Does Medicare cover adjustable beds?

If you’re here today you’re probably trying to figure out if Medicare covers adjustable bed costs. Medicare can be complex, so we’ll go through whether or not Medicare will cover an adjustable bed step by step. If you’d like to learn more about how much you could be paying for services with Medicare in general, read our article What is the maximum out-of-pocket expense with Medicare?

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What is the purpose of the adjustable bed?

What are the different types of hospital beds available? Whether or not you get Medicare to pay for it, there are four types.

A manual hospital bed is adjusted by turning a crank. A variable height hospital bed is a manual bed with adjustable height. The semi-electric hospital bed allows for the adjustment of the head and foot sections of the bed. For this type as well, a manual crank can adjust the height of the bed. Finally, there is the bariatric or “heavy-duty” hospital bed which is made for heavy individuals.

Now, let’s move on to whether or not Medicare will help you pay for the type of hospital bed you choose.

Will Medicare cover the adjustable bed?

First, the good news. Medicare Part B will cover the adjustable bed. Now, there is a catch. Both your doctor and the company that actually supplies the bed must be enrolled with Medicare as a health care provider to fit the coverage criteria.

Do you need to own the bed forever? If you need it on a short-term basis you may very well be able to just rent it.

What’s DME?

DME stands for durable medical equipment and includes not only beds but other items such as walkers, wheelchairs, bedside rails, crutches, and oxygen equipment.

What is Medicare’s qualifying diagnosis for a hospital/adjustable bed?

Eligibility for DME coverage under Medicare, including adjustable beds, requires a prescription from your doctor stating that the bed is necessary for medical reasons.

Medicare Parts A and B

What is Medicare Part B? Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. You would be using this type of equipment, or adjustable bed, in your own home, hence it being covered by the outpatient portion.

Let’s take a look at the rates for Part B, which is really the part you’ll need before we learn what the other parts will do for you.

Does Medicare Part A cover emergency room visits? Part A assists in the costs of inpatient/hospital coverage. Part C offers alternative ways for the insured to receive their Medicare benefits. Finally, Part D assists with the cost of prescription drug coverage.

If you have Original Medicare, you might want to check out our guide, What are Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)?

Not too complicated, right? Pretty easy, even. Well, get an even easier start on finding competitive health insurance quotes by typing your ZIP code into our free and helpful tool below.