Renting oxygen tanks and related delivery systems is common for individuals needing supplemental oxygen therapy. This therapy provides air with a higher concentration of oxygen than ambient air. It is typically prescribed for conditions that affect the body’s ability to utilize oxygen, such as severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory and heart conditions. Renting is a flexible solution for those with temporary needs or for those who prefer not to purchase equipment outright.
Where to Obtain Rental Oxygen Equipment
The most common source for renting oxygen equipment is a Home Medical Equipment (HME) supplier, also called a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company. These specialized businesses stock a full range of oxygen delivery systems, from stationary units for home use to portable options. HME providers are generally responsible for delivering, setting up, and maintaining the equipment, ensuring it functions correctly and safely.
Some local pharmacies and medical supply stores also offer a limited selection of oxygen equipment for rent, often focusing on smaller items like portable oxygen concentrators. Specialized travel oxygen providers exist for individuals who travel frequently or require oxygen only for a vacation. These companies focus on short-term rentals of FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators, often handling logistics like battery requirements and delivery.
When seeking a supplier, choose one that is accredited and experienced with your specific insurance provider, such as being Medicare-enrolled. This helps streamline the verification and billing process. Many suppliers offer weekly and monthly rental options, making it easier to match the equipment to the duration of your medical need.
Types of Oxygen Delivery Systems
When renting, equipment generally falls into three main categories: compressed gas tanks, liquid oxygen systems, and oxygen concentrators. Compressed gas tanks store oxygen in a gaseous form under high pressure in metal cylinders. These tanks are simple, reliable, and available in various sizes. However, larger home tanks can be heavy, and portable tanks offer a finite supply requiring regular replacement or refilling.
Liquid oxygen systems store oxygen in a super-cooled liquid state, taking up less space than compressed gas and making portable units lighter. The patient receives a large stationary home reservoir and refills smaller, portable canisters from it as needed. These systems offer greater mobility and duration than compressed gas tanks, but they require a reliable delivery schedule, and the liquid oxygen will evaporate over time if not used.
Oxygen concentrators are mechanical devices that draw in ambient air, filter out nitrogen, and deliver concentrated oxygen. Stationary concentrators plug into a wall outlet for continuous home use, providing an uninterrupted supply without refills. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are smaller, battery-powered versions that provide freedom of movement. They generally have lower flow capacity than stationary models, often delivering oxygen in a pulsed-dose rather than continuous flow.
Medical and Legal Requirements for Rental
Renting any oxygen delivery system requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician because oxygen is classified as a regulated medical drug. This medical oversight ensures the therapy is appropriate and safe for the patient’s specific condition. The prescription authorizes the supplier to release the equipment and is mandated by federal and state regulations.
The physician’s prescription must be highly specific, detailing the patient’s diagnosis and medical necessity, often confirmed by a recent blood gas or pulse oximetry test. Crucially, the order must specify the exact oxygen flow rate, measured in liters per minute (LPM), and the hours per day the oxygen is to be used. Prescriptions that only state “as needed” (PRN) without a specific flow rate are often not accepted by suppliers because they do not meet regulatory requirements for safe use and accurate billing.
This detailed prescription guides the supplier in providing the correct type and size of equipment, as the required flow rate directly influences the necessary capacity of the device. For example, a patient requiring oxygen only while sleeping may receive a stationary concentrator, while an active patient needing continuous oxygen may require a stationary unit combined with a portable system. The supplier typically needs to receive a copy of this prescription, along with supporting clinical documentation, before the rental agreement can be finalized.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
The cost of renting oxygen equipment varies widely based on the equipment type, rental duration, and supplier. Weekly rates for portable oxygen concentrators start around $150. Suppliers typically offer daily, weekly, and monthly rental terms, with longer commitments often providing a lower daily cost. For long-term needs, the financial implications are heavily influenced by insurance coverage.
Medicare Part B covers the rental of oxygen equipment as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for home use when certified as medically necessary. Coverage involves a 36-month rental period, during which Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount. The patient is responsible for the annual Part B deductible and a 20% coinsurance. After 36 months, the supplier must continue providing the equipment and oxygen contents for an additional 24 months, totaling a five-year service cycle. The patient continues to pay the 20% coinsurance for contents and maintenance.
Private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans also cover oxygen equipment rental, but the terms, deductibles, and copayments vary significantly by policy. It is necessary to confirm with the specific insurer and the supplier that the provider is in-network to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Coverage for portable oxygen concentrators can sometimes be more restrictive than for stationary home units, so patients should always verify the extent of their plan’s coverage for their specific prescribed device.