What Lincare does and who uses them

Lincare is a home medical equipment supplier that rents and sells oxygen equipment, respiratory devices, mobility aids, and other medical equipment for use at home. They operate in most U.S. states and work with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Lincare does not manufacture the equipment — they source, deliver, set up, and maintain it in your home.

You typically encounter Lincare when a doctor prescribes home medical equipment and sends the prescription to them, or when a hospital discharge planner arranges equipment delivery before you leave. Lincare handles the insurance paperwork, delivers the equipment, trains you on how to use it, and arranges repairs or replacements if something breaks.

The company operates as a for-profit business owned by Apria Healthcare, which is part of Encompass Health. This matters because Lincare's financial incentive is to rent equipment long-term rather than sell it outright, though they do offer purchase options for some items.

Key Takeaways

  • Lincare supplies oxygen, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other home medical equipment, with delivery and setup included.
  • Your doctor must write a prescription for the equipment, and Lincare handles submitting it to your insurance company to determine what you pay.
  • Lincare's business model relies on monthly rental payments, so they may not mention purchase options unless you ask directly.
  • If you have problems with equipment, billing, or service, you can file a complaint with your state's health department or your insurance company.
  • Other suppliers exist in most areas, so comparing rental costs and service quality before accepting Lincare is worth doing if you have time.

How to get equipment from Lincare

The process usually starts with a doctor's prescription. Your physician writes an order for specific equipment — for example, "oxygen concentrator, stationary, 24 hours per day" — and either gives it to you or sends it directly to Lincare. You can also ask your doctor to send the prescription to a different supplier if you prefer.

Once Lincare receives the prescription, they contact your insurance company to find out what the plan covers and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. This step can take a few days to a week. Lincare will then call you to confirm delivery details, explain your costs, and schedule a time to bring the equipment to your home.

During the delivery visit, a Lincare technician sets up the equipment, shows you how to use it, and leaves written instructions. They also explain the rental agreement, which typically runs month-to-month. If the equipment malfunctions, you call Lincare's customer service line, and they either repair it or send a replacement.

What you pay and how insurance affects it

Your cost depends on what your insurance covers. Medicare covers most home medical equipment at 80 percent after you meet your Part B deductible, leaving you responsible for 20 percent of the approved amount. Medicaid coverage varies by state. Private insurance plans have different rules — some cover rentals fully, some cover a percentage, and some require you to rent for a set number of months before they will cover a purchase.

Lincare bills your insurance directly for the rental. What you owe is the difference between what insurance pays and what Lincare charges. If you have no insurance, Lincare will quote you a monthly rental price; these prices are not standardized and can vary significantly between suppliers.

One important detail: rental payments accumulate. If you rent oxygen equipment for 36 months, you will have paid roughly three times the purchase price. Medicare and some private plans have rules about when you can switch from rental to purchase, but Lincare does not always volunteer this information. If you think you will need equipment long-term, ask Lincare directly whether a purchase option exists and what the cost would be.

Comparing Lincare to other suppliers

Lincare is one of the largest home medical equipment suppliers in the country, but they are not the only option. Other national suppliers include Amedisys, Apria (which owns Lincare), Byram Healthcare, and Rotech. Many areas also have local or regional suppliers. The equipment itself — an oxygen concentrator or CPAP machine — is often the same brand regardless of supplier, but rental prices, delivery speed, and customer service quality vary.

Before accepting Lincare, you can ask your doctor whether they work with other suppliers, or you can search online for "home medical equipment rental near me" to see what options exist in your area. Call two or three suppliers and ask for a quote on the specific equipment you need. Ask about delivery time, whether they offer 24-hour support, and what happens if the equipment breaks.

If you already have Lincare equipment and are unhappy with the service or cost, you can request a different supplier. Your insurance company can tell you which suppliers are in-network, and your doctor can send the prescription to a new supplier at any time.

Problems with equipment, billing, or service

If Lincare equipment stops working, call their customer service number (on your rental agreement or invoice) and report the problem. They typically send a replacement or repair technician within 24 to 48 hours. If you need equipment urgently and Lincare cannot respond quickly enough, ask whether they can provide a loaner while yours is being fixed.

Billing disputes are common. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact Lincare's billing department with your invoice and explanation. Ask for a written response. If Lincare does not resolve it, contact your insurance company — they have records of what they paid and can investigate on your behalf.

If you have a serious complaint about Lincare's service or believe they violated regulations, you can file a complaint with your state's Department of Health or your state's Attorney General office. You can also file a complaint with your insurance company, which may investigate or deny future claims to Lincare if patterns emerge.

Renting versus buying equipment from Lincare

Lincare's default is to rent. Monthly rental costs are predictable and include maintenance and repairs, which appeals to people on fixed incomes or those uncertain how long they will need equipment. However, if you need equipment for more than two to three years, purchasing usually costs less overall.

Medicare allows you to rent for up to 13 months, after which you own the equipment outright if you continue paying the rental amount. Some private insurance plans have different rules — they may require you to rent for 36 months before covering a purchase, or they may cover purchase from the start. Medicaid rules vary by state.

Ask Lincare for a purchase price before signing a rental agreement. If they do not provide one easily, call their sales department or ask your doctor's office to request it. Compare the purchase price to 12 to 36 months of rental payments to see which makes financial sense for your situation.

What happens when you no longer need the equipment

If you rent from Lincare and no longer need the equipment, call them to arrange a pickup. They will send a technician to collect it, usually within a few days. You are responsible for rental payments until the equipment is physically picked up, not until you call to cancel.

If you own the equipment (either because you purchased it or because Medicare rental payments converted to ownership), it is yours to keep, donate, or dispose of. Lincare has no claim to it. Some people donate used medical equipment to charities or hospitals; others keep it in case they need it again.

If you move to a different state or region, Lincare may or may not service that area. Contact them before your move to find out. If they cannot serve your new location, ask for a referral to a supplier in that area, and have your doctor send your prescription to the new supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose a different supplier if my doctor sends my prescription to Lincare?

Yes. You can ask your doctor to send the prescription to a different supplier instead, or you can contact the other supplier directly with a copy of the prescription. Your doctor does not have to use Lincare; they can work with any in-network supplier your insurance covers.

What if Lincare equipment breaks and I need it urgently?

Call Lincare's customer service line when ready and explain the urgency. They typically respond within 24 hours, but if you cannot wait, ask whether they have a loaner available or whether a local competitor can provide emergency equipment while yours is being repaired. Some insurance plans cover emergency rentals from other suppliers.

How do I know if I should buy instead of rent?

If you expect to need equipment for more than 24 to 36 months, purchasing usually costs less. Ask Lincare for the purchase price upfront, then multiply your monthly rental by 24 or 36 months and compare. Also check your insurance plan's rules — some plans cover purchase but not rental, or vice versa.

Can I return rented equipment early without paying the full contract?

Most rental agreements allow you to return equipment anytime, but you typically pay through the end of the current billing month. Some agreements have early termination fees. Check your rental agreement or call Lincare's billing department to understand your specific terms before returning equipment.

What should I do if I disagree with a Lincare bill?

Contact Lincare's billing department with your invoice and a written explanation of the dispute. Ask for a written response. If they do not resolve it, file a complaint with your insurance company, which has records of what they paid and can investigate whether Lincare overbilled.