Is a Hospital Bed Covered by Medicare?

Medicare helps beneficiaries manage healthcare costs, including those for medical equipment needed at home. A hospital bed can be an important tool for recovery or ongoing care. Medicare covers hospital beds under specific conditions, recognizing their role in home-based medical management. This ensures beneficiaries can access necessary equipment within their residences.

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Hospital Beds

Medicare classifies hospital beds as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which are items that are durable, used for a medical reason, not typically useful to someone who is not sick or injured, used in the home, and expected to last at least three years. Coverage for these items typically falls under Medicare Part B, which addresses outpatient care and medical supplies. For a hospital bed to be covered, a physician must deem it medically necessary and provide a written prescription or order.

Medical necessity means the bed is required to aid in illness or injury recovery, prevent a condition from worsening, or allow for home care that would otherwise necessitate institutionalization. Conditions warranting a hospital bed include severe pain requiring specific positioning, breathing difficulties alleviated by elevation, or mobility limitations necessitating assistance with transfers.

Medicare typically covers basic manual and semi-electric hospital beds for home use. Manual beds require physical effort for adjustments, while semi-electric models allow electronic control of head and foot positions. Fully electric beds, which also include electronic height adjustment, are generally not covered as the height adjustment feature is often considered a convenience rather than a medical necessity.

Beyond the bed itself, certain accessories may also be covered if medically necessary. This can include mattresses, bed rails, and trapeze bars. These accessories are covered when they are integral to the hospital bed’s function and address a specific medical need, such as preventing bedsores or assisting with patient mobility.

Costs and Supplier Requirements

Individuals with Original Medicare Part B will incur certain costs for a covered hospital bed. After meeting the annual Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, Medicare typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. The beneficiary is then responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

Medicare’s coverage for hospital beds often involves a rental period rather than an immediate purchase. For many types of DME, including hospital beds, Medicare pays for a rental for a continuous period, commonly 13 months. After this 13-month rental period, the ownership of the equipment is typically transferred to the beneficiary.

A key requirement for Medicare coverage is obtaining the hospital bed from a Medicare-approved supplier. This ensures the supplier accepts assignment, agreeing to the Medicare-approved amount as full payment and only charging the beneficiary the deductible and coinsurance. If a supplier does not accept assignment, the beneficiary may be responsible for the full cost.

For beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), coverage for hospital beds must be at least equivalent to Original Medicare. However, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies and may have different cost-sharing structures, network requirements, or prior authorization processes. Beneficiaries with these plans should consult their plan documents or contact their provider to understand coverage details.

Steps to Obtain a Medicare-Covered Hospital Bed

The process for obtaining a Medicare-covered hospital bed begins with a consultation with your physician. Your doctor will assess your medical condition to determine if a hospital bed is medically necessary for home care. If necessary, your physician will provide a written prescription or order detailing the specific type of bed and any required accessories.

The next step involves finding a Medicare-approved supplier for Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You can typically locate approved suppliers through Medicare’s official website or by asking your physician for recommendations.

Once a Medicare-approved supplier is identified, you will work with them to process the order. The supplier will use your physician’s prescription and medical documentation to submit the claim to Medicare on your behalf, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed.

Following approval, the supplier will arrange for the delivery and setup of the hospital bed in your home. Ensure the bed is properly installed and you understand its operation. After receiving the bed, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Medicare, detailing the services provided, the Medicare-approved amount, and your responsible portion.