How to Get a Nebulizer for Your Child

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Nebulizers are one way for children with asthma to take medication. Children can also take asthma medication via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Nebulizers aerosolize liquid asthma medication into an inhalable mist. The nebulized medication is then inhaled through a mouthpiece. Nebulizers come in different shapes, sizes, and designs.

The inhaled steroid medication Flovent was recently discontinued in January. Your pediatrician may prescribe a Flovent alternative. Flovent alternative medications come as inhalers and nebulizers.

Metered-dose inhalers are the preferred method for administering asthma medication. Inhaled medications are a faster, more direct route and are easier to travel with.

Sometimes, a nebulizer is needed for asthma medications. Flovent alternatives may be out of stock or back ordered at pharmacies. Your insurance may only cover specific types of inhaled steroids. Additionally, some children cannot use an inhaler.

Below are tips for where to get a nebulizer and how to get reimbursed by insurance. Some insurance plans offer a HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account). If you have this insurance benefit, you can use your HSA/FSA funds to buy a nebulizer.

Where to get a nebulizer

  1. Pharmacies. You can often buy a nebulizer over the counter. Large pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS carry nebulizers. Smaller, independent pharmacies may also carry nebulizers. Just be sure to call the pharmacy beforehand to check if they have them in stock.

  2. Medical supply stores. Both in-person and online medical supply stores carry nebulizers. You can google "medical supply stores near me" or "stores that sell nebulizers near me." Then, either call to check if they have nebulizers in stock or order one online.

  3. Online. Online marketplaces (like Amazon) sell nebulizers.

  4. Health Savings Account store. Check if your HSA or FSA plan carries nebulizers in their online store.

Insurance reimbursement for nebulizers

You can ask your insurance provider if they will cover a nebulizer. Your insurance may or may not provide reimbursement. Medicaid may be more likely to cover nebulizers than other insurance.

Generally, a prescription for a nebulizer is necessary to qualify for Medicaid coverage. If indicated, your pediatrician can write a prescription for your child.

Typical requirements for reimbursement include:

  • A prescription for a nebulizer from your pediatrician.

  • An eligible diagnosis (such as asthma).

Resources:

  1. Still confused after Flovent discontinuation? What to know and do - Harvard Health

  2. Asthma Gadgets: How to Use an MDI Closed-Mouth Inhaler - Healthychildren.org

  3. Medicaid Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment: Basics for People with Asthma

This article was written by Katie Taibl, BSN, RN, CPN. Katie has over nine years of experience working in pediatrics, with a background in travel nursing and clinical writing. As the Patient and Family Outreach Educator at Roslindale Pediatric Associates, she writes articles on relevant pediatric health topics to help RPA patients and their families access user-friendly health content.