What AdaptHealth Is and How to Get Equipment Through Them

AdaptHealth is a national supplier of home medical equipment — wheelchairs, oxygen systems, hospital beds, walkers, and similar devices. They work directly with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans, which means your insurance may cover part or all of the cost if your doctor prescribes the equipment. You do not buy from AdaptHealth directly as a consumer; instead, your doctor sends a prescription to them, and they handle the paperwork with your insurance.

The company operates hundreds of local branches across the United States, so you can usually pick up equipment nearby or have it delivered to your home. When your prescription arrives at AdaptHealth, their team contacts your insurance to verify coverage, then reaches out to you to arrange delivery and fit the equipment to your needs.

AdaptHealth also rents equipment rather than selling it outright. If you need a hospital bed for a few weeks while you recover from surgery, renting is often cheaper than buying and is covered by insurance in the same way. The rental period, cost, and whether you can buy the equipment later all depend on your specific insurance plan and what your doctor prescribed.

Key Takeaways

  • AdaptHealth supplies home medical equipment through insurance — your doctor writes a prescription, and AdaptHealth handles the insurance paperwork on your behalf.
  • You can rent equipment short-term or purchase it, and most insurance plans cover at least part of the cost if the equipment is medically necessary.
  • AdaptHealth has local branches in most areas, so delivery and equipment fitting usually happen within days of your prescription arriving.
  • Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance — AdaptHealth can tell you the exact amount before delivery.
  • If your insurance denies coverage, you can ask AdaptHealth to appeal the decision or pay out of pocket, though the full retail price is usually much higher than the insured price.

How the Prescription and Insurance Process Works

Your doctor must write a prescription for the specific equipment you need — for example, a wheelchair with certain weight capacity or an oxygen concentrator at a particular flow rate. The prescription includes medical justification for why you need it, which is what insurance companies use to decide whether to cover the cost. You can give this prescription to AdaptHealth in person at a local branch, mail it, fax it, or your doctor's office can send it directly.

Once AdaptHealth receives the prescription, they verify your insurance information and submit a coverage request to your insurance company. This step usually takes a few business days. Your insurance company then decides whether the equipment is covered under your plan and at what percentage — for example, 80 percent covered and you pay 20 percent, or a flat copay of $50.

AdaptHealth will contact you with the insurance decision and your out-of-pocket cost before they deliver anything. If your insurance covers the full cost, you pay nothing. If there is a copay or coinsurance, you pay that amount at delivery or pickup. If insurance denies the claim, AdaptHealth can file an appeal on your behalf, which takes additional time, or you can choose to pay the full price yourself.

Delivery, Setup, and Equipment Fitting

AdaptHealth delivers most equipment within three to seven business days of insurance approval, depending on whether the item is in stock and how far you live from the nearest branch. For urgent needs — for example, you are being discharged from the hospital tomorrow — tell AdaptHealth when you place the order; they sometimes have same-day or next-day delivery options, though these may cost extra.

When the equipment arrives, AdaptHealth's delivery team sets it up in your home and shows you how to use it. For wheelchairs, they adjust the seat height, armrests, and footrests to fit your body. For oxygen systems, they explain how to refill the tank or use the concentrator, where to store supplies, and what to do if something breaks. They also leave written instructions and a phone number to call if you have questions later.

If the equipment does not fit properly or does not work the way you expected, contact AdaptHealth within the first few days. They can often adjust it or swap it for a different size or model. After that window closes, changes may be treated as a new order and require a new prescription.

Renting Versus Buying Equipment

AdaptHealth offers both rental and purchase options. Renting makes sense if you need equipment temporarily — for example, a walker while your broken leg heals, or a hospital bed for the first month after surgery. Rental costs are usually lower per month than the purchase price divided by months, and your insurance often covers rentals the same way it covers purchases.

Buying makes sense if you need equipment long-term or permanently. A wheelchair you own can be customized more than a rental, and you do not have to return it or pay monthly. However, the upfront cost is higher, even with insurance. Some insurance plans have a "rent-to-own" option where a portion of your monthly rental payment counts toward the purchase price if you decide to buy later.

