Medicare helps pay for a hospital bed in your home when it's medically necessary. Here's how the coverage works.
When does Medicare cover a hospital bed for home?
Medicare Part B covers a hospital bed for home use as durable medical equipment when your doctor documents a medical condition that requires positioning of the body in ways a standard bed cannot provide, or the need for special attachments. Examples include conditions requiring the head of the bed to be raised more than 30 degrees, severe pain relieved only by positioning, or the need for traction equipment. You need a written order and must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Both manual and semi-electric hospital beds can be covered based on your documented needs.
Do you rent or buy a hospital bed, and what does it cost?
Hospital beds are 'capped rental' items: Medicare rents the bed for up to 13 months, after which you own it. After the $283 Part B deductible (2026), Medicare pays 80% of the monthly rental and you pay 20% coinsurance, with no cap in Original Medicare. A Medigap plan can pay that 20% share for the full rental period. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to see how a plan reduces your cost.
How do you get a home hospital bed approved?
Your doctor must complete a face-to-face exam and write an order documenting the specific medical reason a hospital bed is necessary at home. Order from a supplier enrolled in Medicare that accepts assignment to avoid paying the full amount upfront. A licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP can explain the rental rules and how a Medigap plan covers your coinsurance.