Can you get a bed through Medicaid?

Asked by: Dr. Elwyn Boehm PhD  |  Last update: May 25, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (8 votes)

Obtaining an adjustable bed for home use through Medicaid coverage may be possible under certain conditions. Understanding Medicaid's eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and the medical necessity evaluation process is key when seeking coverage.

What kind of bed will Medicaid pay for?

Unlike Medicare, a federal program available to all people 65 and older, Medicaid is a joint federal and state-level program for people with qualifying income needs. If you meet the criteria in your state, you may use Medicaid to partially pay for a hospital-grade adjustable bed.

How do you qualify for a medical bed?

You MUST meet medical criteria for a hospital bed to be covered. Some of the main criteria are: Need head of bed elevated to 35 degrees to facilitate breathing for someone with congestive heart failure. Have skin breakdown and need bed to facilitate turning and changing position.

What will Medicaid not pay for?

Non-Prescription Drugs and Health Supplements

In many states, Medicaid won't pay for non-prescription drugs, such as painkillers, over-the-counter allergy medicine, and cold remedies. These medicines are available for everyone to buy and aren't covered under insurance programs.

How to get a free bed from Medicare?

Medicare will cover a portion of the rental or purchase of adjustable beds, provided a doctor prescribes the bed as medically necessary. A person must ensure that their doctor and the bed supplier accept Medicare assignment to receive the maximum coverage.

How To Get A Hospital Bed Through Medicaid? - CountyOffice.org

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Can a doctor write a prescription for a bed?

Your doctor must provide a prescription confirming that the mattress is medically necessary for your condition, treatment, and recovery. The bed must be classified as durable medical equipment (DME) to be eligible for coverage.

Where can I get a new bed for free?

Nonprofits and charitable organizations such as Catholic Charities, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and more can assist with furniture vouchers. To qualify for furniture vouchers, eligible low-income applicants are usually: Formerly homeless and now residing in a home.

Why do doctors refuse Medicaid?

One reason is that reimbursement rates for Medicaid are lower than for Medicare or commercial insurance. Another (often overlooked) factor, however, is physician's risk of payment denials and the administrative hassle they face trying to get reimbursed by Medicaid.

What does Medicaid cover for adults?

Mandatory benefits include services including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services, among others. Optional benefits include services including prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

What are the disadvantages of having Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid
  • Lower reimbursements and reduced revenue. Every medical practice needs to make a profit to stay in business, but medical practices that have a large Medicaid patient base tend to be less profitable. ...
  • Administrative overhead. ...
  • Extensive patient base. ...
  • Medicaid can help get new practices established.

What kind of bed will Medicare pay for?

As a general rule, Medicare Part B will cover basic hospital beds. However, additional items may also be covered if your doctor says that they are medically necessary. Beds with adjustable heights, side rails, and electrically-powered beds are not part of Medicare's basic coverage.

How can I get a hospital bed for free?

Among the most well-known providers of free medical equipment for seniors are Medicare and Medicaid. For seniors who meet the eligibility requirements, these government programs offer vital medical supplies like hospital beds for home use, wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen equipment.

Can you be prescribed a bed?

Qualifying for a hospital bed can depend on the severity and frequency of the symptoms that necessitate an adjustable model. If the reason for needing a hospital bed is that the patient's condition requires frequent repositioning, the prescription and documentation must describe the medical condition.

What is a Medicaid bed?

A "Medicaid bed" refers to the beds in a skilled nursing facility designated for residents whose care will be covered by Medicaid. Some facilities have all Medicaid beds, while others may have some beds dedicated to residents who pay for their care out of pocket (private pay).

Are sleep safe beds covered by Medicaid?

As Durable Medical Equipment, most SleepSafe® Beds are covered by Medicaid and private insurance. We do not sell directly to insurance companies. For Insurance coverage, customers work with their Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider.

Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for an adjustable bed?

What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.

What is not covered by Medicaid?

Medicaid coverage can vary from state to state, but here are some common services and items that are typically not covered: Elective cosmetic procedures: Cosmetic surgeries and procedures, such as cosmetic dentistry and non-medical weight loss procedures, that are not medically necessary are typically not covered.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

What items does Medicaid cover?

Mandatory Medicaid benefits:
  • Inpatient hospital services.
  • Outpatient hospital services.
  • Early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment services (EPSDT)
  • Nursing facility services.
  • Home health services.
  • Physician services.
  • Rural health clinic services.
  • Federally qualified health center services.

Who gets denied Medicaid?

The most common reason an applicant is denied Medicaid is income or assets above the eligibility criteria. In most states in 2025, an applicant's monthly income must be less than $2,901/month, and their assets (including money in bank accounts) must be less than $2,000.

Do most doctors accept Medicaid?

This gap was much larger in some states than others. For example, in New Jersey, Florida, Louisiana, and California, physicians were more than 30 percentage-points less likely to accept new patients with Medicaid coverage than those with private insurance.

Why can't everyone get Medicaid?

Whether you qualify for Medicaid coverage depends partly on whether your state has expanded its program. In all states: You can qualify for Medicaid based on income, household size, disability, family status, and other factors. Eligibility rules differ between states.

Can I get a free mattress from Medicare?

Medicare typically does not cover standard mattresses, as they are not considered durable medical equipment. However, Medicare may cover certain types of specialized mattresses, like hospital bed mattresses or pressure-reducing support surfaces, if they are deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

What is the average cost of a new bed?

The four most common mattress types are foam, innerspring, latex and hybrid. An innerspring mattress costs $850 on average for a queen size. A foam mattress will cost you an average of $1,500 for a queen size. A latex mattress averages at right around $1,500 for a queen.

Will Medicaid pay for a mattress?

A hospital bed is classified as DME and covered under Medicare and Medicaid if you meet their eligibility criteria. Medicare-approved beds and mattresses can cost between $500 to $30,000 and above. The cost of the bed depends on the type of bed needed, the deductible, and whether you buy or rent the mattress.