2026 | INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Demand-Driven DME Growth 2026
Industry Insights
UNDERSTANDING DEMAND-DRIVEN DME INDUSTRY GROWTH The durable medical equipment (DME) sector is entering a period of sustained and meaningful growth. Drawing from national health expenditure data—adjusted for both inflation and volume—this analysis reveals a compelling story of expansion, opportunity, and strategic opportunity for industry leaders.
REAL GROWTH & DEMAND
In 2026, national health expenditure data shows DME spend to be roughly $55B. This figure is up from $30 billion in 2018 and will continue growing to $81 billion in 2034. This market size increase can be attributed to growing prices as well as demand and volume-specific growth. This growth is further validated by volume-based metrics. From 2017 to 2033, the DME sector is expected to grow 1.72× in volume. More notably, from 2026 to 2034, volume-based growth is projected at 12.03%, confirming that the market is expanding steadily even in the near term. This percentage was calculated by comparing growth index data in 2026 to 2034.
2026 | INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Demand-Driven DME Growth
UTILIZATION CONTINUES INCREASING
Normalized growth data paints a picture of consistent upward momentum. Starting from a baseline of 1.00 in 2018, the DME market reaches 1.72 by 2034, indicating more than a doubling in normalized market activity. This trajectory reflects the increasing adoption of DME solutions, particularly as healthcare shifts toward home-based and outpatient care models. Home Health
Home Healthcare DME
VolumeBased Growth
2.0
1.6
2.21x 1.72x
Hospital Care
1.52x
Nursing Home Facilities
1.18x
DME
1.8
1.4
Demand Index
Segment Comparisons
2.2
Hospital Care
1.2 1.0
LTC
0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 2018
2019
2020
2021 2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
Year
WHY HOME HEALTHCARE GROWTH MATTERS FOR DME
The rapid expansion of home Healthcare, with a projected 3.45× volume growth through 2034, is a powerful signal for the DME industry. As care delivery increasingly shifts from institutional settings to the home, the demand for durable medical equipment—such as mobility aids, respiratory devices, monitoring systems, and rehabilitation tools—is in a great position to grow.
The rapid expansion of home healthcare, with a projected 3.45× volume growth
3.45x
This trend reflects a broader transformation in healthcare: • Aging populations prefer aging-in-place solutions. • Chronic disease management is moving toward remote and continuous care. • Cost containment strategies favor home-based care over hospital stays. For DME stakeholders, this alignment presents a strategic opportunity: • The rise of home healthcare is creating a demand ecosystem for services provided in the home, which DME complements well. The synergy between these sectors will define the next decade of growth and impact in healthcare delivery.
2026 |
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Deman-Driven DME Growth
KEY TAKEAWAYS The durable medical equipment industry stands at a strategic inflection point. With real growth driven by genuine demand, stakeholders must act decisively to: • • •
Innovate boldly Find ways to scale Collaborate strategically
The next decade will reward those who anticipate change and prioritize patient-centered solutions. DME is not just a support function; it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery.
VGM Industry Insights provides data-driven analysis and trends within the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) sector. Our focus areas include market trends, innovation, and strategic decision-making, helping stakeholders stay informed and competitive. We are committed to a forward-thinking approach, continuously monitoring industry developments to drive progress and innovation.
ALAN MORRIS SVP of Strategy
TYLER COULANDER Market Strategy Manager