Does Medicare cover blood pressure monitors?

A blood pressure monitor is a medical device used to measure the force of blood flowing through your arteries. It plays a key role in tracking your cardiovascular health, especially for people with conditions like hypertension, diabetes or heart disease. 

Common types of blood pressure monitors include:  

• Manual monitors (sphygmomanometers): Often used in clinical settings like a doctor’s office, these include an arm cuff, a bulb for inflation and a stethoscope.  
• Automatic monitors: The most common type for home use, automatic monitors are easy to operate with digital displays.  
• Wrist monitors: Compact and portable, these devices measure blood pressure from your wrist.  
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitors (ABPMs): These devices are worn for 24 hours to measure blood pressure at regular intervals.

Part B may provide coverage for blood pressure monitors under the following conditions.  

Patients undergoing dialysis 

If a patient is receiving dialysis treatment for end-stage kidney disease, Medicare Part B may cover the cost of a blood pressure monitor for at-home use as part of their treatment plan. 

ABPMs for hypertension 

Medicare may cover an ABPM for individuals with suspected white-coat hypertension. 

Other medical necessities 

If blood pressure monitoring is necessary for managing a medical condition, treatment or post-surgical recovery, Part B may cover the monitor.   

What is the cost of a blood pressure monitor with Medicare?  

Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific Medicare plan and whether you’ve met your deductible. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Medicare Part B: If you meet the criteria for coverage (dialysis or ambulatory monitoring), Medicare will cover 80% of the approved amount for the device. You’ll pay the remaining 20%, plus any deductibles.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) : These plans often provide additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Some may include coverage for blood pressure monitors as part of wellness perks.  

Learn more about what Medicare covers  

Do you have more questions about what Medicare helps pay for? Check out our article on what Medicare covers (and doesn’t cover) for answers.