Medicare covers hospital beds, but only under specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers a hospital bed if your doctor writes an order saying you need it for a medical reason — not just comfort or convenience. The bed must be medically necessary, which means it has to help treat your condition or help you recover. Medicare will pay 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent.

The bed has to come from a Medicare-approved supplier. If you buy or rent from somewhere else, Medicare will not pay for it, even if the supplier claims they accept Medicare. Your doctor's order is the first step, and it has to be specific about why you need the bed — for example, because you cannot get in and out of a regular bed safely, or because you need the head raised for a breathing condition.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating that a hospital bed is medically necessary for your condition, not just convenient.
  • You must rent or buy the bed from a Medicare-approved supplier, or Medicare will not cover any part of the cost.
  • Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible; you pay 20 percent.
  • The supplier will submit the paperwork to Medicare on your behalf, but you should ask for a copy of the order and approval before the bed arrives.
  • If Medicare denies the claim, you have the right to ask for a review and provide additional medical information.

What counts as medically necessary

Medicare does not cover a hospital bed just because it is easier to use or more comfortable than a regular bed. The bed has to serve a medical purpose tied to your diagnosis or recovery. Common reasons Medicare approves hospital beds include difficulty moving in and out of bed due to arthritis or surgery recovery, the need to raise the head of the bed for heart or breathing problems, or the need to lower the foot of the bed for circulation issues.

Your doctor decides whether the bed is medically necessary. They write an order that explains why. If you have a condition but your doctor does not think a hospital bed will help treat it or speed recovery, Medicare will not cover it. For example, if you have arthritis but can still get in and out of a regular bed safely, a hospital bed may not meet the medical necessity standard.

How to start the process

Ask your doctor whether a hospital bed would help with your condition. If your doctor agrees, they will write an order. The order should include your diagnosis, why the bed is needed, and how long you will need it. Your doctor may use a form called a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN), or they may write the order in a different format — either way, the supplier will know what Medicare requires.

Once you have the order, contact a Medicare-approved supplier. You can find one by searching the Medicare Supplier Directory on Medicare.gov, or by asking your doctor's office for a referral. Tell the supplier you have a doctor's order and ask them to submit it to Medicare for review. The supplier handles most of the paperwork. Ask for a copy of everything they send to Medicare so you know what was submitted.

Medicare will review the order and either approve or deny it. This usually takes a few days to a week. The supplier will tell you the result. If Medicare approves it, the supplier will deliver the bed and bill Medicare for 80 percent of the approved amount. You will receive a bill for your 20 percent share.

Rental versus purchase

You can rent or buy a hospital bed through a Medicare-approved supplier. Rental is usually the better choice if you need the bed for a short time — for example, while you recover from surgery. Purchase makes more sense if you need the bed long-term. Medicare covers both options the same way: you pay 20 percent of the approved amount, and Medicare pays 80 percent.

If you rent, you pay a monthly fee. After you have paid a certain amount in rental fees (called the "rental cap"), the bed becomes yours and there are no more payments. The rental cap varies by state and by the type of equipment, but it is usually reached after 13 months of rental. If you buy outright, you pay the full purchase price upfront and then submit the receipt to Medicare for reimbursement, or the supplier bills Medicare directly.

Ask the supplier to explain the total cost of renting versus buying for your situation. Some suppliers will let you rent first and then explore the rental payments toward a purchase if your needs change.

What happens if Medicare denies the claim

If Medicare denies your claim, the supplier will send you a notice called a Remittance information. This notice explains why Medicare said no. Common reasons include the doctor's order not being specific enough, the condition not meeting Medicare's medical necessity standard, or the supplier not being approved.

You have the right to ask for a review. You can ask your doctor to provide more detail about why the bed is medically necessary, or to clarify the order. Then ask the supplier to resubmit it to Medicare with the new information. If Medicare denies it again, you can file a formal appeal. The notice will tell you how to do this and what important date you have.

Accessories and extra features

Medicare covers the basic hospital bed — the frame, mattress, and the ability to raise and lower the head and foot. It does not cover accessories like bed rails, mattress overlays, or specialty mattresses unless your doctor writes a separate order saying they are medically necessary.

If you need a pressure-relief mattress because you are at risk for bed sores, your doctor can order it separately. Medicare may cover it if the medical necessity is documented. Bed rails are usually not covered by Medicare because they are considered safety equipment rather than medical equipment, though some suppliers may offer them at a lower cost.

After the bed arrives

When the bed is delivered, check that it is the right model and that it works. The supplier should show you how to use the controls and how to clean it. Keep the receipt and any paperwork the supplier gives you. If something breaks or stops working, contact the supplier — they are responsible for repairs and maintenance while you are renting or during the warranty period if you bought it.

If your condition changes and you no longer need the bed, tell the supplier. If you are renting, you can stop the rental and return the bed. If you bought it, you own it and can keep it, donate it, or sell it. Medicare does not require you to return equipment you have purchased.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a hospital bed online and have Medicare pay for it?

No. The supplier must be approved by Medicare. You can search the Medicare Supplier Directory on Medicare.gov to find approved suppliers in your area. If you buy from a non-approved supplier, Medicare will not pay anything, even if the supplier says they accept Medicare.

What if my doctor thinks I need a hospital bed but I am not sure?

Ask your doctor to explain how the bed will help your specific condition and recovery. If you still have questions, you can get a second opinion from another doctor. Medicare will cover the bed if your doctor documents that it is medically necessary, so the decision rests with your doctor and you.

Do I have to pay the full 20 percent upfront?

No. If you are renting, you pay a monthly rental fee and Medicare pays its share. The supplier bills Medicare directly for the 80 percent. You pay your 20 percent share each month. If you buy the bed, you may pay upfront and then submit for reimbursement, or the supplier may bill Medicare directly and send you a bill for your 20 percent.

Will Medicare cover a hospital bed if I just want one for comfort?

No. Medicare only covers equipment that is medically necessary — meaning it treats or helps manage a medical condition. If your doctor does not believe the bed is medically necessary for your health, Medicare will not pay for it, even if you want one.

How long can I keep a hospital bed?

As long as your doctor says it is medically necessary. If you are renting and your condition improves, you can return the bed and stop paying. If you bought it, you own it. If your condition worsens or changes, ask your doctor whether you still need the bed or whether a different piece of equipment would help more.