What type of hospital bed will Medicare cover?

Medicare covers fixed-height, variable-height, and semi-electric hospital beds depending on medical necessity. A fully electric (total electric) hospital bed may also be covered if your condition requires it. Your doctor's documentation must support the level of bed requested.

How do I get a hospital bed covered by Medicare?

Your doctor must write a prescription stating that a hospital bed is medically necessary. You must then order the bed from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. The supplier will submit the claim to Medicare on your behalf.

Does Medicare rent or purchase the hospital bed?

For most hospital beds, Medicare rents the equipment for the first 13 months. After 13 months of continuous rental, Medicare transfers ownership to you. You are responsible for 20% of the monthly rental fee (after your deductible) each month.

Does Medicare Cover a Hospital Bed at Home? 2026 DME Guide

Q: Does Medicare cover a hospital bed at home?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME) when they are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. You typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible ($257 in 2026).

If you or a family member needs a hospital bed at home due to a medical condition, Medicare Part B may cover the cost as durable medical equipment (DME). Understanding the process — from getting a prescription to choosing a supplier — can save you time and money.

Does Medicare Cover Hospital Beds?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers hospital beds as DME when the following conditions are met:

A doctor prescribes the bed as medically necessary
The bed is for use in your home (not a nursing facility)
You purchase or rent from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier

You will typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your cost-sharing may differ — check your plan's DME benefits.

Bottom line: Medicare Part B covers home hospital beds as long as there is documented medical need and a doctor's prescription.

Types of Hospital Beds Medicare Covers

Bed Type	Coverage	When Required
Fixed-height hospital bed	Covered with standard medical need	Need to change position in bed
Variable-height (hi-lo) hospital bed	Covered when positioning needed	Patient needs to be repositioned frequently
Semi-electric hospital bed	Covered with documented need	Patient unable to manually adjust head/foot
Total electric (fully electric) bed	Covered for severe conditions	Patient completely unable to adjust bed

The type of bed approved depends on the medical documentation your doctor provides. A doctor's note stating general weakness typically supports a variable-height bed; a diagnosis that prevents all self-adjustment supports a semi or fully electric model.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Medicare-Covered Hospital Bed

Talk to your doctor — Explain why you need a hospital bed at home. Your doctor needs to document the medical necessity in your records and write a written order (prescription).
Get a detailed written order — The prescription should include your diagnosis, the type of bed needed, and how long you'll need it.
Find a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier — Use the Medicare Care Compare tool at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find suppliers in your area that are enrolled in Medicare.
Provide your prescription and insurance information — The supplier will verify your Medicare eligibility and submit the claim.
Have the bed delivered and set up — The supplier typically delivers and installs the bed. Ask about mattress coverage too (see below).

Important: If you use a non-enrolled supplier, Medicare will not pay for the bed and you'll be responsible for the full cost. Always confirm the supplier is Medicare-enrolled before ordering.

What About the Mattress?

Medicare typically covers an innerspring or foam mattress as part of the hospital bed benefit. If you need a pressure-relief or air-fluidized mattress (for wound care or severe mobility limitations), your doctor may need to provide additional documentation. Standard mattresses are generally covered without extra paperwork.

Rental vs. Purchase

Medicare uses a capped rental model for most hospital beds:

Medicare pays a monthly rental fee for the first 13 months of continuous use
After 13 months, ownership transfers to you automatically
During the rental period, the supplier is responsible for maintenance and repair
Once you own the bed, Medicare may cover certain repairs

You pay 20% of the monthly rental fee each month (after the Part B deductible). In 2026, monthly rental fees for a standard hospital bed typically run $100–$200, meaning your out-of-pocket cost is roughly $20–$40 per month.

Hospital Beds Under Medicare Advantage

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan covers the same DME benefits as Original Medicare — but your specific cost-sharing (copays, deductibles) may be different. Some Medicare Advantage plans have $0 copays for DME items. Review your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or call member services to confirm your hospital bed cost-sharing.

Questions about DME coverage or finding a Medicare Advantage plan with better DME benefits? A licensed advisor can help — at no cost to you.

Call 1-866-340-3441

Tips to Avoid Delays

Ask your doctor to document your condition thoroughly — vague notes can delay approval
Keep a copy of your prescription and any prior authorization letters
Confirm with the supplier that they accept Medicare assignment (they agree to accept Medicare's payment as full payment, limiting your out-of-pocket)
If denied, you have the right to appeal — ask the supplier for information on the appeals process

Does Medicare Cover a Hospital Bed at Home? A 2026 Guide