To get Medicare to cover the cost of a hospital bed, the patient must first enroll in Medicare Part B, advises Medicare.gov. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved cost of hospital beds that are prescribed by Medicare-enrolled physicians and supplied by Medicare-enrolled suppliers.
In addition, to qualify for Medicare coverage of a hospital bed, the patient must have a medical reason for needing it, as indicated by the prescribing physician, indicates Medicare.gov. Durability is also a requirement, and the bed is only for use in the home. Medicare Part B covers the cost of total electric and semi-electric hospital beds, as well as manually adjustable hospital beds.
Medicare does not pay claims received from unapproved providers or suppliers, explains Medicare.gov. Interested persons must confirm Medicare enrollment status with the prescribing doctor and supplier prior to purchasing or renting a hospital bed.
Based on the type of equipment prescribed, Medicare may require the patient to either rent or buy it, notes Medicare.gov. In some circumstances, the patient may have the option to rent or buy the equipment. Whether the equipment is rented or purchased, the patient is responsible for the remaining 20 percent of the cost not covered by Medicare. The Medicare Part B deductible also applies.
