Medicare may partly pay for a basic hospital bed under the Medicare Part B. There is partial coverage for hospital beds if the user can prove that it is a medical necessity. This is under the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment (DME) policy.
Durable medical equipment is one that can be reused and a hospital bed can be classified under this category. Confirmation of medical necessity must be obtained from a Medicare enrolled doctor. The doctor must also prescribe the same for use at home.
80% of the total approved amount for purchasing the hospital bed will be covered by Medicare. The remaining 20% will be handled by the user. The user can make out-of-pocket payment or with support from an insurer such as Medigap. The user is also expected to meet the Medicare Part B deductible. As at 2019, this fee was $185. The cost of a few bed accessories will also be handled by Medicare. These accessories may include mattress covers and trapeze bars. The accessories are intended to prevent bedsores and falls.
It is possible to rent a home hospital bed instead of making an outright purchase. Medicare will still provide financial assistance if you opt to rent a hospital bed. Under the current Medicare regulation, the bed becomes that of the user after 13 months of rentals.
The total cost of an electric bed will be covered by Medicare. Also, Medicare will only cover the cost of a basic bed. This refers to a shape similar to a twin bed.
For Medicare to pick up part of the bill, the bed must be from a Medicare approved supplier. If you get the bed from an unapproved supplier, Medicare will not pay for it. Medicare enrolled suppliers have Medicare supplier numbers.
The cost of hospital beds may also be covered by Medicare Advantage Plans like PPO or HMO. To know what a specific plan offers, you may have to call your provider because there are variations in plans.
To help you in your search for a hospital bed, we have curated a list of reputable manufacturers.
- Invacare
- Drive
- Medline
- DRE
- Stryker
- Hill-Rom
If you won’t need a home hospital bed for a long time, it makes sense to rent one. This applies to manual, semi-electric, and full electric beds. Home Hospital bed rental is a cost-efficient option for short-term use. The average monthly cost of renting a home hospital bed is between $200 -$500. Mattresses can also be rented. Some hospital bed rental companies charge a small amount for set-up. This fee should be between $50 and $100.
Buying a used home hospital bed
Used home hospital beds are extremely cost saving. It is possible to purchase a used hospital bed for an approximate amount of $300. These purchases can be made on websites like Craigslist and Ebay. However, you should not expect any warranty on such purchases. Some dealers sell refurbished beds. Such a bed will typically come with a 3-month to 1-year warranty. It is easier to find used standard beds than it is to find used bariatric beds.
What is the cost of a home hospital bed?
The price of a home hospital bed ranges from $500 to $10,000 depending on size and features.
Payment Options & Financial Assistance
Medicaid
This is a joint state and federal program. Medicaid is run differently in various states. Each state runs the scheme as they see fit based on the rules and regulations outlined by the federal government on DME’s. There is a Medicaid State plan for each state in the country. There is a provision for assisting seniors avoid nursing home placement in these state plans. So, Medicaid covers the cost of DME such as hospital bed as long as it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor.
State Funded, Non-Medicaid Programs
Non-Medicaid assistance is on offer in some states. This assistance makes it easier to obtain durable medical equipment for seniors and low-income earners.
Nonprofits and charities
This is largely dependent on your area of residence. You may be fortunate to find charitable organizations and nonprofits that loan or gift home hospital beds to those in need. One example of such is the Muscular Dystrophy Association known for its equipment loan program.
Veterans Options
Veterans enjoy medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits include coverage for durable medical equipment such as home hospital beds. However, this is subject to confirmation from a doctor or physician that it is a medical necessity.