Yes, Medicare and many private insurance plans may cover oxygen equipment for patients who meet medical-necessity requirements. But coverage does not necessarily mean the equipment is free, and it may not allow you to choose any oxygen concentrator you want.
At The MedEquip Shop in Houston, we are a cash-pay medical equipment provider. We do not bill or work directly with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Customers may request an itemized receipt and ask their private insurer whether a cash-pay purchase qualifies for reimbursement. Approval is not guaranteed. Original Medicare requires a Medicare-enrolled supplier; a receipt from our cash-pay store does not establish Medicare coverage.
If you plan to request reimbursement, contact your insurance company before purchasing and confirm its requirements.
Watch: Oxygen Concentrator Insurance and Cash-Pay Guide
How Does Insurance Coverage for Oxygen Concentrators Work?
Insurance coverage for home oxygen varies by plan.
Depending on the plan, an insurance company may require documentation showing that oxygen therapy is medically necessary. That may include a prescription, oxygen testing, medical records, and information from your healthcare provider.
Depending on your plan, oxygen equipment may be:
- Rented through an approved medical equipment supplier
- Covered for a specified period
- Subject to deductibles or coinsurance
- Limited to certain equipment types
- Restricted to in-network suppliers
- Covered only when specific testing criteria are met
Before ordering an oxygen concentrator, ask your insurance company:
- What testing is required to qualify for oxygen coverage?
- Do I need prior authorization?
- Which oxygen suppliers can I use?
- Is the equipment rented or purchased?
- How much will I pay after my deductible?
- Are portable oxygen concentrators covered?
- Is continuous-flow equipment covered?
- Are batteries, tubing, cannulas, or accessories included?
- Can I purchase equipment myself and request reimbursement?
- What documentation will I need to submit?
Ask for your estimated total cost, not just the monthly rental amount or copay.
How Do You Get a Prescription for Oxygen?
Oxygen is a medical treatment, so getting home oxygen usually begins with an evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Step 1: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing breathing problems or low oxygen levels, your physician or another qualified healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and medical history.
Conditions that may sometimes involve oxygen therapy include certain chronic lung diseases and other medical conditions that affect oxygen levels.
Your provider will determine whether oxygen testing is appropriate.
Step 2: Complete Oxygen Testing
Your healthcare provider may measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
One common measurement is oxygen saturation, often estimated with a pulse oximeter. Pulse oximeters have limitations; your provider interprets readings alongside your symptoms and other tests.
In some situations, additional testing may be required.
Testing may be performed:
- While resting
- During activity
- During sleep
- Under other conditions determined by your provider
Your healthcare provider, not the equipment supplier, determines whether oxygen therapy is medically appropriate.
Step 3: Review the Results
Your provider will review your results along with your symptoms and medical history.
If oxygen therapy is appropriate, your provider can determine how much oxygen you need and when you should use it.
Step 4: Get Your Oxygen Prescription
An oxygen prescription may include information such as:
- Oxygen flow rate
- Continuous-flow or pulse-dose requirements
- When oxygen should be used
- Whether oxygen is needed during rest, activity, or sleep
- Other treatment instructions
Keep a copy of your prescription.
You may need it when purchasing equipment, changing suppliers, traveling, or replacing your concentrator.
Step 5: Choose Equipment That Matches Your Prescription
Once you have your prescription, you can compare concentrators that support your prescribed therapy.
Consider:
- Continuous flow vs. pulse dose
- Maximum oxygen output
- Machine size
- Weight
- Noise level
- Battery life
- Portability
- Power requirements
- Warranty
- Service and support
If you plan to use insurance, confirm that both the equipment and supplier satisfy your plan's requirements before ordering.
If you are paying cash, The MedEquip Shop can help you compare available oxygen concentrators based on your prescription and preferences.
Stationary vs. Portable Oxygen Concentrators
There are two main types of oxygen concentrators.
Stationary and Home Oxygen Concentrators
Stationary oxygen concentrators are primarily designed for use at home.
They are generally larger and plug into a standard electrical outlet. Many stationary concentrators are designed to provide continuous-flow oxygen.
