Education Center
Renting vs. buying equipment
When Medicare rents, when it buys, and what it means for you.
Key takeaways
- Medicare decides rent vs. buy; many items are capped rentals you eventually own.
- Inexpensive items are usually purchased outright.
- Repairs during a rental are generally covered — we handle them.
Medicare decides rent or buy
For each item, Medicare sets whether it's rented or purchased. Many larger items (like hospital beds and standard wheelchairs) are “capped rentals” — Medicare pays monthly for a set period (often 13 months of use), after which the item is yours.
Purchased items
Inexpensive or routinely purchased items (like a cane or a standard walker) are usually bought outright.
Repairs during a rental
While an item is rented, servicing and repairs are generally covered — we handle that for you.
Private pay
For private pay, we offer both rental and purchase on many items — whatever fits your timeline and budget.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Medicare coverage depends on medical necessity and documentation and is not guaranteed.