For many families, waiting for Medicare approval can be slow, restrictive, and stressful. That’s why buying a certified refurbished hospital bed is often a smarter choice: it provides immediate access, long-term savings, and access to higher-quality models that Medicare may not cover.
In this guide, we’ll explain Medicare hospital bed coverage, including eligibility, requirements, limitations, and costs then show you when buying a refurbished hospital bed makes sense.
Medicare Basics: What’s Covered
Hospital beds fall under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) category in Medicare Part B. DME includes items prescribed by a doctor for medical use at home. Hospital beds qualify, but coverage is not automatic patients must meet certain criteria.
Medicare’s General Coverage Requirements
- Medical Necessity – The bed must be required for a specific medical condition.
- Doctor’s Prescription – A licensed provider must submit documentation explaining why the patient cannot use a standard bed.
- Approved Supplier – The bed must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier.
What Types of Beds Medicare Covers
Medicare typically covers only basic semi-electric hospital beds, which allow the head and foot sections to be raised with a motor.
More advanced options such as full-electric beds, bariatric models, or pressure-relief mattresses are generally not covered unless additional documentation proves medical necessity.
Medicare Requirements for Hospital Bed Coverage
To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, patients must meet strict criteria.
- Doctor’s Prescription: Your physician must write a prescription explaining why a hospital bed is medically necessary.
-
Qualifying Medical Conditions:
- Mobility limitations or paralysis.
- Chronic illnesses requiring frequent repositioning.
- Conditions that make standard beds unsafe or painful.
- Supplier Approval: Only Medicare-approved DME suppliers can provide covered beds.
- Rental First: Medicare typically rents the hospital bed rather than allowing outright purchase.
- Coverage Limits:
- Usually only standard or semi-electric models.
- Luxury features like advanced positioning, built-in scales, or low-height frames often require out-of-pocket payment.
What Medicare Will Pay (and won’t)
Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. Patients are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance, plus any applicable deductible.
Covered: Basic semi-electric hospital beds, standard mattresses, manual height adjustments.
Not Covered (without justification):
- Full-electric beds
- Bariatric beds
- Low beds
- Specialty mattresses or overlays
- Premium accessories
Example:
If a semi-electric hospital bed costs $1,500 (Medicare-approved):
- Medicare pays $1,200 (80%).
- Patient pays $300 (20% coinsurance).
- Any upgrades are out-of-pocket.
Challenges With Relying on Medicare
Medicare coverage comes with limitations:
- Delays – Approval, prescription, and delivery can take weeks.
- Limited Choice – Only standard models may be covered.
- Rental Restrictions – Ownership is limited until the rental period ends.
- Hidden Costs – Accessories or specialty mattresses may require out-of-pocket payments.
These factors make buying a hospital bed a practical solution for families needing flexibility, comfort, or faster access.
When Buying a Hospital Bed Makes Sense.
- Immediate Need – Avoid Medicare delays.
- Long-Term Use – One-time purchase may be more cost-effective than rental.
- Advanced Features – Full-electric, low beds, or specialty mattresses for safety and comfort.
- Caregiver Convenience – Adjustable beds reduce strain.
- Reliability – Ownership ensures unrestricted use.
Why Refurbished Hospital Beds Are a Smart Option
New hospital beds can cost $8,000–$25,000. Certified refurbished beds provide the same reliability at a fraction of the price.
By choosing certified refurbished hospital beds, buyers benefit from:
- Cost Savings – 40–70% less than new.
- Quality Assurance – Sanitized, inspected, and tested.
- Warranty Protection – Most include 1 year coverage.
- Access to Premium Brands – Hill-Rom and Stryker models are often available.
- Nationwide Delivery.
See our detailed guide on how much refurbished hospital beds can cost.
Medicare vs. Buying: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Medicare Coverage | Buying Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 20% coinsurance + deductible | One-time payment, often cheaper long-term |
| Availability | Standard semi-electric only | Full-electric, low beds, specialty mattresses |
| Timeline | Weeks for approval & delivery | Immediate access |
| Ownership | Usually rental | Full ownership |
| Warranty | None from Medicare | Included with certified refurbished beds |
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Consider the following factors:
Short-Term vs Long-Term Needs
- Short recovery → Medicare rental may suffice.
- Chronic illness → Buying is more cost-effective.
Budget Considerations
- Medicare involves coinsurance/deductibles.
- Certified refurbished beds can be cheaper long-term.
Comfort & Safety
- Advanced beds improve comfort and reduce fall risks.
- Medicare often covers only semi-electric basics.
Caregiver Convenience
- Height adjustment and positioning motors reduce strain.
Additional Tips for Buying a Hospital Bed
- Check Supplier Credentials – Work with certified refurbishers.
- Verify Specifications – Weight capacity, mattress, motor functions.
- Ask About Warranty – At least 1-year coverage recommended.
- Delivery & Setup – White-glove service ensures proper installation.
- Consider Accessories – Side rails, trapeze bars, and pressure-relief mattresses enhance safety.
Conclusion
Medicare helps families access hospital beds but has strict requirements, rental limitations, and coverage gaps. For many, buying a certified refurbished hospital bed is faster, more flexible, and cost-effective especially for long-term care or advanced comfort features. For more on cost, safety, and buying options, read our full refurbished hospital bed guide.
At All Medical Beds, we connect buyers with certified refurbishers to provide hospital-grade beds from Hill-Rom and Stryker, all inspected, sanitized, tested, and backed by a warranty. Nationwide delivery ensures your bed arrives ready to use, giving families peace of mind and immediate access to safe, high-quality care at home.
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