Does Medicare cover an AeroChamber or other spacer for my inhaler?

Question

Grant Hamilton · Accepted Answer

Medicare Parts A & B do not cover inhaler spacers.  The reason is that spacers are considered over-the-counter (OTC) medical supplies and do not fall under Durable Medical Equipment (DME).  Part D plans will cover inhalers, but generally exclude supplies like spacers unless the spacer is bundled as an FDA-approved single unit.  

Some Advantage plans may offer benefits like OTC allowances that help to cover the cost of the spacers.  There is no harm in asking your doctor for a prescription for a spacer, but there is no guarantee your plan will pay for it.  Places like Amazon and Express Medical Supply are some of the options where you can purchase a spacer without a prescription.  Prices can range from $ 10 to $ 50.

Jeremy Harkins · Answer

Usually, Original Medicare does not cover an AeroChamber or other inhaler spacer.

A spacer is the device that attaches to a metered-dose inhaler and helps more of the medication reach your lungs. Medicare classifies this type of spacer separately from the prescription medication, and the common Medicare billing code for it is listed as non-covered.

Your inhaler medication may still be covered through Part D, but that does not automatically mean the spacer is covered too.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check the plan before paying out of pocket. Some plans may help with the cost through an OTC allowance, pharmacy benefit, or other supplemental benefit that Original Medicare does not provide.

So I would ask three questions:

Does my exact plan cover this spacer?

Can I use my OTC benefit or allowance to buy it?

What is the cash price if the plan does not cover it?

The important distinction is: Medicare may cover the inhaler medication while leaving you responsible for the device used with it.

Terri McClinton · Answer

If it is considered Medically Necessary, an AeroChamber or other spacer, may be covered by Medicare under Part B Durable Medical Equipment (DME) as long as the physician prescribes it for your Medically Necessary condition. You will typically be responsible for the Part B deductible and the 20% coinsurance.

Answered by Terri McClinton on September 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, GA, MI & NJ, NY, OK & TX

Answered by Terri McClinton Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra Teel · Answer

An Aero Chamber is considered an over-the-counter item and not a prescription drug, so Original Medicare will not cover it. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage with Over-the-counter allowance you can most likely use it to purchase the Aero Chamber.

Answered by Sandra Teel on September 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, AZ, CA & 13 other states

Answered by Sandra Teel Medicare Insurance Agent

Brett Johnson · Answer

Usually not under Original Medicare. An AeroChamber or other spacer used with a metered-dose inhaler is generally considered a non-covered supply, even when your inhaler itself is covered.

Medicare Advantage plans can be different, so I always check the specific plan before assuming it isn't covered. Some plans may provide additional coverage or benefits that Original Medicare does not. Some devises are covered as part of their durable medical equipment (DME).

Lea Vollmer · Answer

Review your summary of benefits; this should be discussed in your needs assessment. You may have other benefits in your plan that could help you access it. Usually NO

Does Medicare cover an AeroChamber or other spacer for my inhaler?

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Does Medicare cover an AeroChamber or other spacer for my inhaler?

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