HI 00610.230 Coverage of Supplies and Accessories
Reimbursement may be made for supplies, e.g., oxygen that is necessary for the effective
use of durable medical equipment (DME). Such supplies include those drugs and biologicals
which must be put directly into the equipment in order to achieve the therapeutic
benefit of the DME or to assure the proper functioning of the equipment, e.g., tumor
chemotherapy agents used with an infusion pump or heparin used with a home dialysis
system. However, the coverage of such drugs or biologicals does not preclude the need
for a determination that the drug or biological itself is reasonable and necessary
for treatment of the illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed
body member.
Reimbursement may be made for replacement of essential accessories, such as hoses,
tubes, or mouth pieces for necessary DME, only if the beneficiary owns or is purchasing
the equipment.