When Medicare Covers a Hospital Bed for Home Use

What Medicare covers for hospital beds at home

Medicare Part B covers a hospital bed for your home if your doctor writes an order saying you need it for a medical reason — not just for comfort or convenience. The bed must be medically necessary, which means your condition makes a regular bed unsafe or unsuitable. Examples include severe arthritis that makes it hard to get in and out of a regular bed, or a condition where you need the head or foot raised for breathing or circulation.

Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent. The supplier must be enrolled in Medicare — not all medical equipment companies are — so your doctor's office or the supplier will verify this before ordering.

The bed itself is considered durable medical equipment (DME), which means it is meant to last and can be used repeatedly. Medicare distinguishes between renting and buying: for most people, renting is covered for up to 13 months, after which ownership transfers to you at no additional cost. If you buy outright, Medicare covers the purchase price instead.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write an order stating the medical reason you need a hospital bed; Medicare does not cover beds ordered for comfort alone.
Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the approved rental or purchase price after your deductible is met, and you pay 20 percent.
The supplier must be enrolled in Medicare, so confirm this before placing an order to avoid paying out of pocket.
If you rent, Medicare covers the cost for up to 13 months, then the bed becomes yours; if you buy, Medicare covers the purchase price directly.
A Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan may cover your 20 percent coinsurance, depending on your specific plan.

How to get your doctor's order

Start by talking to your doctor about why a hospital bed would help your condition. Be specific: explain what makes a regular bed difficult or unsafe. Your doctor does not need to examine you in the office to write the order — a phone call or telehealth visit counts — but the order must document the medical reason.

Once your doctor agrees, ask the office to send the order directly to the DME supplier. Do not wait for a written prescription in the mail; most offices can fax or email it the same day. If your doctor is unsure which supplier to use, ask for a recommendation, or you can find Medicare-enrolled suppliers in your area through the Medicare Supplier Directory on Medicare.gov.

Keep a copy of the order for your records. If Medicare later denies the claim, you will need proof that your doctor ordered it for a medical reason.

Renting versus buying a hospital bed

For most people, renting is the simpler choice. Medicare covers rental payments for up to 13 months. After 13 months, the bed becomes yours, and Medicare stops paying rental fees — you own it outright. Monthly rental costs vary by region and supplier, typically ranging from $50 to $150, though the exact amount depends on the bed's features and your local market.

If you buy the bed outright instead of renting, Medicare covers the full purchase price (minus your 20 percent coinsurance). A basic hospital bed costs between $500 and $3,000 new, depending on features like motorized height adjustment or side rails. Buying makes sense if you plan to keep the bed long-term or if your supplier's rental cost would exceed the purchase price within 13 months.

Ask your supplier to explain both options and the costs before you decide. Some suppliers push one option over the other, but the choice is yours. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, check whether it covers the 20 percent coinsurance for either rental or purchase — this can affect which option costs you less out of pocket.

What Medicare does not cover

Medicare does not cover a hospital bed if your doctor orders it solely for comfort, convenience, or because you prefer it to a regular bed. The medical reason must be documented in the order. For example, Medicare will not cover a bed just because you like the adjustability or because you spend a lot of time in bed.

Medicare also does not cover accessories like mattresses, bed rails, or trapeze bars as separate items if they come with the bed. However, if your doctor orders a specialized mattress (such as a pressure-relief mattress for someone at risk of bedsores) as its own piece of equipment, that may be covered separately under different rules.

If you rent the bed and return it before 13 months, you do not own it. Some people mistakenly think they can rent for a few months and then own it early; that is not how it works. The 13-month period is set, and ownership transfers only after that time or when you stop renting, whichever comes first.

Working with a Medicare-enrolled supplier

Not all medical equipment companies are enrolled in Medicare. If you order from a non-enrolled supplier, Medicare will not pay, and you will owe the full cost. Before placing an order, ask the supplier directly: "Are you enrolled in Medicare?" or check the Medicare Supplier Directory at Medicare.gov.

Once you have chosen an enrolled supplier, they will handle most of the paperwork. They submit the claim to Medicare on your behalf and bill you for your 20 percent coinsurance. You should receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Medicare within a few weeks, showing what Medicare paid and what you owe.

If the supplier says Medicare denied the claim, ask for a copy of the denial letter. Common reasons for denial include: the doctor's order did not clearly state a medical reason, the supplier was not enrolled in Medicare, or the bed was deemed not medically necessary. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to appeal — your supplier can help you file the appeal, or you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan

A Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan may cover your 20 percent coinsurance for durable medical equipment. Check your plan documents or call the plan to ask whether hospital beds are covered. If your Medigap covers DME coinsurance, you will pay little or nothing out of pocket once Medicare approves the claim.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, the rules are different. Medicare Advantage plans set their own coverage rules for DME, and some cover hospital beds while others do not. Some plans require you to use suppliers on their network. Call your plan before ordering to confirm coverage and to find out which suppliers are in-network.

Whether you have Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or neither, always tell the supplier about your coverage before they submit the claim. This helps them bill correctly and prevents surprise bills.

What to ask your doctor and supplier

Before your doctor writes the order, ask: "What medical reason will you document for the hospital bed?" This ensures the order will be clear enough for Medicare to approve. Also ask: "Can you send the order directly to the supplier, or do I need to pick it up?"

When you contact a supplier, ask these questions: Are you enrolled in Medicare? What is the monthly rental cost, and what is the purchase price? What is included in the rental (delivery, setup, maintenance)? How long does delivery take? What happens if the bed breaks — do you repair or replace it? Do you accept my insurance (Medigap or Medicare Advantage)? Can you explain the difference between renting and buying for my situation?

Write down the answers and keep them with your doctor's order. If problems arise later, you will have a record of what was promised.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Medicare covers a hospital bed only if your doctor documents a medical reason — such as a condition that makes a regular bed unsafe or unsuitable. Comfort or preference alone is not enough. Your doctor's order must explain why the bed is medically necessary for your condition.

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

Ask your supplier or Medicare for a copy of the denial letter, which will explain why. Common reasons include unclear medical documentation or the supplier not being enrolled in Medicare. You can ask your doctor to write a more detailed order and resubmit, or you can file a formal appeal with Medicare. Your supplier can help with the appeal process.

Can I buy a hospital bed on my own and have Medicare reimburse me?

No. Medicare pays the supplier directly, not you. You must order through a Medicare-enrolled supplier and provide your doctor's order before purchase. If you buy a bed on your own without going through this process, Medicare will not pay for it.

What happens to the bed after 13 months of renting?

After 13 months, the bed becomes yours at no additional cost. Medicare stops paying rental fees. You own the bed outright and can keep it, donate it, or dispose of it as you wish. The supplier has no claim to it after that point.

Will my Medigap plan pay the 20 percent I owe?

Many Medigap plans cover durable medical equipment coinsurance, but not all do. Check your plan documents or call your plan to confirm. If your plan covers it, you will owe nothing after Medicare pays. If it does not, you will owe the 20 percent to the supplier.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.