Does Medicare Cover a Hospital bed?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers a hospital bed for home use when your doctor documents a medical condition requiring positioning that a regular bed can't provide. The bed is rented; ownership transfers after 13 months of continuous rental.
Who qualifies
- Your doctor documents that you need positioning of the body (head/feet elevation, frequent repositioning) that a regular bed can't provide.
- Examples: severe cardiac/pulmonary issues requiring head elevation, conditions requiring frequent repositioning to prevent ulcers, traction equipment use, or quadriplegia/paraplegia where the bed enables care.
- You're using a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
Qualifying conditions
- Severe cardiac conditions requiring head elevation > 30°
- Chronic pulmonary disease with positional dyspnea
- Need for traction equipment that only attaches to a hospital bed
- Quadriplegia, paraplegia, or other conditions requiring frequent repositioning to prevent decubitus ulcers
What it costs
- 20% coinsurance on monthly rental after the deductible.
- 13-month rental cap; ownership transfers afterward.
- Variable-height or fully electric beds require additional documentation beyond a basic semi-electric bed.
- Mattress and side rails are typically billed separately.
Check if you qualify
Step 1 of 2Takes about 60 seconds. We'll show you what your plan covers and connect you with a supplier if you qualify for Hospital bed.
Prior authorization timeline
No prior auth required for standard semi-electric beds; documentation must support medical necessity at the time of order.
Frequently asked
Will Medicare cover an electric or fully adjustable bed?
Medicare covers semi-electric beds (head and foot elevation electric, height manual) when basic medical need is met. Fully electric beds (where height is also electric) require additional documentation showing why semi-electric isn't sufficient.
Does Medicare cover the mattress?
A standard hospital-bed mattress is included with the bed. Pressure-reducing mattresses (Group 1, 2, or 3 support surfaces) are covered separately when documentation supports the medical need.
Can I get a hospital bed if my elderly parent lives with me?
Coverage is based on the patient's medical needs and home environment, not who owns the home. Your parent qualifies based on their diagnosis; the home must accommodate the bed's space and electrical requirements.