Is it possible to acquire a Medicare-approved adjustable bed?

Like a hospital bed, an adjustable bed is covered by Medicare, but there are a few requirements to meet first.

Is it true that Medicare covers adjustable beds?

Outpatient medical costs, such as durable medical equipment, are covered by Medicare. This also includes adjustable beds.

Depending on the type of bed you require and the provider, you may be able to:

• rent the bed
• purchase the best adjustable bed for seniors
• choose between rental or purchase

When does Medicare have to cost adjustable beds?

When you have a specific medical need for an adjustable bed, Medicare will cover it. Within 6 months of your doctor placing the order for the bed, you must have a face-to-face visit with your doctor or provider.

It would be best if you met the following criteria to be considered for coverage:

• a condition that requires special equipment or positioning not possible with a standard bed
• a prescription from your doctor for an adjustable bed that describes your medical condition and why it requires an adjustable bed
• medical records that support the need for an adjustable bed
• physician reports that detail the medical condition for which an adjustable bed is needed

What kind of adjustable beds are included?

In general, Medicare covers basic hospital beds, but you have various alternatives, exclusions, and extras if your doctor feels they’re required. Adjustable height features, an electric-powered bed, and side rails, for example, aren’t included in the base plan, but they can be added if your doctor authorizes them. There may still be coverage limits, but Medicare will cover at least a portion of the cost if these additions are necessary for your illness.

Medicare also covers extras for mattresses or bedding goods. The following is a list of particular covered products from the durable medical equipment list: 

• gel or gel-like pressure mattress pad
• synthetic sheepskin pad
• lambswool sheepskin pad
• air-fluidized bed
• air pressure pad for a standard mattress
• water pressure pad for a standard mattress
• dry pressure pad for a standard mattress
• fixed-height hospital bed — with or without side rails, with or without a mattress
• variable-height hospital bed — with or without side rails, with or without a mattress
• semi-electric hospital bed with head and foot adjustment — with or without side rails, with or without a mattress
• total electric hospital bed with head, foot, and height adjustment — with or without side rails, with or without a mattress
• heavy-duty, extra-wide hospital bed with side rails with weight capacities of 350 to 600 pounds, or greater than 600 pounds — without or without a mattress
• hospital-grade, fully enclosed pediatric crib.

The takeaway

• Medicare will cover much of the cost of an adjustable bed if your doctor orders it for a specific, permitted need.
• Extras or add-ons might not be covered; instead, you could pay out of pocket for these costs or use supplemental insurance to help pay for your share.