medical need for oxygen who live an active, on-the-go lifestyle. After choosing to buy a portable oxygen concentrator, youll likely have some questions, especially related to how youll pay for the device.

What Equipment And Accessories Are Covered By Medicare

If you meet all the requirements, Medicare Part B will pay for specific equipment needed to provide oxygen therapy in your home.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent An Oxygen Concentrator

Costs can vary significantly depending on what kind of oxygen concentrator you want to rent, what kind of insurance coverage you have and whether or not you meet the criteria to have your rental covered by insurance.

Group I Criteria Include Any Of The Following

An arterial PO2 at or below 55 mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below 88 percent taken at rest , or

Overview: Qualifying For Home Oxygen

First, if you want to receive home oxygen treatment youll need to meet the following criteria:

What About Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for a portable oxygen concentrator if you are already using Medicares oxygen rental benefit. The reason for this is that Medicare pays the supplier the same amount whether the supplier gives you a portable tank or a portable concentrator.

Medicare Home Oxygen Lcd Coverage

For any item to be covered by Medicare, it must 1) be eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category, 2) be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member, and 3) meet all other applicable Medicare statutory and regulatory requirements.

How long does it take for a sleep oxygen test to show up on Medicare?

If the test is done during sleep, it must show at least 5 minutes (not continuous) of SaO2 ≤ 88% or PaO2 ≤ 55mmHg. HOWEVER, if the patient has severe lung disease or hypoxia-related symptoms that might be expected to improve with oxygen therapy, this is acceptable for Medicare coverage.

Does Medicare cover home oxygen?

Medicare is actively enforcing the following guidelines when documenting the need for home oxygen. The physician must clearly DOCUMENT the need for home oxygen in the medical record in order for it to be covered by Medicare .

What is the only requirement for oxygen?

The only requirement, of course, is that it provides medical grade oxygen that meets your medical needs. Any of these models could be provided. A patient needing oxygen 24 hours per day will be given both a home or stationary concentrator as just described AND a portable solution.

What equipment is needed for a patient who needs oxygen?

The equipment for patients only needing oxygen nocturnally is a home or stationary concentrator. Patients needing oxygen 24 hours per day will be provided both a home concentrator and a portable solution. A portable solution can be either oxygen tanks or a portable oxygen concentrator. Medicare coverage for supplemental oxygen is via ...

What is Medicare responsible for?

The Medicare provider is responsible for making sure the equipment is in good working order and that it meets the requirements prescribed by your doctor.

Does Medicare cover oxygen?

Medicare coverage for supplemental oxygen is via a monthly rental program where the equipment is provided by a Medicare or Durable Medical Equipment provider. Medica re will never cover the purchase of oxygen therapy equipment. Patients can select their Medicare provider (like you can select your doctor), but a provider is not required ...

Do portable oxygen concentrators need to be specific?

It does not need to be a specific brand, type or solution.

Can you select a provider for Medicare?

Patients can select their Medicare provider (like you can select your doctor), but a provider is not required to provide a specific brand or portable solution. We hope this helps provide you with a few clear facts on Medicare and supplemental oxygen coverage. There are two additional videos on Medicare coverage.

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