Quick Answer
Yes - Medicare Part B covers urinary catheters as durable medical equipment (DME) when your doctor certifies they are medically necessary. Medicare covers up to 200 intermittent catheters per month (or 4 per day). You pay 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible, and the supplier must be a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. Foley (indwelling) catheters are also covered when medically necessary.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part B (DME) | Covered | 80% of approved amount after $283 deductible; up to 200 intermittent catheters/month |
| Medicare Part A (Inpatient) | Covered | Catheters used during a hospital stay are covered under Part A |
| 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 durable medical equipmentMedicare Part B covers urinary catheters as durable medical equipment (DME) when your doctor certifies they are medically necessary. Common reasons include urinary retention, neurogenic bladder, spinal cord injury, and post-surgical recovery.
For intermittent catheters (used and discarded after each use), Medicare covers up to 200 per month - approximately 4 per day. For closed system catheters (which include a collection bag and are used by people at high risk of urinary tract infections), Medicare may cover up to 200 per month as well.
Foley catheters (indwelling catheters that remain in place) are also covered when medically necessary. You must obtain catheters from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier to receive Medicare's pricing.
What It Covers
- Intermittent urinary catheters (up to 200 per month)
- Closed system catheters for high-risk patients
- Foley (indwelling) catheters when medically necessary
- Catheter insertion supplies (drainage bags, lubricants)
- Replacement catheters as needed
What It Doesn't Cover
- Catheters purchased from non-Medicare-enrolled suppliers
- Catheters in excess of Medicare's monthly allowance without medical justification
- Catheters for conditions not certified as medically necessary
Part B: You pay 20% coinsurance after the $283 annual deductible (2026). Medicare sets a fee schedule for DME, so costs are standardized across enrolled suppliers.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered - cost-sharing varies by planMedicare Advantage plans are required to cover all DME that Original Medicare covers, including urinary catheters. However, your cost-sharing and the suppliers you can use depend on your specific plan.
Medicare Advantage plans often have preferred DME supplier networks. Using a preferred supplier will result in lower out-of-pocket costs. Check your plan's formulary or call your plan to find approved DME suppliers for catheters.
What It Covers
- All catheter types covered by Original Medicare
- Monthly catheter supplies within plan's allowance
What It Doesn't Cover
- Suppliers outside the plan's DME network
- Quantities exceeding the plan's monthly allowance
Use your plan's preferred DME supplier
Medicare Advantage plans often have preferred DME supplier networks for catheters. Using a preferred supplier can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Call your plan to find approved suppliers before ordering.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers some or all of Original Medicare's cost-sharingMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the 20% Part B coinsurance for DME, including urinary catheters. Medigap Plan G covers the coinsurance in full after you meet the annual Part B deductible.
For people who require catheters on an ongoing basis, Medigap can provide meaningful savings over time. Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap has no supplier network restrictions - you can use any Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for DME including catheters
- Ongoing monthly catheter supply costs
What It Doesn't Cover
- Supplies not covered by Original Medicare
- Non-Medicare-enrolled suppliers
With Medigap Plan G, your only out-of-pocket cost for catheters is the $283 Part B deductible (2026). After that, Plan G covers the 20% coinsurance for all covered catheter supplies.
Medicare Catheter Coverage Allowances (2026)
| Catheter Type | Monthly Allowance | Medicare Pays | Your Cost (No Supplement) | Your Cost (With Plan G) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermittent catheter | Up to 200/month | 80% of approved amount | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Closed system catheter | Up to 200/month | 80% of approved amount | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Foley (indwelling) catheter | As medically necessary | 80% of approved amount | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
✦ Requirements for Medicare Catheter Coverage
Medical Necessity Documentation Required
Your doctor must certify in writing that urinary catheters are medically necessary for your condition. The documentation must specify the type of catheter needed and the medical reason. Without this certification, Medicare will deny the claim.
Must Use Medicare-Enrolled DME Supplier
You must obtain catheters from a supplier enrolled in Medicare's DME program. If you purchase catheters from a non-enrolled supplier, Medicare will not reimburse you. Ask your doctor for a referral to a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
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.