Does Medicare Cover a Hospital Bed at Home?

If you or a loved one is coming home after a hospital stay, or caring for someone who spends most of the day in bed, a hospital bed can make life safer and easier. The good news: Medicare Part B usually covers a hospital bed for home use when it's medically necessary and ordered by your doctor. Here's how it works.

Who qualifies?

Medicare treats a hospital bed as durable medical equipment (DME). It's covered when your doctor documents that you need it because of your medical condition, for example when you need:

• Your body positioned in ways a regular bed can't provide, such as to relieve pain or prevent pressure sores
• The head of the bed raised for breathing problems or certain heart and lung conditions
• Special attachments, like traction equipment, that can't be used on a regular bed

Requirements differ by bed type. A full-electric bed (which also raises and lowers electrically) has stricter requirements than a semi-electric bed, and some upgrades may not be covered.

What your doctor needs to provide

• A written order (prescription) for the hospital bed
• Medical records from a recent visit that explain why you need it

Your doctor and supplier must both be enrolled in Medicare. As your supplier, we review the paperwork and contact your doctor's office for anything that's missing, so you don't have to.

What will I pay?

With Original Medicare, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may cover some or all of that 20%. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs and rules depend on your plan, and you may need to use an in-network supplier.

Rent or buy?

Medicare usually pays for hospital beds as a monthly rental. For many types of equipment, if you keep renting for 13 continuous months, ownership transfers to you. If you only need the bed for a few weeks after surgery, renting is the simplest option. We pick it up when you no longer need it.

How to get a hospital bed delivered in South Florida

1. Send us the prescription: online, by fax to 954-493-1513, or have your doctor or case manager send it.
2. We verify your coverage and tell you about any cost before delivery.
3. We deliver and set up the bed in your home and show your family how to use it. Same-day delivery is often available for hospital discharges.

Have questions about your coverage? Call us at 954-332-4378 or request a free coverage check.

This article is general information, not medical or insurance advice. Coverage rules change and depend on your plan, so we always verify your specific benefits.