Key takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers colostomy supplies if a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional deems them medically necessary. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may also offer coverage.
- After meeting the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), you’ll typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for colostomy supplies.
- To qualify for coverage, you must obtain your colostomy supplies from a Medicare-approved supplier.
Medicare Part B covers ostomy supplies, including colostomy supplies, if they are medically necessary.
Colostomy supplies fall into the Medicare category of prosthetic devices. Medicare Part B will cover these supplies if a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional deems them medically necessary.
Doctors determine the amount of ostomy supplies a person needs according to the type, location, and construction of the ostomy and the skin’s condition around the stoma.
Colostomy supplies that Medicare may cover include:
- bedside drainage bags
- drainable or closed ostomy pouches
- skin barriers
- accessories and miscellaneous items, such as skin wipes, tape, and gauze
- appliance cleaner
Medicare will cover a maximum number of various ostomy supplies. The type and amount of supplies that someone needs may vary from person to person and change over time.
If an individual needs more supplies than Medicare deems reasonable or necessary to cover, they can speak with their doctor or healthcare supplier about their options. A doctor must provide an adequate explanation to secure coverage for additional supplies.
People also need to speak with a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional to understand what colostomy supplies are medically necessary in their case.
Medicare Part B will only cover colostomy supplies that a Medicare-enrolled healthcare professional deems medically necessary.
After someone meets their part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, they will only need to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost. Medicare will cover the other 80%.
To qualify for coverage, people must get their supplies from a Medicare-approved supplier. Individuals can use Medicare’s search tool to find supplies in their ZIP code.
People may also be able to get coverage for colostomy supplies using Medicare Advantage plans, which usually cover the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.