What Medicare covers and doesn't
Part B covers durable medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and power wheelchairs when your doctor orders them and you use a Medicare-enrolled supplier. For oxygen, Medicare.gov says you rent the equipment from a supplier for 36 months, and the monthly payment covers the equipment, tank refills if you use gas or liquid oxygen, supplies and maintenance. After the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
A generator isn't medical equipment, and Medicare doesn't pay for one. A coverage article from Noridian, a Medicare equipment contractor, says power adapters and backup batteries used as an alternative power source for equipment that can run on wall power are denied as not medically necessary. It tells people who need uninterrupted power to contact their power company.
How to plan for an outage in Ohio
- Talk to your oxygen supplier. Ask what backup tanks you should keep, how long each lasts at your flow rate, and how the supplier reaches you when the power is out.
- Tell your electric company. Let it know someone in your home depends on electric medical equipment, and ask what it offers those customers.
- Ask your doctor about a medical certificate. Under OAC 4901:1-18-06(C), for utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, a certificate stops a shutoff for nonpayment for 30 days and can be renewed twice. It doesn't keep the power on during a storm outage.
- Pick a place to go. Know which relative, friend or shelter has power if an outage lasts, and keep a list of your equipment settings and supplier phone number.
- Call 911 in an emergency. If you can't breathe or your oxygen runs out, don't wait.
If your equipment is damaged
With Original Medicare, Medicare.gov says that when equipment Medicare paid for is lost or damaged in a declared emergency or disaster, Medicare usually covers repair or replacement from a Medicare-approved supplier, and usually covers a rental while yours is repaired. With Medicare Advantage, call the plan about its process.
More in our guide to winter storms, floods and Medicare in Ohio. To review coverage from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Early refills before a storm
Ohio's emergency refill law.
Medicare after a flood
Drugs, equipment and cards.
Air ambulance
When Medicare pays.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Oxygen equipment and accessories
- Noridian (Medicare DME contractor) — AC/DC power adapters and backup batteries
- Medicare.gov — Getting care in a disaster or emergency
- Ohio Administrative Code 4901:1-18-06 — Disconnection procedures and medical certification
More questions in this guide
- Can I get an early prescription refill before a winter storm in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover telehealth in rural Ohio?
- Does Medicare pay for an air ambulance in Ohio?
- Is there a Medicare special enrollment period after a disaster in Ohio?
- What happens to my Medicare after a flood in Ohio?
- What is a rural emergency hospital in Ohio?
- What Medicare options are there in Appalachian Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare in Rural and Appalachian Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for portable oxygen tanks as a backup?
Medicare's monthly oxygen rental covers the equipment, tank refills and supplies your doctor orders, and your supplier must give you the oxygen you need each month. Ask your supplier what backup tanks come with your setup and call right away if you're running low.
Will Medicare replace equipment damaged in a power surge or flood?
With Original Medicare, if Medicare paid for the equipment and it was lost or damaged in a declared emergency or disaster, Medicare usually covers repair or replacement from a Medicare-approved supplier. With Medicare Advantage, call your plan.
Can an Ohio electric company shut off my power if I use oxygen?
For utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, a medical certificate from a licensed physician, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife stops a shutoff for nonpayment for 30 days, renewable twice, up to 90 days in 12 months. You still owe the bill.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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