Does Cigna cover durable medical equipment?
Short answer
Insurance question
Generally yes — Cigna covers medically necessary durable medical equipment when a doctor prescribes it and the item is obtained from an in-network supplier. Common covered items include CPAP machines, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds for home use, and oxygen equipment. Prior authorization is frequently required, and your plan's deductible and coinsurance will likely apply. Check your specific plan documents or call Cigna to confirm coverage for your item.
This is an independent research summary, not official coverage information. Your plan is the final word.
Key facts
Medicare Part B covers DME at roughly 80% of the approved amount after the deductible is met, for in-network suppliers.
Prior authorization is required for many DME items including power wheelchairs, CPAP, and home oxygen under most commercial plans.
DME must be medically necessary, primarily medical in purpose, durable, and usable in the home to qualify for coverage.
Here's the nuance
A one-liner rarely tells the whole story. This is the honest detail behind the short answer above.
Durable medical equipment is broadly defined as equipment that is medically necessary, durable (able to withstand repeated use over at least three years), primarily used for medical purposes, and appropriate for home use. Under most Cigna commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, covered DME items typically include wheelchairs and mobility aids, CPAP and BiPAP machines for sleep apnea, home oxygen equipment, hospital beds for home use, walkers, crutches, and certain prosthetics and orthotics.
Coverage is not automatic — several conditions typically apply. First, a licensed physician must prescribe the equipment and document medical necessity. Second, prior authorization (pre-approval from Cigna) is often required before you obtain the equipment, particularly for more expensive or ongoing-rental items like power wheelchairs and CPAP. The provider or DME supplier usually submits the prior authorization request on your behalf, but it's worth confirming this is done before you accept the equipment.
In-network suppliers matter significantly. Cigna maintains a network of approved DME suppliers, and using an in-network supplier reduces your out-of-pocket costs substantially. If you obtain DME from an out-of-network supplier, you may face higher cost-sharing or the claim could be denied altogether depending on your plan type. The Cigna provider directory (cigna.com/find-care) allows you to search for DME suppliers in your area.
Cost-sharing for DME typically follows your medical benefit structure: you generally pay your deductible first, then a coinsurance percentage of the allowable cost after the deductible is met. Some items are covered as rentals rather than purchases (the plan pays a monthly rental fee until a buy-out threshold is reached). Your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document will specify DME cost-sharing details for your specific plan.
The key points
The handful of things that decide the answer — skim these if you only read one section.
Medical necessity and a physician prescription are required
DME is covered only when prescribed by a licensed physician who documents that it is medically necessary. Without this documentation, claims are typically denied.
Prior authorization is frequently needed
Many DME items — especially power wheelchairs, CPAP machines, and home oxygen — require prior authorization before Cigna will cover them. Your provider or supplier usually handles this, but confirm before accepting the equipment.
Use in-network DME suppliers to minimize costs
Cigna has a network of approved DME suppliers. Using in-network suppliers results in lower cost-sharing; out-of-network suppliers may lead to higher costs or claim denials depending on your plan.
Deductible and coinsurance typically apply
DME is usually subject to your plan's deductible and coinsurance — meaning you pay a portion of the cost even after authorization. Check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage for your specific cost-sharing amounts.
Some items are rented rather than purchased outright
Cigna may cover certain DME as rentals (e.g., oxygen concentrators, CPAP) rather than outright purchases. The plan pays monthly rental fees up to a capped amount. Confirm the rental vs. purchase policy for your item with Cigna.
Confirm before you rely on this
Coverage varies by plan — this is not official
Coverage rules, benefit tiers, and medical-necessity criteria change often and differ by plan type, state, employer, and your specific policy. This page is a general, independent research summary — it is not official information from any insurer, not a benefits determination, and not financial or insurance advice.
Verify your exact coverage by calling the member number on your insurance card or checking your plan documents before you rely on any answer here.
Frequently Asked Questions
CPAP machines are a commonly covered DME item under Cigna plans when prescribed by a physician for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (usually confirmed by a sleep study). Prior authorization is typically required, and the machine may be provided as a rental initially. Usage data from the CPAP machine is sometimes required to continue coverage. Confirm specifics with your Cigna plan and DME supplier.
The typical process is: (1) get a prescription from your physician documenting medical necessity, (2) your physician or the DME supplier submits a prior authorization request to Cigna, (3) Cigna reviews and approves or denies the request, (4) you obtain the equipment from an in-network supplier. Do not accept the equipment before authorization is confirmed — otherwise you risk the full cost falling to you.
You have the right to appeal a denied prior authorization. Your physician can submit additional documentation supporting medical necessity. Cigna must review the appeal within set timeframes (urgent appeals typically within 72 hours, standard within 30 days). If internal appeals fail, you may be eligible for external review through your state insurance commissioner.
Manual wheelchairs and standard power wheelchairs are generally covered when prescribed as medically necessary. Power scooters and power wheelchairs may require additional documentation showing the patient cannot use a manual chair due to a medical condition. Prior authorization is almost always required for power mobility devices. Use an in-network DME supplier to minimize costs.
Many Cigna plans cover prosthetics (artificial limbs) and orthotics (braces, splints) when prescribed as medically necessary, though these may be handled under a separate benefit category from general DME. Coverage limits, prior authorization requirements, and cost-sharing vary significantly by plan. Review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage or call Cigna member services for your specific plan's details.
Reviewed by
Curex Editorial TeamReviewed for accuracy
Last reviewed July 2026
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Read moreYour plan has the final say
The surest way to know what's covered is to ask the source. Call the member number on your insurance card or sign in to your plan portal, and have the service or medication name ready — a quick call beats guessing.
This page is independent research, not a benefits determination — your insurer's answer is the one that counts.
This content is for general informational purposes only. It is not official coverage information, a benefits determination, or financial or insurance advice. Coverage rules, benefit tiers, and medical-necessity criteria change often and vary by plan, state, and effective date — always verify your specific benefits directly with your insurer before making any decision.
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