Does Medicare Cover Adjustable Beds?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will cover adjustable hospital beds if you satisfy certain conditions. A physician must also prescribe the bed and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) generally provides the same basic coverage.

The term “adjustable bed” refers to any bed that can change position rather than staying completely flat. These beds let you raise or lower different sections to address specific needs. A common example is a hospital bed that can elevate the head or foot sections.

Medicare Part B includes coverage for adjustable hospital beds, though it does not always pay to buy one outright. In many cases Medicare will cover a rental or loan for as long as you require the bed. Keep reading to learn how Medicare’s coverage for adjustable hospital beds works.

2026 Medicare updates

We are updating this piece to reflect 2026 pricing and policy modifications.

Learn more about upcoming updates: Open Enrollment for Medicare: Key Changes to Know About Your Plan

Does Medicare cover adjustable beds?

Medicare covers adjustable hospital beds under Part B. Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical expenses, which includes durable medical equipment (DME) such as adjustable hospital beds.

Part B will pay for an adjustable hospital bed when a physician prescribes it for use at home. For Part B to pay, both your doctor and the supplier providing the bed must be enrolled Medicare providers.

Depending on the type of bed and the supplier’s policies, you might be able to:

• rent the bed
• purchase the bed
• select either rental or purchase

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you receive the core benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional allowances for certain equipment or services.

When does Medicare cover adjustable beds?

Medicare covers an adjustable hospital bed only when there’s a specific medical need. You must have an in-person visit with your physician or provider within six months before the doctor’s order for the bed.

You must also be enrolled in Medicare Part B, part of Original Medicare, for coverage of an adjustable hospital bed or other DME.

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• a medical condition that requires specialized positioning or support not achievable with a standard bed
• a physician’s prescription specifying your diagnosis and explaining why an adjustable hospital bed is necessary
• medical documentation that supports the need for the adjustable bed
• physician notes that detail the health issue for which the bed is required

Examples of conditions that may justify an adjustable hospital bed include:

• conditions needing frequent body repositioning for pain relief, contracture prevention, or alignment issues
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegia or paraplegia
• severe arthritis or traumatic injuries

What adjustable beds will Medicare cover?

Medicare covers basic hospital beds, and additional items or modifications may be covered if your doctor deems them necessary.

Features like adjustable height, electric motors, or side rails are not included in the basic benefit but can be added when ordered by your physician. Coverage for these add-ons can be limited, but Medicare will typically pay at least part if they’re medically necessary.

Medicare-approved mattress and bed suppliers in your area

To find suppliers that accept assignment in your area, search the supplier directory on Medicare.gov.

Medicare also covers certain bedding accessories. The following bedding items appear on the DME list of 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 and mattress
• variable-height hospital bed — with or without side rails and mattress
• semi-electric hospital bed with head and foot adjustment — with or without side rails and mattress
• fully electric hospital bed with head, foot, and height adjustments — with or without side rails and mattress
• heavy-duty, extra-wide hospital bed with side rails for weight capacities from 350 to 600 pounds, or exceeding 600 pounds — with or without mattress
• hospital-grade, fully enclosed pediatric crib
• safety enclosure frame/canopy for use with a hospital bed

How much does the average adjustable bed cost?

Price for an adjustable hospital bed varies based on several factors, including:

• the model
• available options and accessories
• the supplier
• any extra insurance coverage you carry

Typical prices for hospital beds span from about $500 to around $10,000. Some high-end models, like ICU-style beds, are usually rentable only. You may find vendors who refurbish used beds for sale or rent.

If the supplier accepts Medicare assignment, Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount and you’re responsible for the remaining 20%, plus any Part B deductible.

With a Part C plan, a private insurer manages your benefits, so your premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance depend on that particular plan. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported an average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans of about $17.00 in 2025.

Remember, to stay enrolled in a Part C plan you still must pay the Part B premium, though some Medicare Advantage plans may cover all or part of your Part B premium.

Frequently asked questions

Can a doctor prescribe an adjustable bed?

Yes. A physician can prescribe an adjustable hospital bed. To obtain Medicare Part B coverage for an adjustable bed, you need a prescription from a doctor who accepts Medicare.

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

Medicare will cover a new adjustable hospital bed if a Medicare-approved doctor prescribes it and the bed is medically necessary.

Does Medicare pay for a Tempur-Pedic bed?

Medicare may cover part of the cost of an adjustable Tempur-Pedic hospital bed if you meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Will Medicare pay for a queen-size adjustable bed?

Medicare will not cover a standard adjustable bed simply because of its size. Coverage is limited to adjustable hospital beds deemed medically necessary.

Takeaway

Medicare Part B can cover a large portion of the cost for an adjustable hospital bed when a physician prescribes it for a specific, allowable medical reason. Medicare Advantage (Part C) generally provides the same baseline coverage, though extras and upgrades may not be included.

If you need help affording an adjustable hospital bed, consider local nonprofits that might donate equipment. You could also look into pairing Original Medicare with a Medigap policy or checking eligibility for Medicaid. For related information on coverage for surgical procedures that might affect your need for a bed, see does medicare cover back surgery.