How to get a free bed from Medicare?

Asked by: Myles Kautzer  |  Last update: September 4, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (28 votes)

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.

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 type 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 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.

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.

5 Things Medicare Doesn't Cover (and how to get them covered)

32 related questions found

How do I get Medicare to pay for a new bed?

Medicare has certain guidelines that must be met before the cost of your mattress can be covered. For a start, the mattress needs to qualify as Durable Medical Equipment, or DME. DME is medically necessary equipment prescribed by a doctor to help patients function in their everyday lives.

What diagnosis qualifies for hospital bed?

If the stated reason for the need for a hospital bed is the patient's condition requires positioning, the prescription or other documentation must describe the medical condition, e.g., cardiac disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, quadriplegia or paraplegia, and also the severity and frequency of the symptoms ...

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.

Will Medicare pay for a Tempurpedic mattress?

Will Medicare pay for a Tempur-Pedic mattress? Medicare may cover a Tempur-Pedic mattress if it's deemed medically necessary and meets the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) criteria. This means: Medical Necessity: Your doctor must prescribe the mattress for a specific medical condition.

What is Medicare certified beds?

Certified beds means beds that are counted in a facility that meets medicaid standards. A count of facility beds may differ depending on whether the count is used for certification, licensure, eligibility for medicaid payment formulas, eligibility for waivers, or other purposes.

Will Medicare pay for a sleep number bed?

Medicare may cover part of the cost of a Sleep Number bed, depending on factors such as eligibility and the availability of other adjustable beds. A person can contact Medicare to discuss their coverage.

Can you get a bed through Medicaid?

In most cases State funded Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver Programs, Early & Periodic Screening & Diagnostic Treatment (EPSDT) Benefit and other state funded programs can cover a SleepSafe® Bed when justified as Medically Necessary.

How do I get Medicare to pay for home care?

A doctor or other health care provider (like a nurse practitioner) must assess you face-to-face before certifying that you need home health services. A doctor or other health care provider must order your care, and a Medicare-certified home health agency must provide it.

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.

How much will Medicare pay for a bed?

After an individual has met the Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare will generally cover 80% of the cost of a hospital bed. The Part B deductible in 2024 is $240. This means that once a person has spent more than that amount, they are only responsible for 20% of services, care, and equipment.

How to get a prescription for a mattress?

Medical Necessity: Your doctor must prescribe the mattress as medically necessary for treating or managing a chronic condition. Common conditions that may require a special mattress are bed sores, arthritis, sciatica, chronic pain, back problems or injuries that make getting in and out of bed difficult.

Can a doctor write a prescription for a new mattress?

Prescriptions for mattresses can be written by medical professionals, primarily: Doctors. Osteopaths. Chiropractors.

How much should you pay for a tempurpedic mattress?

Tempur-Adapt: Prices start at $1,699 for a twin and go up to $2,899 for a king. Tempur-ProAdapt: Prices start at $2,899 for a twin and go up to $4,099 for a king. Tempur-LuxeAdapt: Prices start at $3,799 for a twin long and go up to $4,999 for a king.

Can a doctor write a prescription for an adjustable bed?

You need a doctor's prescription to purchase an adjustable bed if you're planning for Medicare or Medicaid to cover part of the cost. If you plan to pay full price for the bed, no prescription is necessary.

How to get a hospital bed for a senior?

More often than not, patients must receive a prescription or recommendation from their doctor to qualify for a hospital bed. If you believe that a homecare hospital bed is the best route for you, it's time to consult your doctor. They can determine whether the bed is necessary and what type of bed will be the best fit.

How much does a freedom bed cost?

In fact, Price found the Freedom Bed to be such a game changer that he bought a second one so he could have one in both his homes — no small feat when one costs upwards of $40,000.

How much do you pay for a hospital bed?

Basic manual hospital beds may start around $500, while semi-electric models range from $1,000 to $2,500. Full electric hospital beds with advanced features like adjustable positions, massage functions, and smart technology can range from $2,500 to over $10,000.

What is a Medicare bed?

Medicare Part B typically covers basic manual and semi-electric hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME) for home use when prescribed by a doctor. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount for covered beds after the deductible is met, if suppliers accept assignment.

Who would take a hospital bed?

If your enclosed hospital bed is still in good and usable condition, there are many options for donation including churches, nursing homes, veterans organizations, medical associations, other hospitals, charities and much more.

What is the code for a hospital bed?

The three HCPCS codes are: E0290 – Hospital bed, fixed height, without side rails, with mattress. E0301 – Hospital bed, heavy duty, extra wide, with weight capacity greater than 350 pounds, but less than or equal to 600 pounds, with any type side rails, without mattress.