Back to all terms

Oxygen and Equipment

Oxygen and equipment benefits cover the cost of oxygen tanks, concentrators, and related respiratory equipment for individuals with chronic or temporary breathing difficulties. These devices are considered medically necessary when prescribed by a physician.

Health insurance plans usually reimburse a percentage of eligible costs, up to annual or lifetime limits. Some plans also cover replacement parts or accessories, such as tubing and masks, if listed as eligible expenses.

Example:

If your oxygen concentrator costs $1,200 and the plan covers 80 percent up to $1,000, the insurer reimburses $960 and you pay $240.

What to Watch For:

Pre-authorization and a physician’s prescription are typically required. Always verify frequency limits for replacement or rental equipment.

Related Terms

Orthopedic Shoes / Custom Orthotics

Orthopedic shoes and custom orthotics are specialized footwear and inserts designed to support proper alignment, relieve pain, and improve mobility for individuals with foot, leg, or posture-related conditions. These items are often prescribed to correct biomechanical issues, provide additional cushioning, or accommodate deformities caused by medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or plantar fasciitis.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics covers the cost of correcting tooth alignment and jaw positioning using braces or aligners. In individual and group dental plans, orthodontic benefits are usually separate from preventive and restorative coverage. Most plans apply a lifetime maximum and a waiting period before orthodontic treatment is eligible.

Optional Benefit / Rider / Add-On

An optional benefit, also called a rider or add-on, is an additional feature that can be purchased to enhance your existing health, dental, life, or disability insurance plan. Optional benefits allow you to customize coverage by adding protection that suits your personal needs, rather than relying only on the base plan design.

Surgical Stockings / Brassieres

Surgical stockings and brassieres are specialized medical garments prescribed to assist in recovery or to manage health conditions such as poor circulation, lymphedema, or post-surgical healing. Health plans often reimburse a portion of the cost up to a defined annual or per-item limit.

Dependent

A dependent is a person, usually a family member, who qualifies for coverage under someone else’s insurance plan. Dependents are typically the spouse or children of the primary insured person, also known as the plan member or policyholder. Some plans may also cover other individuals who rely on the plan member for financial support, such as a common-law partner or a child with a permanent disability.

Have questions about your insurance coverage?

Our licensed advisors can help you understand your options and find the right plan for your needs.

Contact Us