Does Medicare Cover Compression Stockings?

Medicare does not typically cover compression stockings. However, Medicare does provide coverage for pneumatic compression devices in certain situations. 

While compression stockings can be prescribed by a general practitioner to help to maintain the blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling in the lower legs, stockings alone are not covered under Medicare. 

Pneumatic Compression Devices

Similar to compression socks, a pneumatic compression device can be used to help treat conditions such as Lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency with venous stasis ulcers.

A pneumatic leg compression device is a garment with an electrical pump that fills the device with compressed air. It intermittently inflates and deflates based on cycle times and pressure levels that correspond to your required treatment.

According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, "Pneumatic compression devices are covered only when prescribed by a physician and when they are used with appropriate physician oversight, i.e., physician evaluation of the patient's condition to determine medical necessity of the device, assuring suitable instruction in the operation of the machine, a treatment plan defining the pressure to be used and the frequency and duration of use, and ongoing monitoring of use and response to treatment.¹"

As with any medical device or service, it's good to ask your physician or health care provider about what your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage will help pay for.

Some Medicare Part D Plans May Cover Deep Vein Thrombosis Drugs

While some Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may not cover compression stockings, some Part D plans may cover over drugs used to treat deep vein thrombosis.

You can compare Part D plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online in as little as 10 minutes when you visit MyRxPlans.com.²

Compression Stockings, Medicare Part B and Other Medical Equipment

Though Medicare does not cover compression stockings, Medicare Part B does typically cover supplies that are considered durable medical equipment. 

Durable medical equipment can include, but is not limited to:

• Blood sugar test strips
• Canes
• Commode chairs
• Crutches
• Infusion pumps
• Manual wheelchairs
• Power mobility devices
• Traction Equipment
• Walkers

Medicare Part B typically does not, however, cover common medical supplies such as bandages, gauze and compression stockings.

If a you are affected by serious complications associated with the cause of your leg pain or from surgery, then your care, doctor's visits and other forms of alleviation may be included in Medicare coverage.

Even if Medicare covers some of your costs, you will likely be responsible for paying out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

¹ https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database

² 10-minute claim is based solely on the time to complete the e-application if you have your Medicare card and other pertinent information available when you apply. The time to shop for plans, compare rates, and estimate drug costs is not factored into the claim. Application time could be longer. Actual time to enroll will depend on the consumer and their plan comparison needs.

Christian Worstell is a health care and policy writer for MedicareSupplement.com. He has written hundreds of articles helping people better understand their Medicare coverage options.