Medicare covers a hospital bed at home, but only if a doctor writes an order saying you need it for a medical reason — and only through a supplier Medicare has approved.

A hospital bed is not automatic. Medicare calls it Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which means it has to meet three conditions: your doctor must order it in writing, you must have a medical reason that makes a regular bed unsafe or impossible to use, and you must rent or buy it from a Medicare-approved DME supplier in your area.

Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent. The exact cost depends on whether you rent or buy, and what the supplier charges — Medicare sets a maximum reimbursement amount, but suppliers can charge less.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write a written order stating the medical reason you need a hospital bed before Medicare will consider covering it.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved DME supplier; using an unapproved supplier means Medicare will not pay anything.
  • Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved amount after your Part B deductible, and you pay 20 percent.
  • Renting is usually cheaper upfront, but buying may cost less over time if you need the bed for many months.
  • Your doctor's order must include the specific medical reason — for example, difficulty adjusting bed height, or a condition that requires head elevation.

What medical reasons may have access to for coverage

Medicare does not cover a hospital bed just because it is more comfortable. Your doctor has to document that a regular bed creates a safety problem or makes your medical condition worse. Common reasons include severe arthritis that makes getting in and out of a regular bed painful or impossible, heart or lung conditions that require you to sleep with your head elevated, pressure wounds that need frequent position changes, or mobility problems from stroke or spinal injury.

The order from your doctor does not have to be long. It needs to state your diagnosis and explain why the adjustable height, head elevation, or other features of a hospital bed are medically necessary for you. If your doctor is unsure what to write, the DME supplier can often provide a form that lists common reasons — your doctor then checks the box that applies and signs it.

How to find a Medicare-approved supplier

Not every medical supply store is approved by Medicare. You can search for approved suppliers in your area using the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov. Type in your ZIP code and select "Hospital Beds" from the equipment list. The directory shows you which suppliers are currently approved and whether they deliver to your address.

Once you have your doctor's written order, contact the supplier directly. Give them the order and ask for a quote. The supplier will tell you the rental cost per month or the purchase price, and what your 20 percent share would be. Some suppliers offer both rental and purchase options; renting usually costs $100 to $200 per month, while buying ranges from $800 to $3,000 depending on the bed's features, but these amounts vary by region and supplier.

The supplier handles the paperwork with Medicare. You do not send anything to Medicare yourself. The supplier submits the claim, Medicare decides whether to cover it, and the supplier bills you for your 20 percent share once Medicare approves.

Renting versus buying

Renting makes sense if you need the bed for a few months — for example, while recovering from surgery or during a temporary illness. You have no upfront cost beyond your 20 percent of the monthly rental, and the supplier handles maintenance and repairs. If the bed breaks, they replace it at no extra charge to you.

Buying makes sense if you need the bed for a year or longer. After 13 months of rental payments, you will have paid more than the purchase price on most beds. Once you own it, you pay nothing more to Medicare, though you are responsible for repairs after the first year. Some suppliers offer a rent-to-own option where part of your monthly payment goes toward the purchase price.

If you rent for a long time and then want to buy, you can switch. Ask the supplier whether rental payments can be credited toward a purchase, or whether you can buy the bed you have been renting.

What happens if Medicare denies the request

Medicare may deny coverage if your doctor's order does not clearly explain the medical reason, if you are using an unapproved supplier, or if Medicare decides the bed is not medically necessary for your condition. The supplier will tell you if the claim is denied and why.

If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to appeal. The supplier can help you file an appeal, or you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. You have 120 days from the date of the denial letter to appeal. During the appeal, you can ask your doctor to provide more detail about why the bed is necessary, or you can request a second opinion from another doctor.

What is not covered

Medicare does not cover a hospital bed if you want one straightforward for comfort or convenience. It also does not cover the mattress separately if you buy the bed frame — the mattress is considered part of the equipment. Bed rails, pillows, and sheets are not covered. If you need a special pressure-relief mattress because of pressure wounds, that may be covered as a separate item, but your doctor would need to order it separately.

Medicare also does not cover a hospital bed if you are in a hospital or nursing home — those facilities provide their own beds. Coverage applies only when you are at home.

After Medicare approves the order

Once the supplier receives Medicare's approval, they will deliver and set up the bed. They will show you how to use the controls and how to adjust the height and head elevation. Ask them to explain the safety features, especially if you live alone or have limited mobility.

Keep the approval letter and your receipts. If you rent the bed, Medicare covers it month to month as long as your medical need continues. If your condition improves and you no longer need the bed, tell the supplier so they can pick it up and you stop paying. If you buy the bed, it is yours to keep even if you move or change insurance later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get approval from Medicare before I buy or rent a hospital bed?

No — the supplier submits the paperwork after you give them your doctor's order. You do not contact Medicare directly. The supplier handles the entire process and tells you whether Medicare approved it before you owe any money.

What if my doctor will not write an order for a hospital bed?

If your doctor does not think a hospital bed is medically necessary, Medicare will not cover it. You can ask your doctor to explain why, or you can request a second opinion from another doctor. If the second doctor agrees it is necessary, that doctor can write the order.

Can I use a hospital bed from a family member or buy one used instead of renting from a Medicare supplier?

Medicare will not pay for a bed from a non-approved supplier or a used bed from a private seller. You must use a Medicare-approved DME supplier. If cost is a concern, ask the supplier about rent-to-own plans or whether they have refurbished beds at a lower price.

Does Medicare cover a hospital bed if I am in assisted living or a group home?

Medicare covers a hospital bed in your own home or apartment. If you live in a facility that provides care — such as assisted living, a group home, or a nursing home — that facility is responsible for providing the bed, and Medicare does not cover a separate one.

How long does Medicare coverage last?

If you rent, coverage continues month to month as long as your medical need continues and your doctor's order remains valid. If you buy, Medicare covers the purchase once, and the bed is yours. If your condition changes and you no longer need the bed, tell the supplier to stop billing.