Will Medicare cover asthma and other breathing conditions?

Question

Scott Sims · Accepted Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover different inhalers and meds associated with asthma. It can be covered through Part B and/or Part D Medicare. Some equipment will be covered as durable medical equipment.

Tasha Riggs · Answer

Yes they do. All medically needed items will always be covered. Ask your doctor what is best for you. They can even do a peer to peer review with your carrier to make sure you get the treatments you need

Answered by Tasha Riggs on April 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states

Answered by Tasha Riggs Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Denniston · Answer

The short answer is yes. Sometimes there are C-SNP MAPD (chronic- special needs plans) available in most areas of the country. These plans are designed with chronic conditions in mind like asthma COPD, and heart issues. Call us today for more details. 888 589 4403.

Answered by Michael Denniston on July 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Moreno · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover asthma and other breathing needs but there is a cost share for the service

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Absolutely! Medicare has placed a dollar value (for doctor reimbursements) on over 60,000+ procedures! COPD and other respiratory issues are certainly covered. No worries.

Steve Houchens · Answer

Yes, Medicare generally covers asthma and other breathing conditions. It covers treatments like inhalers, nebulizers, and medications for conditions like asthma and COPD

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

Yes, However every situation is different. Refer to the benefits explanation to learn more about what they cover and how they cover those specific conditions.

Mary Salmon · Answer

Medicare does cover asthma and other breathing conditions like COPD. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment such as nebulizers and CPAP machines. It is important to note that Original Medicare has deductibles and coinsurance that will apply. Having a medigap plan will help with the out of pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Part D is prescription drug coverage and it will cover medications needed for treating asthma and other breathing conditions.

Answered by Mary Salmon on April 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

Yes Medicare will cover your asthma and other breathing conditions like COPD. Medicare will pay for the inhalers also.

Hannah Skinner · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover asthma and other breathing needs but there is a cost share for the service

Answered by Richard Moreno on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, LA, NM & OH

Answered by Richard Moreno Medicare Insurance Agent

Cleo Martin · Answer

Medicare will cover asthma ad other breathing conditions as long as the doctor says you need treatment. With regular Medicare it would be easier. With a Medicare Advantage you may have to get more approvals from the insurance company since it is managed care.

Answered by Cleo Martin on May 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, AL, FL & GA, MI, NC & TX

Answered by Cleo Martin Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Great question!

Yes, Medicare does cover care related to asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions, but what’s covered depends on the type of Medicare plan you have:

Medicare Part B (Original Medicare)

Covers doctor visits, lung function tests, allergy testing, durable medical equipment (like nebulizers and oxygen equipment if medically necessary).

Also covers pulmonary rehab programs if your doctor prescribes them.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Covers medications like inhalers or biologic drugs (exact coverage depends on your plan’s formulary).

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

These include everything Original Medicare covers and often add extra benefits like disease management programs, transportation, or reduced copays for inhalers.

Important: Copays, deductibles, and which inhalers/medications are covered can vary widely by plan, so it’s smart to review your options annually.

John Zentner · Answer

Yes, Medicare has comprehensive coverage for asthma and other breathing conditions, including medications, equipment, and treatments. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) covers inhalers, including both quick-relief (like albuterol) and long-acting medications for asthma and COPD.

Answered by John Zentner on July 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by John Zentner Medicare Insurance Agent

Geneva Hamilton · Answer

Of course, asthma and other breathing conditions are basic issues handled during a typical doctor's office visit.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare generally covers asthma and other breathing conditions like COPD, says the Allergy & Asthma Network. Medicare Part D covers prescription medications for these conditions, and Part B may cover devices like nebulizers and asthma inhalers. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Medicare Part D:
This part of Medicare covers prescription drugs, including those used to treat asthma and COPD. 
Medicare Part B:
This part can cover certain durable medical equipment (DME) like nebulizers and asthma inhalers, especially if prescribed by a doctor. 
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (like Part D), so they may also cover asthma and COPD medications and devices. 
Out-of-pocket costs:
Even with Medicare coverage, individuals may still have some out-of-pocket costs, such as copays or deductibles. 
Pulmonary rehabilitation:
Medicare may cover pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people with lung conditions like asthma and COPD. 
Extra Help:
If you qualify for Extra Help, you may have lower costs for Medicare Part D prescription drugs. 
Nebulizers:
Medicare may cover nebulizers if they are prescribed by a doctor and used with certain medications. 
Inhalers:
Medicare Part B may cover asthma inhalers if they are prescribed by a doctor and used for asthma medication.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes
And to clarify, I'm talking about Medicare supplement plans for Medicaid plans 
Medicare advantage plans probably will also, but it depends on the plan and the insurance company and what the condition is 
Medicare advantage plans can turn down different types of ailments for coverage, whereas Medicare supplement plans typically have very, very wide range of coverage which makes them much better

John Motsinger · Answer

A good rule of thumb is that Medicare covers everything medically necessary. Asthma is considered a chronic condition and therefore, yes, original Medicare and Medicare advantage plans will cover treatment for asthma. However, you would also need to make sure your plan covered your asthma medicines since drug formularies and tiers can change with each company/plan every year.

Answered by John Motsinger on August 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY, FL, IN & 5 other states

Answered by John Motsinger Medicare Insurance Agent

Jami Mead · Answer

Yes, Asthma and other breathing conditions are covered by Medicare at the 80%. You are still responsible for your 20% unless you have a Medicare Supplement Plan or an Advantage Plan to assist.

Judi Norton · Answer

Specialists are available through Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements for these conditions.

Dennis Sullivan · Answer

The simple answer is yes. These are covered under an Advantage Plan as a preventative measure for the well being of the client at zero copay...

Robert Barco · Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover asthma and other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with doctor visits and devices like inhalers and nebulizers. Medicare Part D will cover the prescription drugs to treat asthma and COPD.

Answered by Robert Barco on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Robert Barco Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Carroll · Answer

Yes, certain Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPDs) and Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) (Dual = Medicare/Medicaid), will cover different chronic and severe asthma and breathing conditions. Depending on your geographic location and insurance carrier availability, there are deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums to meet each year.

Also, a Medicare Supplement combined with a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) is another viable option because if purchased when you are Medicare first eligible, it is guaranteed issue and there is only a $250 annual deductible.

Krystal Hampton · Answer

Orignal Medicare does cover asthma and other breathing conditions, but the cost may vary depending on the type of condition someone has. 

Medicare part B only covers 80% of cost relating to durable medical equipment, like nebulizers but that's only after the deductible is met which is around $250.

Jessica Yen Le · Answer

Medicare itself covers 80% of your medical services bills. Depends on which plan you are in, majority of the plans should cover the pulmonary conditions.