Consider a stationary concentrator if:
- Most oxygen use will occur at home
- Your prescription requires continuous flow
- Portability is not your primary concern
- You want a dedicated home system
Carryable Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Carryable portable oxygen concentrators are designed to make it easier to leave home while continuing prescribed oxygen therapy.
They may operate on rechargeable batteries and are often lighter than stationary units.
However, not every portable oxygen concentrator provides the same type or amount of oxygen.
Some primarily provide pulse-dose oxygen, which releases oxygen based on detected breathing patterns.
Before purchasing a portable unit, confirm that it is appropriate for your prescription. In our store, carryable portable units are grouped separately from larger home and transportable systems, such as the Eclipse 5. A wheeled concentrator is not the same as a lightweight unit you can carry on your body.
Does Medicare Cover Oxygen Concentrators?
Original Medicare Part B may cover home oxygen equipment for eligible patients when medical-necessity and qualification requirements are met.
Coverage depends on qualifying testing, provider documentation, and a Medicare-enrolled equipment supplier. Under Original Medicare, after the Part B deductible, patients generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Oxygen equipment commonly follows a 36-month rental-payment period, with supplier obligations continuing for up to five years while oxygen remains medically necessary. See Medicare’s oxygen coverage rules.
Medicare oxygen coverage commonly operates through an equipment rental structure rather than a simple retail purchase.
If you plan to use Medicare, Medicaid, or a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan before buying equipment and ask which suppliers you are required to use.
The MedEquip Shop does not bill Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance directly.
A cash-pay purchase from our store does not guarantee that Medicare or another insurer will reimburse you.
Can You Buy an Oxygen Concentrator and Request Reimbursement?
Possibly.
Some insurance plans may allow customers to buy medical equipment themselves and submit documentation for reimbursement.
Other plans require you to use a specific network supplier.
Before purchasing, ask your insurer:
“Will my plan reimburse an oxygen concentrator purchased from The MedEquip Shop, a cash-pay provider?”
Also ask what documents are required.
Your insurer may request:
- Itemized receipt
- Prescription
- Claim form
- Oxygen testing results
- Medical records
- Equipment information
- Provider documentation
Customers are responsible for submitting their own claims.
Do not assume that a cash purchase will automatically be reimbursed or applied toward your deductible.
How Much Does a Cash-Pay Oxygen Concentrator Cost?
Cash-pay pricing varies considerably depending on the type of concentrator, oxygen output, portability, battery configuration, manufacturer, and included accessories.
In general:
Stationary Concentrators
Stationary units are typically less expensive than portable concentrators because they do not require the same compact battery-powered design.
Portable Concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators tend to cost more because of:
- Smaller size
- Battery operation
- Lightweight design
- Travel features
- Additional engineering required for portability
Rather than comparing equipment only by the advertised machine price, look at the complete setup.
Check:
- Concentrator model
- Oxygen delivery type
- Maximum output
- Battery included
- Extra battery cost
- Carrying case
- Power adapters
- Cannula and tubing
- Warranty
- Replacement parts
- Service availability
For current availability and pricing, contact The MedEquip Shop at 713-669-0518.
Should You Rent or Buy an Oxygen Concentrator?
If your need is short-term or uncertain, ask about oxygen concentrator rentals in Houston. Buying may be worth comparing when use will be long-term. Ask for the complete rental or purchase cost, included accessories, service terms, and current availability. Your prescription should guide either choice.
When Does Cash Pay Make Sense?
Cash pay may be worth considering if:
- You have a high insurance deductible
- Your insurance does not cover the concentrator you want
- You prefer to own your equipment
- You want a portable model outside your plan's standard coverage
- You want more control over the equipment you select
- You do not want to use an insurance-designated supplier
Insurance may cost less when you qualify and use a covered supplier.
The best option depends on your plan, prescription, equipment needs, and budget.
Continuous Flow vs. Pulse Dose: Why It Matters
One of the most important differences between oxygen concentrators is how oxygen is delivered.
Continuous Flow
Continuous-flow concentrators deliver oxygen continuously at the prescribed flow rate.
This type of delivery is common with many stationary concentrators.
Pulse Dose
Pulse-dose concentrators deliver oxygen in doses triggered by breathing.
Many portable concentrators use pulse-dose technology to conserve battery power and reduce machine size.
A pulse setting is not necessarily equivalent to the same number on a continuous-flow prescription.
