Original Medicare (parts A and B) covers adjustable hospital beds if you meet certain criteria. A doctor must also order it from a company that participates in Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers the same coverage.

“Adjustable bed” is a general term for a bed that doesn’t remain flat or stationary. Adjustable beds allow you to move or elevate different parts of the bed to suit certain needs. One example is a hospital bed, which may allow you to elevate the head or foot of the bed.

Medicare Part B covers adjustable hospital beds. However, it may not always cover the purchase of a hospital bed. Sometimes, it may only cover a rental or loan while you need it. Read on to find out how Medicare coverage for adjustable hospital beds works.

Medicare covers adjustable hospital beds under Part B. Medicare Part B pays outpatient medical costs, including for durable medical equipment (DME). This includes adjustable hospital beds.

Part B will cover these beds when your doctor orders one for you to use in your home. But for Part B to cover your adjustable hospital bed, your doctor and the company supplying the bed must be enrolled as Medicare providers.

Depending on the bed you need and the supplier, you might be able to:

  • rent the bed
  • purchase the bed
  • choose between rental or purchase

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C, you’ll have all the basic coverage offered by Original Medicare (parts A and B). Some plans may include additional allowances for certain services or equipment.

Medicare covers an adjustable hospital bed when you have a specific medical need for it. You must have a face-to-face visit with your doctor or provider within six months of your doctor placing the order for the bed.

You must also be enrolled in Medicare Part B, which is part of Original Medicare, to have an adjustable hospital bed or any other durable medical equipment covered.

To be considered for coverage, you must have the following:

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

Some conditions that might cause you to need an adjustable hospital bed include:

Medicare covers basic hospital beds, but your options include several items, exceptions, and additions if your doctor thinks they’re necessary.

For example, adjustable height features, an electric-powered bed, and side rails aren’t part of the basic coverage but can be added if your doctor orders them for you. There may still be coverage limitations, but Medicare does pay at least a portion if these additions are needed for your condition.


Medicare-approved mattress and bed suppliers in your area

You can find out which suppliers in your area accept assignment by searching the database on Medicare.gov.

Medicare also covers several extras for beds or bedding items. The following includes bedding items from the durable medical equipment list of specific covered items:

  • 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 with a mattress
  • hospital-grade, fully enclosed pediatric crib
  • safety enclosure frame/canopy for use with a hospital bed

The cost of an adjustable hospital bed depends on several factors, including:

  • the model
  • options and extras
  • which supplier you choose
  • what additional insurance you may have

Generally, prices for hospital beds range from $500 to as much as $10,000. Some of the most expensive models, like ICU beds, are available for rental only. You may also find suppliers that refurbish used beds and sell them or offer rentals.

If the supplier you choose accepts your Medicare assignment, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the approved amount, and you’ll pay the remaining 20%. You’ll also have to pay your Part B deductible.

If you have a Part C plan, your plan is managed by a private insurer, which means your premium, deductible, and coinsurance depend on your plan. According to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.

In addition, to remain enrolled in a Part C plan, you still have to pay the Part B premium. That said, some Part C may cover your Part B premium.

Yes, your doctor can prescribe an adjustable hospital bed. In fact, to get coverage for an adjustable hospital bed from Medicare Part B, you’ll need a prescription from a doctor who accepts Medicare.

Medicare will pay for a new adjustable hospital bed if your Medicare-approved doctor writes a prescription and it’s medically necessary.

Medicare may partially cover the expense of an adjustable Tempur-Pedic hospital bed if you meet certain eligibility criteria.

Medicare won’t pay for a regular adjustable hospital bed regardless of size. It will only cover adjustable hospital beds when they are medically necessary.

Medicare Part B will cover much of the cost of an adjustable hospital bed if your doctor orders it for a specific, permitted need. Part C will offer equivalent coverage. However, extras or add-ons might not be covered.

If you need assistance with the cost of an adjustable hospital bed, you can explore non-profit organizations in your area to see if they can donate an adjustable hospital bed. Other ways you may get help with costs are by using a Medigap policy with your Original Medicare plan or checking if you might also be eligible for Medicaid.