Glossary
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Medically necessary, reusable equipment for home use — covered by Part B at 80% after the deductible.
Also known as: DME, medical equipment
Quick answer
DME includes wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen, CPAP machines, glucose monitors, and other reusable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor for home use.
Why it matters
DME has its own supplier network and competitive-bidding rules — choosing a non-participating supplier can cost you significantly more.
When you'll encounter it
When a physician prescribes equipment for use at home.
Impact on Medicare
Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
TFL pays the 20% coinsurance for DME that is also TRICARE-covered.
Impact on Medicare Advantage
Coverage levels and supplier networks are plan-specific; check formularies before ordering.
VA Healthcare considerations
VA can also provide many DME items directly for enrolled veterans — sometimes a cost-free alternative.
Common misconceptions
- "Any medical supplier can bill Medicare for DME." — Only Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers can bill; using others can leave you holding the bill.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering DME from a non-Medicare-enrolled supplier.
- Not comparing VA-issued equipment against Medicare-billed equipment.
What should I do?
- 1Verify the supplier accepts Medicare assignment.
- 2Compare against VA-issued equipment when eligible.
- 3Keep prescriptions and physician orders for records.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- Frequently asked questions about Medicare and TRICARE For LifeA quick-reference summary of the questions retired service members and spouses ask most often — with citations to the official source.
- Common mistakes retired military make at 65 — and how to avoid themThe most expensive errors retired service members and spouses make during the Medicare and TFL transition, and the simple fixes for each.
- What is Medicare? A complete overview for retired militaryA plain-English, handbook-grounded overview of the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, written specifically for retired service members and their families.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- Benefit Period (Part A)The Part A timeframe used to measure hospital deductibles and coinsurance — it resets after 60 days out of the hospital.
- Dual Eligible (Medicare & Medicaid)People enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid — Medicaid pays Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, and may cover services Medicare does not.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)A condition (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant) that grants Medicare eligibility at any age.
- Home Health CarePart-time skilled nursing or therapy delivered at home for homebound beneficiaries — covered by Medicare with no cost-sharing.
- Hospice CareEnd-of-life comfort care covered 100% by Medicare Part A when a doctor certifies a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less.
- IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)An income-based surcharge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds CMS thresholds.
- Late Enrollment Penalty (Part B and Part D)A permanent monthly surcharge added to your Part B (10% per 12 months delayed) or Part D (1% per month delayed) premium for as long as you have Medicare.
- Limiting ChargeThe maximum a non-participating Medicare provider may charge — 115% of the Medicare non-PAR approved amount.
- How much does Medicare Part B cost?Most people pay the standard Part B premium (roughly $185/month in 2026). Higher-income retirees pay IRMAA on top. Lower-income retirees may qualify for help paying it.
- Does TRICARE For Life work overseas?Yes. Overseas, TFL acts as your primary payer because Medicare generally doesn't pay outside the U.S. You'll usually pay the provider up front and file a paper claim with TFL overseas.
- What are the biggest mistakes retired military make at 65?Declining Part B, missing the IEP, ignoring DEERS, enrolling in Part D unnecessarily, and assuming MTF access continues. Each can cost thousands or end TFL.
- I'm turning 65. What should I do first?About 3 months before your 65th birthday, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B at SSA.gov. TRICARE For Life activates automatically once both are effective and DEERS is current.
- I live overseas full-time. How does Medicare + TFL work?Keep paying Part B to keep TFL. Use TFL as your primary payer overseas (Medicare doesn't pay abroad). File paper claims with International SOS.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.