Do not choose an oxygen concentrator based only on a setting number.
Your healthcare provider should determine which delivery method and settings are appropriate for you.
What Should You Ask Before Buying an Oxygen Concentrator?
Before purchasing, ask:
- Does this concentrator support my prescription?
- Is it continuous flow or pulse dose?
- What is its maximum oxygen output?
- Can it be used while sleeping?
- How much does it weigh?
- How long does the battery last?
- Is a battery included?
- Can I purchase additional batteries?
- What accessories come with it?
- How loud is it?
- What maintenance is required?
- What is the warranty?
- Is local support available?
- Are replacement parts available?
Bringing a copy of your prescription can make the comparison process easier.
Don't Forget Oxygen Accessories
The concentrator itself may not be the only equipment you need.
Depending on your setup, you may also need:
- Nasal cannulas
- Oxygen tubing
- Tubing connectors
- Humidifier bottle
- Replacement filters
- Carrying case
- AC power supply
- DC vehicle adapter
- Extra batteries
Check compatibility before buying accessories.
Not every battery, adapter, filter, or accessory works with every oxygen concentrator.
Traveling With an Oxygen Concentrator
If you travel frequently, portability may be an important part of your purchasing decision.
Before choosing a portable oxygen concentrator, consider:
- Weight
- Battery runtime
- Extra battery options
- AC and DC charging
- Carrying case
- Airline requirements
- Your prescribed oxygen needs
If you plan to fly, check directly with the airline before traveling.
Airlines may have specific rules regarding portable oxygen concentrators, battery storage, documentation, and approved equipment.
Find Oxygen Concentrators in Houston
Whether you are purchasing your first oxygen concentrator, replacing an existing machine, or comparing portable and stationary options, The MedEquip Shop can help you understand the equipment available and compare features based on your prescription.
We are a cash-pay medical equipment provider and do not directly bill private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
If you plan to request reimbursement, confirm your plan's requirements before purchasing.
Call 713-669-0518 to speak with our team about current oxygen concentrator availability, pricing, accessories, and equipment options.
Compare our portable oxygen concentrators and stationary oxygen concentrators, or explore oxygen rentals. Visit 8404 Katy Freeway Suite 200, Houston, TX 77024.
Call Us About Oxygen Equipment , 713-669-0518
Sources
- Medicare: Oxygen equipment and accessories
- FDA: Pulse Oximeter Basics
- U.S. DOT: Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator
Prepared October 12, 2026. Coverage rules, product availability and airline requirements may change.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription to buy an oxygen concentrator?
Yes. Oxygen is a medical treatment, and appropriate equipment should be selected based on a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.
Does Medicare pay for an oxygen concentrator?
Medicare may cover home oxygen equipment for eligible patients who meet its medical-necessity and qualification requirements. Coverage typically requires appropriate documentation and use of an eligible supplier.
Will insurance reimburse an oxygen concentrator purchased from The MedEquip Shop?
Private-plan reimbursement may be possible, but it is not guaranteed. The MedEquip Shop is a cash-pay provider and does not bill insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Ask your insurer before purchasing; Original Medicare requires a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
Is a portable oxygen concentrator the same as a stationary concentrator?
No. Portable units are designed for mobility and may use pulse-dose delivery, while many stationary systems provide continuous flow. Your prescription should guide your equipment choice.
Is pulse dose the same as continuous flow?
No. Pulse-dose settings and continuous-flow rates are not directly interchangeable. Your healthcare provider should determine the appropriate oxygen delivery method.
Are portable oxygen concentrators more expensive?
They often are because they use compact components, batteries, and portability features. Pricing varies by model and configuration.
Can I use any oxygen concentrator with my prescription?
Not necessarily. Different machines have different oxygen-delivery capabilities. Confirm that the concentrator supports your prescribed therapy before purchasing.
Can I travel with a portable oxygen concentrator?
Often yes, but airline policies and equipment requirements vary. Check with your airline well before traveling.
What information should I bring when shopping for an oxygen concentrator?
Need help choosing your equipment?Find practical comparisons, planning checklists and related equipment in our CPAP & Oxygen Equipment guide.
Bring your prescription and, if possible, information about your current oxygen equipment and settings. This helps the team compare suitable options.