The rental agreement specifies how long you can keep the equipment and what happens when the rental period ends. If your doctor extends your prescription, AdaptHealth can extend the rental. If you no longer need it, you contact AdaptHealth to arrange pickup, and the rental ends. You are responsible for normal wear and tear, but AdaptHealth covers repairs and maintenance during the rental period.

Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Costs

Medicare covers most home medical equipment if a doctor prescribes it as medically necessary and you meet certain conditions. For example, Medicare covers wheelchairs, oxygen, CPAP machines, and hospital beds, but the equipment must come from a Medicare-approved supplier — AdaptHealth is approved in most areas. You typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your deductible; Medicare pays the other 80 percent.

Medicaid coverage varies by state. Some states cover a wide range of equipment with little or no copay; others cover only certain items or require prior approval. Contact your state's Medicaid office or call the number on your Medicaid card to find out what equipment is covered under your plan.

Private insurance plans also vary. Some cover home medical equipment the same way they cover other durable medical goods — with a copay or coinsurance. Others require prior approval or limit coverage to certain brands or suppliers. Call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask whether the specific equipment your doctor prescribed is covered and what your cost will be.

If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the equipment, you can still buy or rent from AdaptHealth by paying out of pocket. The full retail price is usually higher than the insured price, so ask AdaptHealth for a cash price before you commit.

What to Do If Insurance Denies Coverage

If your insurance company denies coverage, AdaptHealth will tell you the reason — for example, the equipment is not on the plan's covered list, or the doctor's justification was not detailed enough. You have several options. First, ask AdaptHealth to file an appeal with your insurance company. They can resubmit the claim with additional medical information or a letter from your doctor explaining why the equipment is necessary. Appeals can take two to four weeks.

Second, you can contact your insurance company directly and ask them to reconsider. Bring the prescription and any medical records that show you need the equipment. Sometimes a phone call from you or your doctor can reverse a denial.

Third, if the appeal is denied or takes too long, you can pay out of pocket. AdaptHealth will give you the full retail price. Some people choose this route if they need the equipment urgently and cannot wait for an appeal. You can also ask AdaptHealth whether they offer payment plans or discounts for cash purchases.

Contacting AdaptHealth and Getting Support

You can reach AdaptHealth by phone, online, or in person at a local branch. To find your nearest branch, visit their website or call their main customer service line — the number is on their website. When you call, have your prescription and insurance information ready. AdaptHealth's team can answer questions about coverage, delivery times, and equipment options before you commit.

If you have questions after delivery, call the branch that delivered your equipment or the customer service line. Common issues include equipment not working properly, needing a different size, or wanting to extend a rental. AdaptHealth handles most of these requests over the phone or with a follow-up visit.

If you are unhappy with the service or equipment, AdaptHealth has a complaint process. You can also file a complaint with your state's medical equipment supplier licensing board or with your insurance company if you believe AdaptHealth billed incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose a different supplier if I do not want to use AdaptHealth?

Yes. Your doctor can send the prescription to any Medicare-approved or insurance-approved supplier in your area. Ask your doctor or insurance company for a list of approved suppliers near you. Different suppliers may have different delivery times, equipment brands, and customer service, so it is worth comparing.

What if I need equipment but do not have a doctor's prescription?

You cannot get equipment through insurance without a prescription. If you do not have a doctor, contact a local urgent care clinic or community health center and ask for an appointment. Explain that you need a prescription for home medical equipment. Once you have the prescription, you can take it to AdaptHealth or any other supplier.

Do I own the equipment if I rent it from AdaptHealth?

No, you do not own rental equipment — AdaptHealth owns it and you pay a monthly fee to use it. If you want to own the equipment, you can purchase it instead, or ask about rent-to-own programs where part of your rental payment counts toward a future purchase. Check your insurance plan to see which option is covered.

What happens if AdaptHealth equipment breaks while I am renting it?

AdaptHealth covers repairs and maintenance during the rental period at no extra cost to you. Call the branch or customer service line and report the problem. They will either repair it at your home or swap it for a working unit. You are only responsible for damage caused by misuse or neglect.

Can I return equipment early if I no longer need it?

Yes. Contact AdaptHealth to arrange pickup. If you signed a rental agreement with a minimum rental period, you may owe payment for the full period even if you return it early — check your agreement. If you purchased the equipment, you own it and can keep it, donate it, or sell it.