If you or a loved one needs a hospital bed at home — after surgery, during a long illness, or to manage a chronic condition — one of the first questions is almost always: will Medicare pay for it? The good news is yes, Medicare can cover a hospital bed for home use, but there are specific requirements you need to meet first.
This guide explains exactly what Medicare covers, what you need to qualify, and how the process works — so you can get the right equipment without unexpected costs.
What Is Medicare Part B DME Coverage?
Hospital beds for home use fall under Medicare Part B as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). DME is equipment that is medically necessary, prescribed by a doctor, used in your home, and expected to last at least three years.
Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount once you have met your annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance — unless you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy, which may cover that portion.
Which Types of Hospital Beds Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare recognizes three levels of hospital beds. Coverage depends on your medical condition and what your doctor documents.
| Bed Type | Features | Covered? | When Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Hospital Bed | Adjustable height, manual head/foot | ✔ Yes | Patient needs positioning but can tolerate manual adjustment |
| Semi-Electric Bed | Electric head/foot, manual height | ✔ Yes | Patient requires frequent repositioning for medical reasons |
| Full Electric Bed | All positions electric including height | ✔ Yes | Patient or caregiver cannot manually adjust height |
| Pressure-Reducing Mattress | Foam, gel, or air overlay | ✔ Yes | When medically justified (e.g., wound prevention) |
| Side Rails | Half or full rails | ✔ Yes | When medically necessary for patient safety |
| Luxury / Comfort Beds | Non-medical upgrades | ✘ No | Comfort only — not medically necessary |
Requirements to Qualify for Coverage
To qualify for Medicare coverage on a hospital bed, all of the following must be true:
- You are enrolled in Medicare Part B
- A doctor has written a prescription or order for the hospital bed
- The bed is medically necessary and documented in your medical records
- You will use it in your home — not a hospital or nursing facility
- You purchase or rent from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier
Will Medicare Rent or Buy the Bed?
For most patients, Medicare covers hospital beds through a capped rental program:
Months 1–13: Monthly rental
Medicare pays 80% of the approved monthly rental rate. You pay the remaining 20%, or your Medigap plan covers it.
Month 13: Ownership transfers to you
After 13 continuous months of rental, the bed becomes yours at no additional charge. Medicare may continue covering maintenance and repairs.
Short-term need? Purchase may apply
In some situations, outright purchase is an option. A Medicare-enrolled supplier can advise on what works best for your situation.
How to Get Medicare to Cover a Hospital Bed
Talk to your doctor
Discuss your condition and why a hospital bed is necessary. Your doctor needs to document medical necessity clearly in your records.
Get a written order
Your doctor writes a prescription specifying the bed type — manual, semi-electric, or full electric.
Choose a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier
You must use a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Buying from a non-enrolled supplier means Medicare will not pay, even with a valid prescription.
Supplier submits the claim
The supplier verifies your coverage and submits the claim on your behalf. You pay only your 20% share at delivery.
Bed is delivered and set up in your home
The supplier delivers, assembles, and walks you and your caregiver through the equipment. We deliver throughout Orange County — often same week.
What About Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, hospital beds are generally still covered as DME — but the rules, copays, and network requirements vary by plan. You may need to use a supplier in your plan's DME network, get prior authorization, or pay a different cost-sharing amount.
Always check with your plan before ordering. We're happy to help you work through the details — just give us a call at (714) 868-8544.
What Medicare Will NOT Cover
- No doctor's prescription, or prescription lacks medical necessity documentation
- Purchased from a non-Medicare-enrolled supplier
- For use in a nursing home or long-term care facility
- Comfort or lifestyle purchase with no medical justification
- Your Part B deductible has not yet been met for the year
How Much Will I Pay Out of Pocket?
| Cost Component | What You Pay |
|---|---|
| Part B Annual Deductible (2025) | $257 (once per year) |
| Monthly Rental — Your Share | 20% of Medicare-approved amount |
| With Medigap Supplement | $0 or very low (plan dependent) |
| After Month 13 — Ownership | No further rental payments |
| Covered repairs after ownership | Medicare pays for covered maintenance |
Hospital Beds We Carry at Wellness Medical
We are a local, family-owned medical supply store serving Orange County since 2011. Our hospital beds are in stock and on the floor at our La Palma showroom — you can see them before you commit.
- Full electric hospital beds — adjustable head, foot, and height, from $1,195 (includes mattress and rails)
- Golden Passport portable homecare bed — folds flat for easy storage and transport, great for caregivers
- Pressure-reduction mattresses — foam, gel, and alternating air options
- Side rails, trapeze bars, and accessories
We deliver to La Palma, Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, Fullerton, Cerritos, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and all of Orange County. Every delivery includes professional setup and a full walkthrough for you and your caregiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Medicare Part B covers hospital beds as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when prescribed by a doctor and deemed medically necessary. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20%.
Common qualifying conditions include congestive heart failure, COPD, severe arthritis, post-surgical recovery requiring elevation, pressure ulcer prevention or treatment, and neurological conditions that impair mobility. Your doctor must document the need in writing.
Yes. You need a written order from your treating physician documenting your condition and why a hospital bed is medically necessary. You must also purchase or rent from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
Medicare typically covers hospital beds as a monthly rental through a capped rental program. After 13 continuous months, ownership transfers to you at no additional cost. Medicare may then cover maintenance and repairs.
Yes. Wellness Medical Equipment in La Palma has hospital beds in stock and delivers throughout Orange County, often within the same week. Call (714) 868-8544 to check availability.
At Wellness Medical, full electric hospital beds start at $1,195, including mattress and rails. Rentals start at $295 per month and include delivery and setup throughout Orange County.