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Medicare Coverage for Portable Oxygen Concentrators

If you rely on oxygen, a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can help you stay active and independent.

This guide explains how Medicare handles coverage for POCs—what part of Medicare pays, who’s eligible, the steps to take, what supplies are included, recommended brands to consider, and practical tips to avoid surprise costs.

Does Medicare cover portable oxygen concentrators?

Yes—under Medicare Part B. Oxygen equipment and accessories are covered as durable medical equipment (DME) when your doctor says they’re medically necessary and you use a Medicare-enrolled supplier. You generally rent oxygen equipment rather than buy it. After you meet your annual Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% coinsurance of the Medicare‑approved amount. See Medicare’s pages for details on oxygen equipment coverage and DME coverage, and review typical costs at Medicare Costs at a Glance.

A portable oxygen concentrator is one way to deliver portable oxygen. Medicare covers “portable oxygen equipment,” but your supplier chooses the specific device to meet your prescription. Some suppliers provide small POCs, others provide portable cylinders, and some offer both. If you want a particular POC model that costs more than what Medicare covers, the supplier may ask you to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) and you could pay the upgrade difference out of pocket.

Oxygen is usually a capped rental: after 36 months of payments, the supplier must keep your system working for the rest of its 5‑year “reasonable useful lifetime.” For gaseous or liquid systems, Medicare also pays for oxygen contents; concentrators don’t use contents, but Medicare still covers needed servicing and accessories.

Who is eligible for Medicare-covered oxygen?

You must have a documented medical need for oxygen confirmed by qualifying blood gas or oximetry testing ordered and evaluated by your treating practitioner. Medicare’s policy (see CMS’s oxygen Local Coverage Determination) generally includes these thresholds for chronic stable patients: CMS LCD: Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment.

  • Group I (most common): Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤88% or arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) ≤55 mm Hg at rest, during sleep (with specific criteria), or during exercise when oxygen improves your levels.
  • Group II: SpO2 = 89% or PaO2 = 56–59 mm Hg with additional conditions like dependent edema from congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension/cor pulmonale, or hematocrit >56%.

Your doctor must provide a detailed order (prescription) that specifies your flow rate, when you need oxygen (at rest, during activity, during sleep), and whether you need portability. CMS removed the old CMN form requirement in 2023, but your medical record must still clearly support the need for oxygen, including the qualifying test results.

Steps to get a portable oxygen concentrator through Medicare

  • Talk with your doctor. Discuss symptoms, activity goals, and whether a POC is appropriate for your condition and oxygen prescription.
  • Complete qualifying tests. Your doctor should order arterial blood gas or pulse oximetry at the time of need and include results in your chart.
  • Get a detailed written order. It should indicate liter flow, continuous vs. pulse dose, duration (e.g., “use during activity and sleep”), and medical necessity for portability.
  • Choose a Medicare‑enrolled supplier. Use the official supplier directory. Call to confirm they accept assignment and carry POCs that meet your prescription.
  • Ask specifically about POCs. Not every supplier stocks small, travel‑friendly units or continuous‑flow POCs. If they don’t, try another supplier.
  • Try before you commit. If possible, test the device in the clinic or supplier showroom to ensure it maintains your oxygen saturation during exertion and sleep.
  • Review any upgrade costs. If you want a premium POC beyond what the supplier would normally provide, you may be asked to sign an ABN and pay the difference.
  • Keep documentation. Save copies of your order, test results summary, and any ABN for your records.

What else will Medicare cover for oxygen?

Medicare Part B can also cover medically necessary oxygen accessories and services that are part of your oxygen system:

  • Stationary oxygen concentrator for home use, if needed.
  • Portable delivery (POC or portable tanks) to meet your prescription for mobility outside the home.
  • Tubing, nasal cannulas, oxygen masks, regulators/flowmeters, humidifier bottles when used with covered oxygen equipment.
  • Carrying cases, carts, and related hardware that are integral to the system.
  • Servicing and maintenance for rented equipment, and oxygen contents if you use gaseous or liquid oxygen systems.

Items that are often not covered include cosmetic accessories, extra batteries beyond what’s considered necessary for safe use, or a second “backup” POC when a different backup (like a small cylinder) is adequate. Coverage ultimately depends on medical need and Medicare rules, so confirm details with your supplier in advance.

Costs and how to avoid surprises

With Original Medicare, you’ll pay 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible for monthly rental and covered accessories. To minimize your out‑of‑pocket cost:

  • Use a supplier that accepts assignment. This limits what you can be billed to the Medicare‑approved amount.
  • Verify the device up front. Ask, “Will you provide a portable oxygen concentrator or portable tanks?” If they propose an upgrade with extra charges, decide before delivery.
  • Know the rental cap. After 36 months, you shouldn’t be billed ongoing monthly rental for the same equipment during its useful lifetime.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, it must cover oxygen at least as well as Original Medicare but can require network suppliers or prior authorization. Check your plan’s rules and costs. Learn more about MA plans at Medicare Advantage.

Recommended portable oxygen concentrator brands to discuss

Medicare does not guarantee a specific brand, but discussing options with your clinician and supplier helps you match a device to your prescription and lifestyle. Popular, widely used POCs include:

  • Inogen One G5 – Lightweight, long battery options, pulse‑dose delivery; good for active users needing pulse flow. Inogen One G5
  • Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini – Compact, travel‑friendly pulse‑dose unit. SimplyGo Mini
  • Philips Respironics SimplyGo – Larger than Mini, offers continuous flow up to 2 LPM plus pulse modes. SimplyGo
  • CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort – Ergonomic design, multiple pulse settings, strong filtration. FreeStyle Comfort
  • Invacare Platinum Mobile – Durable, weather‑resistant construction with pulse‑dose delivery. Platinum Mobile
  • GCE Zen‑O / Zen‑O Lite – Options for higher pulse settings; some models support continuous flow at low rates. Zen‑O
  • O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence – Rugged design with cart, offers continuous and pulse settings; suitable for longer outings. Oxlife Independence

Important: Not all POCs provide continuous flow, and not all reach high pulse settings. Your prescription drives the choice. Always confirm that the device you receive maintains safe oxygen saturation for your activities and sleep.

Quick answers to common questions

Can I buy a POC online and get reimbursed?

Typically no. Medicare covers oxygen equipment as a rental from a Medicare‑enrolled supplier. Buying a POC outright from a retailer usually isn’t reimbursed.

What if my supplier won’t provide a POC?

Suppliers can meet your portable oxygen need with tanks or a POC. If a POC is important to you, call other in‑network suppliers to find one that offers suitable models. If a supplier asks you to pay for an upgrade, they should explain your options and, if applicable, present an ABN before delivery.

Can I travel with a Medicare‑rented POC?

Many POCs are FAA‑approved for air travel, but always check your airline’s rules and battery requirements. Ask your supplier about loaners, servicing, or battery options ahead of trips.

Will Medicare cover backup oxygen?

Medicare expects a safe backup method (often small cylinders) as part of your system. A second POC may not be covered if another backup is adequate under program rules.

The bottom line

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary oxygen and portable delivery, and a portable oxygen concentrator may be provided when it meets your prescription and your supplier’s offerings. To improve your chances of getting a POC, ensure your tests and order specify portability, work with a supplier that stocks POCs, and clarify any upgrade costs before delivery. With the right documentation and the right supplier, you can stay mobile and breathe easier.