Durable medical equipment (DME)

Durable medical equipment (DME) includes any health care equipment or supplies ordered by a doctor or medical facility. This includes everything from blood glucose monitors to wheelchairs to hospital beds to braces to sleep apnea machines to traction equipment.

Health insurance companies generally have preferred DME providers they negotiate prices (opens in new tab) with. There are also some types of DME aren’t covered by insurance at all.

If your doctor prescribes any DME, make sure your insurance will cover it, and if so, that it’s fulfilled by your insurance company’s preferred vendor so you don’t get charged more money for the same equipment.