Who qualifies
Medicare covers home oxygen when:
- Your doctor or other provider says you aren't getting enough oxygen and your health may improve with oxygen therapy.
- Your arterial blood gas level or oxygen saturation falls within the range Medicare sets.
- You get the equipment from a supplier enrolled in Medicare.
Some conditions, such as cluster headaches, can qualify without the blood gas test results.
What's covered
- Systems that deliver oxygen, such as a home concentrator or a portable system.
- Containers that store oxygen, and refills of tanks or cylinders.
- Tubing, cannulas, masks and other supplies, plus maintenance.
After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medigap policies pay all or part of that coinsurance. Choose a supplier that accepts assignment so your costs stay limited.
How the 36-month rental works
- Months 1 to 36. Medicare pays the supplier a monthly rental that includes the equipment, contents and supplies.
- After 36 months. Rental payments for the equipment end, but the supplier must keep providing oxygen and equipment as long as you need it, up to five years from when you started. If you use a concentrator, you may owe coinsurance for maintenance every six months.
- After five years. You can get new equipment from any Medicare supplier, and a new 36-month period begins.
Your supplier can't change the type of equipment you get each month unless your doctor orders a change.
Planning for smoke and outages in Oregon
Wildfire smoke and winter storms can cause power outages and travel trouble. Ask your supplier now what backup it provides if your concentrator loses power, and keep its after-hours number handy. In a declared emergency, Oregon pharmacists may give an emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply of a medicine. A declared disaster can also open a Medicare special enrollment period; see our wildfire guide.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover CPAP in Oregon?
Sleep apnea equipment rules.
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Oregon?
Other durable medical equipment.
Does Medicare pay for an air purifier or generator?
Wildfire smoke and power outages.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Oxygen equipment and accessories
- Medicare.gov — Durable medical equipment coverage
- Oregon Board of Pharmacy — OAR 855-007-0090, Emergency pharmacy rules
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover ambulance service in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover bone density tests in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover cataract surgery in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover chiropractic care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover CPAP machines in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover dental care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover flu shots in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for in-home caregivers in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mammograms in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or spend winters outside Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover medical marijuana in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover memory care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover psilocybin therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover transportation to medical appointments in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover vision care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel with my oxygen?
Tell your supplier before you leave so it can help arrange oxygen where you are going. Airlines set their own rules for portable concentrators, so check with the airline too.
What happens after five years?
After five years the supplier no longer has to keep providing the equipment. You can get new equipment from the same or a different Medicare supplier, and a new 36-month rental period starts.
Does Medicare pay for a generator for my concentrator?
No. Medicare pays for oxygen equipment and contents, not for home generators. Ask your supplier for backup tanks before fire season or a winter storm.
Does Medicare Advantage cover oxygen?
Yes. Medicare Advantage plans must cover oxygen, but they may require network suppliers or prior authorization and set their own cost sharing.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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