Beginning in October 2026, Hayat Home Medical Equipment is expanding its compression services for qualifying Medicare patients across Chicagoland, including Evergreen Park and surrounding communities.
If you or someone you love has been paying out of pocket for compression garments, or quietly going without them, this announcement is for you.
What Medicare Covers for Lymphedema Compression
For years, Medicare patients struggled to obtain coverage for compression garments. A dedicated lymphedema compression benefit took effect January 1, 2024, giving qualifying patients a new path to medically necessary treatment items that Medicare previously did not cover at all.
Medicare Part B covers eligible patients who have a lymphedema diagnosis and an order from an authorized treating practitioner. Covered items can include:
- Standard and custom-fitted gradient compression garments, for both daytime and nighttime
- Gradient compression wraps with adjustable straps
- Compression bandaging supplies
- Necessary accessories, such as aids that make putting garments on and taking them off easier
How Often Medicare Pays for New Garments
| Garment Type | Medicare Frequency Limit |
|---|---|
| Daytime garments | 3 per affected body part, every 6 months |
| Nighttime garments | 2 per affected body part, every 2 years |
Medicare also pays for replacements when items are lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged, and when a patient’s condition changes, such as a change in limb size.
Under Original Medicare, patients generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Our team can help you review coverage requirements and expected costs before you commit to anything.
One important distinction: this benefit is specifically for lymphedema. A recommendation for compression stockings alone does not establish eligibility.
Meet Lorraine Ginadek, Lymphedema and Compression Clinical Therapist
Hayat is proud to welcome Lorraine Ginadek to our compression team. Lorraine helps patients navigate complex compression needs, including custom measurements and fittings, while our team coordinates the prescription and Medicare documentation so patients aren’t left sorting through paperwork alone.
 |
Custom-fitted garments are uniquely sized and shaped to the exact dimensions of the affected limb or body area, which is why a skilled, in-person measurement matters so much. And under Medicare’s payment rules, the services involved in furnishing your garment, including education on putting it on and taking it off, are part of the supplier’s bundled service, not an extra bill.
Awareness Is the Key
Many patients, and many healthcare offices, still remember when Medicare did not cover these garments. That memory can quietly keep eligible patients from ever asking again.
If you work with Medicare patients, a gentle review can make a real difference. Physicians and lymphedema clinics across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs can help by identifying patients with lymphedema who are still paying out of pocket and revisiting their coverage options.
Two Ways to Get Started
For patients: If you have Medicare and a lymphedema diagnosis, bring your questions to the Hayat team. We’ll help you understand what’s required, take professional measurements, and find the right fit.
For referring offices: Have a Medicare patient with lymphedema? Refer them to Hayat. We’ll help with Medicare requirements, professional measurements, fitting, and custom compression options.
Hayat Home Medical Equipment 3518 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 (708) 422-2300 | Contact our team
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover compression stockings for swelling or varicose veins?
Not under this benefit. Medicare’s lymphedema compression coverage applies specifically to patients who have a lymphedema diagnosis. Compression stockings recommended for other reasons don’t establish eligibility, so it’s worth asking your physician whether your swelling has been evaluated for lymphedema.
Who can write the order for lymphedema compression garments?
Medicare requires the items to be prescribed by a physician, or by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist to the extent authorized under state law. If you’re unsure whether your provider qualifies, our team can help you sort it out.
What if my garments wear out early or my limb size changes?
Medicare’s frequency limits are a guide, not a dead end. Coverage includes replacement items when garments are lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged, and when a patient’s condition changes, such as a change in limb size. Talk with your clinician and our team if your fit no longer feels right.
Does this apply if I have Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare?
Out-of-pocket costs can differ for Medicare Advantage and other insurance, since they depend on the specific terms of your plan. Our team can help review your coverage and expected costs before you begin.
How do I get started?
Start with a lymphedema diagnosis and an order from your treating practitioner. Then contact Hayat. We’ll help you understand Medicare’s requirements, schedule professional measurements and fitting, and coordinate the prescription and Medicare documentation along the way.
Coverage is subject to eligibility, diagnosis, prescription, medical necessity, documentation, frequency limits, and other Medicare requirements. This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or insurance advice. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider about your condition and treatment.
Sources:
Looking for compression for other needs, such as everyday support, travel, or post-surgical recovery? Explore our wider range of compression socks and stockings, compression sleeves, and post-surgical compression clothing. The Medicare benefit described above applies to qualifying lymphedema treatment items.