Does Medicare Pay for Compression Stockings?

Medicare, a federal health insurance program, helps millions of Americans with healthcare costs. Its coverage for medical supplies like compression stockings can be complex, with specific criteria applying beyond general assumptions.

Medicare Coverage for Durable Medical Equipment

Medicare Part B generally covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when a doctor prescribes it for use in the home. DME is durable equipment that can withstand repeated use, is used for a medical reason, is not typically useful without illness or injury, is appropriate for home use, and has an expected lifetime of at least three years.

Common examples of DME include walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment. Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary DME prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled provider for home use, including long-term care facilities, but not acute care hospital or skilled nursing facility stays.

Specific Coverage Requirements for Compression Stockings

Medicare does not cover all compression stockings, and they are generally not classified as DME. Coverage is typically limited to specific, severe medical conditions where the stockings are considered a necessary part of treatment. For instance, Medicare Part B covers compression stockings when prescribed to treat lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency leading to open venous stasis ulcers. The stockings must be prescribed by a physician as part of a treatment plan for these specific conditions, and medical necessity must be thoroughly documented.

For lymphedema, Medicare covers three daytime garments every six months and two nighttime garments every two years for each affected body part. For venous stasis ulcers, the stockings may be covered as wound dressings, typically for knee-high or lower types with specific compression levels (e.g., 30-50 mmHg).

Steps to Obtain Covered Compression Stockings

A doctor or authorized medical practitioner must provide a detailed written prescription or order. This document should specify the type of stockings needed, the medical necessity, and the duration of use.

Next, you must acquire the stockings from a supplier enrolled in Medicare who accepts assignment. This ensures the supplier accepts the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. Many suppliers handle the claim submission to Medicare directly, simplifying the process for the beneficiary.

Understanding Costs and Limitations

Even when Medicare covers compression stockings, beneficiaries are responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs. After meeting the annual Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, individuals typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the stockings. The remaining 80% is covered by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, though they may have different cost-sharing rules and network requirements. Verify coverage with your specific Medicare Advantage plan, as some may offer additional benefits for over-the-counter medical supplies that could include compression stockings. Original Medicare generally does not cover over-the-counter or non-prescription compression stockings.