Are Compression Stockings Covered by Insurance or Medicare? What You Need

Image of Medicare Part B document with pen

Compression therapy can do a wonder of good for your health, especially if you’re dealing with swelling, varicose veins, circulation issues, or lymphedema. But one of the most common questions we hear is:

Are compression socks or stockings covered by insurance?

Well, the answer depends on your diagnosis, your insurance provider, and the type of compression item you need.

In this guide, we break down Medicare’s updated rules, private insurance coverage, and what to expect when purchasing compression garments through a DME supplier like CarePro Home Medical or Kelly’s Home Medical.

Does Medicare Cover Compression Stockings?

Yes, if you have a diagnosis of lymphedema. Medicare (Part B) now covers compression treatment items for people diagnosed with lymphedema (a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues), thanks to the Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Medicare Covers Compression Garments If You:

Have a lymphedema diagnosis, and
Your provider prescribes:
- Standard or custom‑fitted gradient compression garments
- Daytime or nighttime garments
- Compression wraps with adjustable straps
- Bandaging systems and supplies used during the decongestion/maintenance phases

How Often Does Medicare Pay?

Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (section 145, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual):

Daytime Garments: Up to 3 garments per affected body part every 6 months.
Nighttime Garments: Up to 2 garments per affected body part every 2 years.
Medicare also pays for replacements if:
- The garment is lost or damaged
- Limb size changes
- The garment is no longer usable

Your Cost:

After your Part B deductible:

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Medicare Coverage for Wound Care

Medicare also provides coverage in specific wound-related cases. For example:

Covered:

Compression stockings for an open venous stasis ulcer
Limit: One stocking per leg every 6 months

Not Covered for the Following Conditions:

Venous insufficiency without stasis ulcers
Prevention of stasis ulcers
Prevention of recurrence after healing
Treatment of lymphedema without ulceration

Documentation Required:

A completed Wound Form with your claim.

Are Accessories Covered by Medicare?

This part can be confusing, so let’s clarify:

Accessories such as zippers, padding, and donning/doffing aids may be covered by Medicare, but only if they are considered medically necessary for preventing skin breakdown associated with the garment.

For example:

“A liner used with a garment could be covered if it’s needed to prevent skin breakdown associated with wearing the garment.” — Noridian Medicare Guidelines

In most cases, this will require:

A separate Rx
A diagnosis code related to skin breakdown
Possibly an ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice) if Medicare’s coverage is uncertain

If you’re unsure, the team at CarePro and Kelly’s can help verify whether your specific accessory is eligible for coverage.

Get Help Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

What Medicare Does Not Cover

Even with updated rules, Medicare does not cover compression garments for:

Varicose veins
General swelling (edema)
Long travel
Fatigue
Sports recovery
Preventative use
Mild compression (8–15 mmHg or 15–20 mmHg)

Does Private Insurance Cover Compression Stockings?

Often yes — but it varies by plan. Many private insurance plans do cover compression garments, but rules vary widely. You are more likely to receive coverage if you have a diagnosed medical condition such as:

Lymphedema
Chronic venous insufficiency
Venous stasis ulcers
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Post-surgical swelling

What to Know About Private Insurance Coverage:

Most plans require 20–30 mmHg or higher compression for coverage
A written prescription is usually necessary
Some plans cover custom garments, others only off-the-shelf
Many plans require you to purchase through a DMEPOS supplier, like CarePro Home Medical or Kelly’s Home Medical

Ready to find the right compression socks or stockings for you? Stop by a CarePro or Kelly’s location near you today!

Explore Compression Socks & Stockings in Person

What Types of Compression Items Can Be Covered?

Here’s a quick guide to what types of compression garments may or may not be eligible:

Compression Item	Medicare Coverage	Private Insurance Coverage
20–30 mmHg or higher compression	Yes, for lymphedema	Often, with diagnosis
Custom‑fitted garments	Yes	Often
Bandaging supplies	Yes	Sometimes
Donning/doffing aids	Yes (if medically necessary)	Sometimes
Mild compression (8–15 or 15–20 mmHg)	No	Rare
Compression for travel or wellness	No	No

What Documentation Is Needed for Coverage?

To get coverage under Medicare or private insurance, you may need:

A prescription specifying compression level and body part
A qualifying diagnosis (e.g., lymphedema, venous disease)
A Letter of Medical Necessity
Purchase from a DMEPOS-enrolled supplier (like CarePro or Kelly’s)

How CarePro & Kelly’s Help You Navigate Coverage

We know this process can feel overwhelming. That’s why CarePro Home Medical and Kelly’s Home Medical help every step of the way:

Personalized fitting for your compression garments
Guidance on compression levels and garment types
Verification of insurance requirements
Help with prescriptions, documentation, and billing
Alternative options if you’re paying out of pocket

You don’t have to figure out insurance on your own. We’re here to help.

Shop Compression Garments or Get Fitted In-Store

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