Medical Equipment and Supplies

Rose Traub • July 6, 2020

Medical Equipment and Supplies

Do you ever find yourself wondering what is considered durable medical equipment and how it’s paid for? Every week, we get asked this while helping caregivers find longterm care for their loved ones. 

Durable medical equipment (DME) consists of the following:

  • Wheelchairs
  • Hospital beds
  • Traction equipment
  • Canes
  • Crutches
  • Walkers
  • Kidney machines
  • Ventilators
  • Oxygen
  • Monitors
  • Pressure mattresses
  • Lifts
  • Nebulizers

Does insurance pay for durable medical equipment?

Fortunately, most policies consider these items to be medically necessary and are covered. However, we recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine if DME is covered in your policy.
According to ehealthmedicare.com, “If you have Medicare Part B, Medicare covers certain medically necessary durable medical equipment if your physician or treating practitioner prescribes it for you to use in your home.”

To be covered, the prescribed medical equipment must be:

  • Durable.
  • Used for a medical purpose.
  • Not typically useful if you aren’t sick or hurt.
  • Used in your home.*

*If you are currently residing in a hospital or nursing home that is providing you with Medicare-covered care, these facilities don’t qualify as your “home.”

However, a long-term care facility does qualify as your home.

If you’re staying in a skilled nursing facility and the facility provides you with durable medical equipment, the nursing facility is responsible for the durable medical equipment.”

This means when you leave the nursing facility, you cannot take the equipment with you. 

  • Something to remember!!!! If your equipment is worn out, Medicare will only replace it if you have had the item for its whole lifetime. Its lifetime depends on the type of equipment, but it is never less than five (5) years from the date you began using the equipment.

Regular medical equipment and supplies consist of the following, just to name a few:

  • Incontinence (briefs & diapers, underpads, incontinence accessories)
  • Diabetic supplies (lancets, glucose meter test strips, glucose meters)
  • Wound care (gauze, bandages, tapes, band-aids)
  • Nutritionals and feeding supplies (oral supplements, pediatric electrolytes, feeding   tubes)
  • Ostomy (pouches, irrigation sleeves, colon, and rectal tubes)
  • Personal care (skin care, mouth care, personal hygiene accessories)
  • Aids for daily living (eye drops, utensil holders, first aid kits)
  • Therapy aids (reaching aids, non-slip matting, sock and stocking aids)

Shop for Medical Equipment and Supplies at Wholesale Prices

If you have questions contact us TODAY at 386-847-2322 or here.

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.