Medicare covers hospital beds under Part B, but only when a doctor writes an order and specific medical conditions are met
Medicare will pay for a hospital bed if your doctor determines you need one for a medical reason — not just for comfort or convenience. The bed must be ordered by your doctor, and you must have a condition that makes a regular bed unsafe or impossible to use. Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved cost after you meet your Part B deductible; you pay the remaining 20 percent.
The bed is considered durable medical equipment (DME), which means it is a piece of equipment your doctor prescribes to help treat an illness or injury. Medicare does not cover beds you buy outright; instead, you rent them from a Medicare-approved DME supplier. The supplier bills Medicare directly, and you receive the bill for your share.
Key Takeaways
- Your doctor must write a written order stating that a hospital bed is medically necessary for your specific condition.
- Medicare covers the rental cost of a hospital bed from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and you pay 20 percent after meeting your Part B deductible.
- Common reasons Medicare approves hospital beds include difficulty lying flat, need for head or foot elevation, or conditions requiring frequent position changes.
- You must use a Medicare-approved supplier; if you buy a bed on your own, Medicare will not reimburse you.
Medical conditions that typically may have access to for a hospital bed
Medicare approves a hospital bed when your doctor documents that a standard bed would be unsafe or ineffective for your treatment. This usually means you have a condition that requires you to change positions frequently, keep your head or legs elevated, or move in ways a regular bed cannot support.
Common reasons include severe arthritis that makes getting in and out of a regular bed painful, heart or lung conditions that require you to sleep sitting up, wounds or pressure sores on your back or legs, recent surgery where movement must be limited, or conditions like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis where balance and positioning are critical. Your doctor decides whether your specific situation meets this standard — Medicare does not have a fixed list of diagnoses that automatically may have access to.
The key is that the bed must serve a medical purpose, not a convenience purpose. A bed that makes it easier for a caregiver to help you, or that is straightforward more comfortable, does not meet Medicare's standard on its own.
How to get a hospital bed through Medicare
The process starts with your doctor. You or your caregiver should ask your doctor whether a hospital bed would help your medical condition. If your doctor agrees, they will write a written order that includes the medical reason and any special features the bed needs (such as a weight capacity or side rails).
Once you have the written order, contact a Medicare-approved DME supplier in your area. You can find approved suppliers by visiting Medicare.gov and using the supplier search tool, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Give the supplier your doctor's order and your Medicare information. The supplier will verify your coverage, confirm your deductible status, and arrange delivery.
The supplier handles the billing. They send the claim to Medicare, Medicare pays its share (usually 80 percent of the approved amount), and you receive a bill for your 20 percent coinsurance. This process typically takes one to two weeks from the time the supplier receives your order.
What Medicare pays and what you pay
Medicare's approved amount for a hospital bed rental varies by region and supplier, but typically ranges from $150 to $300 per month. Medicare pays 80 percent of this approved amount; you pay 20 percent. However, you only pay your share after you have met your Part B deductible for the year (which is $226 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly).
If you have not met your deductible, you pay the full approved amount until you reach it, then Medicare begins paying its 80 percent share. Some people have supplemental insurance (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plans that cover some or all of the 20 percent coinsurance, so check your plan documents or call your plan to see what your actual out-of-pocket cost will be.
You do not own the bed; you rent it for as long as your doctor says you need it. If your condition improves and you no longer need the bed, contact the supplier to arrange a pickup. Medicare will stop paying, and your rental payments will end.
When Medicare does not cover a hospital bed
Medicare will not pay if you do not have a doctor's written order, or if your doctor's order does not include a medical reason. Buying a bed on your own and asking Medicare to reimburse you will not work — the supplier must be approved by Medicare and must submit the claim before you are billed.
Medicare also will not cover a bed if your condition does not meet the medical necessity standard. For example, if you want a hospital bed straightforward because it is easier to get in and out of, or because you prefer the adjustable features, Medicare will deny the claim. Your doctor's order must state a specific medical reason related to your diagnosis or treatment.
If Medicare denies your claim, the supplier will send you a notice explaining why. You have the right to appeal the decision. The notice will include instructions on how to file an appeal and the important date for doing so (usually 120 days from the date of the denial notice).
Hospital bed features and Medicare coverage
Medicare covers the basic hospital bed — a bed frame with a mattress that can be adjusted so the head and foot sections move up and down. This includes the side rails if your doctor orders them as part of the medical need.
Specialty features like memory foam mattresses, extra-firm surfaces, or premium finishes are not separately covered by Medicare. If you want these upgrades, you can pay out of pocket, but the supplier cannot charge Medicare for them. Some suppliers offer a choice of mattress types at different price points; ask what your 20 percent coinsurance would be for each option.
If your doctor orders a bed with a weight capacity higher than standard (for example, a bariatric bed for someone over 350 pounds), Medicare will cover it if the medical reason is documented. The approved amount may be higher for a specialty bed, but the 80/20 split remains the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a hospital bed instead of renting one from Medicare?
Yes, you can buy one, but Medicare will not pay for it. If you purchase a bed on your own, you pay the full cost out of pocket. Renting through a Medicare-approved supplier is usually less expensive over time, especially if you need the bed for several months.
What if my doctor says I need a hospital bed but Medicare denies it?
Ask your doctor to provide more detail in the medical reason on the order — for example, explaining exactly how the bed will help your treatment or why a regular bed is unsafe. Have your doctor resubmit the order to the supplier. If Medicare denies again, you can file an appeal using the instructions on the denial notice.
Do I need prior approval from Medicare before ordering a hospital bed?
No, you do not need to contact Medicare first. Your doctor writes the order, you give it to a Medicare-approved supplier, and the supplier submits the claim. However, some Medicare Advantage plans require prior approval, so check your plan documents or call your plan before ordering.
What happens to the hospital bed if I no longer need it?
Contact the supplier and tell them you no longer need the bed. They will arrange a pickup at no charge to you. Your rental payments will stop. If you stop using the bed without notifying the supplier, you may continue to be billed.
Can a family member or caregiver help me get a hospital bed?
Yes. Your caregiver can ask your doctor for the order, contact the supplier, and handle the paperwork. However, the order must come from your doctor, not from the caregiver. The doctor must examine you or review your medical record to determine that a hospital bed is medically necessary.