Medicare does not pay for a standard mattress, but it may cover a hospital bed and a pressure-relieving mattress if your doctor prescribes them for a medical reason

Medicare Part B covers hospital beds and mattresses designed to prevent pressure injuries — but only when a doctor writes an order saying you need one for a specific medical condition. A regular mattress for comfort or general use is not covered, no matter how expensive. The difference comes down to medical necessity: Medicare pays for equipment that treats or manages a health condition, not for everyday items that happen to be in your bedroom.

The mattress must be ordered by your doctor and supplied through a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. You typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible; Medicare pays the other 80 percent. If you rent the equipment instead of buying it, the cost structure is different, and rental payments may eventually count toward the purchase price.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare covers pressure-relieving mattresses and hospital beds only when a doctor prescribes them for a medical condition such as pressure injuries, immobility, or circulation problems.
  • Your doctor must write an order, and the equipment must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier — buying one on your own and asking Medicare to reimburse you will not work.
  • You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible; the exact cost depends on the type of mattress and your supplier.
  • Rental and purchase options both exist, and some rental agreements let you explore rental payments toward buying the equipment later.

What types of mattresses Medicare may cover

Medicare covers several kinds of pressure-relieving mattresses, each designed for different medical needs. An alternating pressure mattress has air cells that inflate and deflate in a pattern to shift pressure away from one area of the body, then another. This type is often prescribed for people who are bedridden or have limited mobility. A foam overlay mattress is a thick foam pad that sits on top of your existing mattress and redistributes weight to reduce pressure on bony areas. A gel mattress works similarly, using gel material to absorb and distribute pressure.

A low air loss mattress is a more advanced option that uses air to reduce friction and moisture, which helps prevent skin breakdown. This type is usually prescribed for people at very high risk of pressure injuries or those who already have one. Medicare also covers hospital beds themselves — the adjustable frame that raises and lowers the head and foot — when medically necessary, and the mattress that comes with it.

The type your doctor prescribes depends on your specific condition, mobility level, and skin integrity. Your doctor will document the medical reason in your chart, and that documentation is what Medicare uses to decide whether to cover the cost.

When a doctor's order is required

Your doctor must write an order — sometimes called a prescription or certificate of medical necessity — before you can receive a covered mattress. This order states the medical reason you need the equipment, how long you will need it, and which type is appropriate for your condition. Common reasons include pressure injuries (also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers), paralysis, severe arthritis that limits movement, or circulation disorders that make you vulnerable to skin breakdown.

The order does not may provide coverage. Medicare will review it to confirm that the mattress is medically necessary and that the type prescribed is appropriate for your condition. If Medicare denies the order, your doctor can appeal or modify the prescription. You should not purchase or rent the mattress before the order is submitted and approved, because Medicare will not reimburse you for equipment you bought on your own.

How to get a covered mattress through Medicare

The process starts with your doctor. Tell your doctor that you need a pressure-relieving mattress or hospital bed, or ask whether one might help your condition. Your doctor will examine you, document the medical reason, and write the order. Ask your doctor which type of mattress they are recommending and why.

Once you have the order, contact a Medicare-approved DME supplier in your area. You can find suppliers by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or by searching the Medicare supplier directory online at dmepos.cms.gov. Give the supplier your doctor's order and your Medicare information. The supplier will verify your coverage with Medicare, tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be, and arrange delivery and setup.

You will receive the mattress at home. The supplier typically handles delivery and may provide basic instruction on use and care. If you have questions about how to use the mattress or if it is not working properly, contact the supplier — they are responsible for maintenance and repairs during the rental or purchase period.

Rental versus purchase: cost and what happens next

You can rent or buy a covered mattress through a DME supplier. Rental costs less upfront but adds up over time. Purchase costs more initially but means you own the equipment outright. The choice often depends on how long you expect to need the mattress.

If you rent, you typically pay a monthly fee. After you have paid a certain amount in rental fees — usually around 13 months of payments, though this varies — the mattress becomes yours and rental payments stop. This is called the rental-to-purchase threshold. Ask your supplier what the threshold is before you sign a rental agreement, so you know when ownership transfers.

If you buy outright, you pay the full approved amount upfront (minus your 20 percent coinsurance after your deductible). You own it when ready and can keep it as long as you need it. Some people choose to buy if they know they will need the mattress for many months or years.

What you pay out of pocket

After you meet your Part B deductible for the year, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount for a covered mattress. You pay the remaining 20 percent. The approved amount is set by Medicare, not by the supplier's asking price, so your cost depends on what Medicare allows for that particular mattress type.

Costs vary widely depending on the mattress type. A foam overlay might have a lower approved amount than an alternating pressure or low air loss mattress. If you have not yet met your Part B deductible, you will pay the full approved amount until the deductible is satisfied, then Medicare begins paying its share.

Some suppliers may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. If they do, you are responsible for the difference — this is called balance billing. To avoid this, confirm with the supplier in writing that they accept Medicare's approved amount as payment in full.

What Medicare does not cover

Medicare does not cover a regular mattress, even if it is high-quality or expensive. It does not cover mattresses ordered for comfort, better sleep, or general wellness. It does not cover mattresses you purchase without a doctor's order, even if you later ask Medicare to reimburse you.

Medicare also does not cover accessories like mattress protectors, special sheets, or pillows, unless they are part of the prescribed equipment package. If your doctor prescribes a hospital bed but you already own one, Medicare will not pay for a second bed. If you need a replacement mattress because the first one is worn out, your doctor must write a new order explaining why replacement is medically necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a mattress myself and have Medicare pay me back?

No. Medicare only covers mattresses ordered through a Medicare-approved DME supplier and prescribed by your doctor before purchase. If you buy one on your own, Medicare will not reimburse you, even if your doctor later agrees it was medically necessary.

What if my doctor says I need a mattress but Medicare denies it?

Your doctor can appeal the denial or request a review. Ask your doctor to provide additional documentation of your medical condition and why the mattress is necessary. You can also contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to understand the reason for the denial and ask about the appeal process.

Do I have to use a specific supplier, or can I choose any DME company?

You can choose any Medicare-approved DME supplier. Use the Medicare supplier directory to find options in your area, compare costs, and ask about their experience with the type of mattress your doctor prescribed. Not all suppliers carry all types of equipment.

If I rent a mattress and then buy it, do my rental payments count toward the purchase price?

Yes, up to the rental-to-purchase threshold. Once your rental payments reach that amount (usually around 13 months), the mattress becomes yours and you stop paying. Ask your supplier what the exact threshold is for your mattress before you start renting.

Does Medicare Advantage cover mattresses the same way?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but they may have different rules about which suppliers you use or how much you pay out of pocket. Contact your Advantage plan directly to ask about mattress coverage and to find out which suppliers are in your plan's network.