Durable medical equipment for MassHealth members

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) includes equipment and supplies that are used to serve a medical purpose. These items are generally not useful unless the person using the equipment has a disability, illness, or injury.

Where do I start?

Your medical provider may recommend or order DME for you. They can contact a DME provider, or they can give you a prescription and you can contact a DME provider of your choice.

The DME provider needs either a prescription or a letter of medical necessity (LOMN) for you to purchase or rent DME. A DME provider might need to follow up with your medical provider to get a corrected or more complete prescription or LOMN.

Prior authorization

Many DME items require prior authorization (PA). This means that MassHealth will determine if the item is medically necessary. The DME provider will let you know if PA is needed. If MassHealth denies your PA, we’ll send you a letter of denial at the address we have on file for you. The letter will include instructions for how to appeal the decision.

Delivery of durable medical equipment 

The DME provider will coordinate delivery of your DME after they get all needed documentation or PA for the item.

Repair or replacement of durable medical equipment 

Contact your DME provider if you need repairs for any DME that MassHealth covers for you.
MassHealth covers replacement DME when the DME that you’re using no longer meets your medical needs, or if repairs cost more than replacing the DME.

What types of DME does MassHealth cover?

MassHealth covers medically necessary DME that you can use at home or where your normal life activities take place.

MassHealth may cover these items:

• Absorbent products
• Ambulatory equipment, such as crutches, canes, and walkers
• Bath and toilet equipment
• Communication devices
• Compression devices
• Enteral and parenteral nutrition
• Glucose monitors and diabetic supplies
• Home infusion equipment and supplies
• Hospital beds and accessories
• Mobility equipment, such as manual and power wheelchairs
• Nutritional supplements
• Ostomy supplies
• Patient lifts
• Personal emergency response systems (PERS)
• Support surfaces

MassHealth may also cover other DME items. Talk to your medical provider if you need an item that you don't see on this list.

MassHealth doesn’t cover DME that is not medically necessary. This includes, but isn’t limited to, items that

• won’t significantly help your illness, disability, or injury;
• are more costly than other medically appropriate and practical equipment;
• serve the same purpose as DME that you already use; or
• are used for research or are experimental.

Who do I contact if I need help?

MassHealth Customer Service Center

Contact the MassHealth Member Customer Service Center if you need help with:

• Eligibility
• MassHealth benefits
• Replacing your MassHealth card
• Enrolling in a health plan
• Getting a MassHealth application
• MassHealth and Children's Medical Security Plan premiums

Phone: [phone], TDD/TTY: 711

My Ombudsman

My Ombudsman can assist any MassHealth member with questions or challenges accessing covered benefits or services.

Phone: [phone]
Videophone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
My Ombudsman website

Date published:	December 8, 2025