Medicare Part B offers coverage for durable medical equipment (DME), including bedside commodes.

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, Medicare will cover a commode if your doctor deems it medically necessary.

For Medicare to consider the use of a commode “reasonable and necessary” under its standards, you need to meet certain criteria.

You would need to be physically unable to use a standard toilet. This could happen in various situations, such as the following when you can’t leave:

  • your room
  • a specific floor of your home, and there’s no toilet on that floor
  • your home and there’s no toilet in your home

Medicare will cover a heavy-duty commode if you weigh more than 300 pounds.

If you have body or mobility concerns requiring using a commode with detachable arms, Medicare will cover it.

Even if Medicare covers some part of the cost of your commode, you’ll still have certain out-of-pocket costs.

In 2025, Medicare Part B has a monthly premium of at least $185, depending on your income. It also has an annual deductible of $257. After reaching your deductible amount, you’ll need to pay 20% of the cost of your commode, provided you get it from a supplier that accepts Medicare. This is called a coinsurance.

It’s important to consider Medicare approval when acquiring a DME, such as a bedside commode. Both your doctor and equipment supplier must meet certain standards for Medicare approval. If they aren’t enrolled in Medicare, you’ll have to pay the full cost of your commode.

It’s best to check with your doctor and supplier before buying a commode to ensure that you are eligible for Medicare coverage.