Durable medical equipment (DME) includes a wide range of medical equipment that is appropriate for use in the home. State Medicaid programs cover a variety of DME, collectively spending about $7.87 billion in 2017.
While DME providers must comply with a variety of state and federal requirements in order to receive payment, states have broad flexibility to determine payments for DME. Payment, coverage and utilization policies are summarized in this issue brief along with an explanation of current policy issues related to DME.
In addition to this issue brief, MACPAC has documented DME policies on a state-by-state basis in State Medicaid Fee-for-Service Durable Medical Equipment Payment Policies.