Blog, Blog & FAQs, Insurance Information

How to Get Reimbursed for Compression Garments

Posted on by Nancy Burkart

If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphedema and have a prescription, many insurance plans — including Medicare, Medicaid, and private providers — will cover compression garments. But the process can be confusing, and in many cases, it’s actually faster and easier to purchase the garments yourself and file for reimbursement.

This guide walks you through the process step by step — and explains why buying out-of-pocket may be your best option.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to File for Reimbursement

1. Verify Your Coverage

Contact your insurance provider and ask:

  • Are compression garments for lymphedema covered?
  • What compression levels and garment types are included?
  • Is a prescription or pre-authorization required?
  • Are both off-the-shelf and custom garments covered?
  • Is there a limit per year?
  • Do you need to purchase from an in-network DME supplier?

Note: Thanks to the Lymphedema Treatment Act (2024), Medicare and many private plans now cover compression supplies for lymphedema.

2. Get a Detailed Prescription

Make sure your provider includes:

  • Diagnosis: Lymphedema (e.g., ICD-10 code I89.0)
  • Type of garment: e.g., sleeve, stocking, glove, wrap
  • Compression level: e.g., 20–30 mmHg or 30–40 mmHg
  • Duration of need: e.g., “lifetime,” “daily wear”
  • Statement of medical necessity

3. Choose Where to Buy

You have two options:

A. Buy Through an In-Network Supplier

  • Often billed directly to insurance
  • May have limited brands/sizes
  • Processing can take longer

B. Buy Out-of-Pocket and File for Reimbursement

Many patients prefer to:

  • Receive garments faster (no approval delays)
  • Access a wider selection of brands, sizes, colors
  • Shop from trusted suppliers like
    🔗 www.bodyworks-compression.com

4. Get Proper Documentation

If you purchase out-of-pocket, make sure you have:

  • A valid prescription
  • An itemized invoice including:
    • Your name
    • Product name and description
    • Compression level
    • Price paid
    • Date of purchase
    • HCPCS code (e.g., A6531 for thigh-high stockings)
  • Proof of payment (credit card receipt or confirmation)
  • Insurance claim form (from your provider’s website)

5. Submit Your Claim

You can submit your claim by:

  • Mailing the form and documents to your insurer
  • Or uploading them through your member portal (if available)

Expect reimbursement in about 30–45 days. If denied, you have the right to appeal — a Letter of Medical Necessity from your physician may help.

💡 Why File for Reimbursement Yourself?

Filing out-of-pocket gives you:

  • Faster delivery (no need to wait for insurance approval)
  • More freedom to choose styles, brands, and suppliers
  • Better fit and comfort with access to top-rated options
  • Less frustration with restrictive DME supplier systems

🛍 Shop Trusted Compression Garments

You can find high-quality, medical-grade compression garments for lymphedema — including sleeves, stockings, and wraps — at:

👉 www.bodyworks-compression.com

We provide itemized receipts, product codes, and support for insurance submissions.

✉️ Need Help?

We’re happy to assist with:

  • Sample letters of medical necessity
  • HCPCS code details
  • Insurance claim checklists

Let us know how we can support your wellness journey.

Nancy Burkart