Quick Answer
Yes, Medicare Part B covers ostomy supplies as durable medical equipment (DME) when they are medically necessary following a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. You pay 20% coinsurance after the $283 Part B deductible. Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same supplies, though cost-sharing varies. Medigap can significantly reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part B (Outpatient DME) | Covered | Covers 80% of approved amount after $283 Part B deductible; you pay 20% |
| Medicare Part A (Inpatient) | Covered | Covers ostomy supplies provided during a covered inpatient hospital stay |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Covered | Must cover same DME as Original Medicare; cost-sharing varies by plan |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Varies by Plan | Covers some or all of the 20% coinsurance left by Original Medicare |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part B)
Covered as DME when medically necessaryMedicare Part B covers ostomy supplies as durable medical equipment (DME) when they are medically necessary. To qualify, your doctor must certify that you need the supplies due to a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy procedure. The supplies must be obtained from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
Ostomy supplies are considered a recurring DME benefit, meaning Medicare will continue to cover replacement supplies on an ongoing basis as long as they remain medically necessary. Your doctor must document the medical need, and you must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
The standard cost-sharing for Part B DME applies: Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount, and you are responsible for the remaining 20% after meeting your annual Part B deductible of $283 (2026).
What It Covers
- Colostomy pouches and bags
- Ileostomy pouches and bags
- Urostomy pouches and bags
- Ostomy wafers, flanges, and skin barriers
- Ostomy belts and accessories
- Irrigation systems for colostomy care
- Skin care products specifically designed for ostomy use
- Replacement supplies on an ongoing basis
What It Doesn't Cover
- Supplies purchased from non-Medicare-enrolled suppliers
- Supplies not certified as medically necessary by your doctor
- Cosmetic or non-medical accessories
You pay 20% coinsurance after the $283 annual Part B deductible (2026). Costs vary depending on the type and quantity of supplies needed.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered - cost-sharing varies by planMedicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover all DME that Original Medicare covers, including ostomy supplies. However, private insurers set their own cost-sharing rules, so your copayments or coinsurance may differ from Original Medicare.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may require you to use specific DME suppliers within their network. Always verify that your supplier is in-network before placing an order to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.
What It Covers
- All ostomy supplies covered by Original Medicare
- Replacement supplies on an ongoing basis
What It Doesn't Cover
- Out-of-network DME suppliers (unless your plan allows out-of-network benefits)
- Supplies not deemed medically necessary by your plan
Verify Your DME Supplier is In-network
Before ordering ostomy supplies, call your Medicare Advantage plan to confirm your supplier is in-network. Using an out-of-network supplier can result in significantly higher costs or no coverage.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers some or all of Original Medicare's cost-sharingMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans pay the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind - including the 20% Part B coinsurance for DME such as ostomy supplies. Because ostomy supplies are an ongoing need, Medigap can provide significant long-term savings.
Medigap Plan G covers the Part B coinsurance in full after you meet the annual $283 Part B deductible. That means once you've paid your deductible for the year, Plan G covers the remaining 20% of your ostomy supply costs for the rest of the year. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans have no provider networks.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) - covered by most Medigap plans
- Part A deductible - covered by Plans D, G, and others
- Excess charges - covered by Plans F and G
What It Doesn't Cover
- Supplies not covered by Original Medicare
- Supplies from non-Medicare-enrolled suppliers
With Medigap Plan G, your only annual out-of-pocket cost for ostomy supplies is the $283 Part B deductible. After that, Plan G covers the 20% coinsurance for the rest of the year.
Estimated Ostomy Supply Costs under Medicare (2026)
| Supply Type | Medicare Part | What Medicare Pays | Your Cost (No Supplement) | Your Cost (With Plan G) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colostomy/ileostomy pouches | Part B (DME) | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only (first time per year) |
| Urostomy pouches | Part B (DME) | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only (first time per year) |
| Wafers, skin barriers, accessories | Part B (DME) | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only (first time per year) |
| Irrigation systems | Part B (DME) | 80% of approved amount | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only (first time per year) |
✦ Important Rules for Ostomy Supply Coverage
You Must Use a Medicare-Enrolled DME Supplier
Medicare will only cover ostomy supplies purchased from a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment. If you purchase supplies from a non-enrolled supplier, Medicare will not pay, and you will be responsible for the full cost. Ask your supplier to confirm they are Medicare-enrolled before placing your first order.
You can find Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers in your area using the Medicare Supplier Directory at medicare.gov.
Doctor Certification is Required
Your doctor must certify that ostomy supplies are medically necessary for your care. This certification is typically provided after a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy procedure. Without a valid doctor's order, Medicare will deny coverage. Make sure your doctor documents the medical necessity in your records.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is a licensed Medicare expert and member of the Forbes Finance Council who has been helping beneficiaries navigate their Medicare options.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.