Does Medicare Cover Hospital Beds?

Medicare typically does cover hospital beds that are deemed medically necessary by a doctor. Medicare Part B typically covers durable medical equipment (DME) such as hospital beds.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can also cover a hospital bed that is deemed medically necessary by your doctor.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may also cover things like home meal delivery and certain home modifications such as bathroom grab bars.

A couple drinks coffee and talks while sitting in bed

How are hospital beds covered under Medicare?

A hospital bed is considered durable medical equipment that your doctor can prescribe for use in your own home.

Medicare Part B medical insurance typically covers a medically-necessary hospital bed when it meets certain requirements, such as:

  • The hospital bed is intended for use in your home
  • The bed is used for specific medical reasons
  • It can be used repeatedly
  • The hospital bed is expected to last for 3 years or more

If the doctor that prescribes your hospital bed and the supplier that provides the bed are both enrolled in Medicare and are “participating” providers, it means they accept Medicare reimbursement as payment in full for the hospital bed.

If your hospital bed supplier doesn’t accept Medicare assignment (they aren’t a participating provider), they could potentially charge you any amount for the bed.

How much does a hospital bed cost with Medicare?

If Medicare covers your hospital bed (and if your provider accepts Medicare assignment), there are some out-of-pocket costs you may need to pay, which may include:

  • Part B deductible

  • Part B coinsurance or copayment
    After you meet your Part B deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor’s services.

    There is no annual limit on how much you could pay for the Part B coinsurance in a given year.

We recommend speaking with your doctor directly for specific cost and coverage information related to your hospital bed.

Medicare Advantage plans can cover some additional costs

Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B).

Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover everything that Part A and Part B covers. This means that if your hospital bed is covered by Original Medicare, it will also be covered by a Medicare Advantage plan.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits, such as:

Starting in 2019, some Medicare Advantage plans may also provide coverage for bathroom grab bars, wheelchair ramps, non-emergency transportation and other services that are designed to help you age in place.

A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans that are available in your area that provide coverage for hospital beds.


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