Yes! Medicare’s Part B benefits cover adjustable beds. This section covers DME (durable medical equipment), of which adjustable beds are part. But it’s important to note that Medicare only covers 80% of the bed’s cost if you meet your Part B deductible. You can’t just get any bed, and you must meet specific requirements.
If you have certain medical conditions, like paraplegia or a broken hip, an adjustable bed can enhance your comfort and reduce further injury.
What Kind of Adjustable Bed Does Medicare Cover?
An adjustable bed falls under the DME (Durable medical equipment) category if it adjusts from the head or foot, letting you elevate different body parts as needed. It should also have side rails you can lower or raise.
Requirements for Medicare Coverage
- Your condition requires special positioning
- You’ve got a doctor’s prescription recommending an adjustable bed. It must explain the medical necessity of the bed.
- A physician’s report further explains why your medical condition requires a special bed.
- Medical records show that an adjustable bed is a medical necessity.
Which Medical Conditions Require An Adjustable Bed
- Quadriplegia or paraplegia (spinal cord injuries)
- chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)
- Severe arthritis
- Cardiac diseases
- Body pains or certain injuries
Medicare coverage only applies to adjustable beds from suppliers who accept Medicare assignments. You can also rent or buy the bed (Medicare may offer you one of the two options).
Will Medicare Pay for a Full Electric Hospital Bed?
No, Medicare doesn’t cover full electric hospital beds and considers them a convenience device. But you can use an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) to include the cost of the manual lift when buying an electric model. You’ll have to pay the difference.
Will Insurance Pay For An Adjustable Bed?
To be eligible for an adjustable bed under the DME (Durable medical equipment) category, your doctor must write a prescription recommending the bed as a medical necessity. An adjustable bed is a medical necessity if you need positioning to promote body alignment or relieve pain.
Which Adjustable Beds Are Covered By Medicare?
Medicare-approved adjustable beds include basic hospital beds (Medicare Part B). If extra items are medically necessary, they may also be covered. Basic coverage doesn’t include beds with electrical power, adjustable heights, or side rails. But if your doctor adds them to the prescription, you may get paid part of the cost.
Certain beds and extras are included in the DME category as they are medically necessary. This means you may get partial or full coverage. These extras include:
- Air-fluidized beds
- Mattress pads
- Dry, water, or air pressure pads for regular mattresses
- Heavy-duty, extra-wide hospital beds (350 to 600lbs)
Does Medicare Cover Sleep Number Beds?
Medicare doesn’t cover beds it considers convenience devices, and Sleep Number beds fall in this category. You have to pay for this type of bed out of your own pocket.
An adjustable bed can be used temporarily or for long-term use. Consult your doctor beforehand to determine if you qualify for Medicare Part B benefits. Then, utilize your benefits.
Alice is a writer and editor for Gainful Retirement. She is passionate about helping retirees live fulfilling lives without financial constraints. She puts a lot of time and effort conducting market research to identify common issues faced by retirees. Her passion is to help you enjoy retirement and solve the most pressing issues you face.