Does Medicare Cover Nebulizers and Nebulizer Medications?

Nebulizers and associated medication are covered by Medicare if they are deemed medically necessary. Nebulizer types vary, with some covered depending on the medication you need. For qualifying machines, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost. After you meet the Part B deductible, you will then owe 20% coinsurance.

Christian Simmons, writer and researcher for RetireGuide
  • Written by
    Christian Simmons

    Christian Simmons

    Financial Writer

    Christian Simmons is a writer for RetireGuide and a member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE®). He covers Medicare and important retirement topics. Christian is a former winner of a Florida Society of News Editors journalism contest and has written professionally since 2016.

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    Lee Williams
    Lee Williams, senior editor for RetireGuide.com

    Lee Williams

    Senior Financial Editor

    Lee Williams is a professional writer, editor and content strategist with 10 years of professional experience working for global and nationally recognized brands. He has contributed to Forbes, The Huffington Post, SUCCESS Magazine, AskMen.com, Electric Literature and The Wall Street Journal. His career also includes ghostwriting for Fortune 500 CEOs and published authors.

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    Aflak Chowdhury
    Aflak Chowdhury

    Aflak Chowdhury

    Medicare Expert

    Aflak Chowdhury is a Medicare expert and independent insurance broker specializing in group health insurance. He has worked for major providers including Humana and Principal Financial Group and today works mainly in the small group market.

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  • Published: June 22, 2021
  • Updated: October 13, 2023
  • 4 min read time
  • This page features 9 Cited Research Articles
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A licensed insurance professional reviewed this page for accuracy and compliance with the CMS Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMGs) and Medicare Advantage (MA/MAPD) and/or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) carriers’ guidelines.

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APA Simmons, C. (2023, October 13). Does Medicare Cover Nebulizers and Nebulizer Medications? RetireGuide.com. Retrieved December 18, 2024, from https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/services/durable-medical-equipment/nebulizers/

MLA Simmons, Christian. "Does Medicare Cover Nebulizers and Nebulizer Medications?" RetireGuide.com, 13 Oct 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/services/durable-medical-equipment/nebulizers/.

Chicago Simmons, Christian. "Does Medicare Cover Nebulizers and Nebulizer Medications?" RetireGuide.com. Last modified October 13, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/medicare/services/durable-medical-equipment/nebulizers/.

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Nebulizer Coverage at a Glance
Medicare PlanNebulizer Coverage
Part A (Inpatient)N/A
Part B (Outpatient)Covers 80% of the cost if a doctor determines it is medically necessary for certain conditions.
Part C (Medicare Advantage)Mirrors Part B but may include additional benefits.
Part D (Prescription Drugs)Part D may help pay for the cost of certain prescription drugs related to your condition. The amount varies by plan.
Supplemental InsuranceCan help cover out-of-pocket costs of durable medical equipment and supplies.

Medicare Coverage of Nebulizers

Nebulizers are a type of durable medical equipment (DME), so Medicare will cover them if they are needed for medically necessary treatment.

Since nebulizers are a do-it-yourself item that you can use at home, it is unlikely that you would receive this type of treatment as an inpatient in a hospital. But if you did, then it may be covered under Medicare Part A instead of Part B.

Medicare will also not cover a nebulizer that you want to humidify your home or for any other non-medical reason. In addition, DME applies to durable and reusable items, so a disposable nebulizer also will not be covered.

Medicare Will Cover a Nebulizer for These Conditions
  • Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • HIV
  • Organ transplant complications
  • Pulmonary secretions

You may need to rent or buy a particular nebulizer depending on which type is covered by your Medicare plan.

It is also important to make sure that both your doctor and the supplier of your nebulizer are enrolled in Medicare. If not, Part B will not cover it and you will be responsible for 100% of the cost.

Additional coverage for nebulizers could be available through Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage plan.

These plans include everything covered by Original Medicare plus additional benefits and services.

If you are interested in expanded coverage for nebulizers or nebulizer medications, check what options could be available through a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Coverage of Nebulizer Medications

Medicare Part B will cover some medicines that require a nebulizer if they are deemed medically necessary. You are only eligible for a nebulizer if your medications are also covered.

Drugs that Medicare will cover for use in a nebulizer include:
  • Albuterol
  • Arformoterol
  • Budesonide

Some prescription drugs could be considered medically necessary but can only be used in a type of nebulizer that is not covered, like a disposable nebulizer. In those situations, the medication will not be covered.

Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider whether their recommended treatment falls under your coverage plan.

Expanded drug coverage could be available through Medicare Part D. This optional benefit is provided by private insurers and offers coverage of prescription drugs.

What is a Nebulizer and Who Needs It?

Nebulizers are electronic machines that you can use in your home to treat lung or breathing conditions. The devices operate by turning liquid medicine into an inhalable mist.

You breathe the medication in, usually for 10 minutes, through a mouthpiece and tube connected to the machine. It is a painless process.

Nebulizers are also helpful for treating asthma, cystic fibrosis and other conditions that make breathing difficult.

Inhalers are also used to treat these types of conditions but are handheld devices that can be used quickly, while nebulizers require more parts and time.

The Two Most Common Types of Medicare-Covered Nebulizers
  • Pneumatic compressors turn liquid medication into gas through airflow and are the most common and less expensive type.
  • Ultrasonic or electronic nebulizers are more expensive and quieter, but Medicare will only cover it for specific treatments and medications.

Nebulizers are especially useful for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 million Americans have COPD, including bronchitis and emphysema.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare's Coverage of Nebulizers

What diagnosis will Medicare cover a nebulizer for?
Medicare will cover a medically necessary nebulizer if you are diagnosed with COPD, cystic fibrosis, HIV, organ transplant complications or pulmonary secretions.
Can you get a nebulizer for free through Medicare?
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of a medically necessary nebulizer after you have met your Part B deductible. You are responsible for the remaining 20% of costs.
Which parts of Medicare are nebulizers covered under?
Medically necessary nebulizers are covered as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B. Use of a nebulizer as a hospital inpatient is rare, but would be covered by Part A when applicable. Medicare Advantage plans provide the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B, but may include additional benefits.
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Last Modified: October 13, 2023

9 Cited Research Articles

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 8). What is COPD? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html
  2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, January 8). How to use a nebulizer. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm#
  3. American Lung Association. (2021, March 5). How to Use a Nebulizer. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/treating/medication-management-tips/how-to-use-a-nebulizer
  4. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, July 19). Basics About COPD. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/copd/basics-about.html
  5. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2018, April 30). Nebulizer. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Computer-Data-and-Systems/Electronic-Clinical-Templates/Downloads/Nebulizer-Order-Template-Draft-20180430-R10a.pdf
  6. Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego. (n.d.). What’s the Difference Between a Nebulizer and an Inhaler? Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/RadyChildrens/en/kids/nebulizer-inhaler.html
  7. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Local Coverage Article: Nebulizers – Policy Article. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52466
  8. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Nebulizers. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33370&ver=30&keyword=nebulizer&keywordType=starts&areaId=all&docType=NCA,CAL,NCD,MEDCAC,TA,MCD,6,3,5,1,F,P&contractOption=all&sortBy=relevance&bc=AAAAAAQAAAAA&KeyWordLookUp=Doc&KeyWordSearchType=Exact
  9. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Nebulizers & nebulizer medications. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/nebulizers-nebulizer-medications