Medical Coverage: What Medicare Pays For and How to Get Approved

When you need help moving around at home, medical coverage, the part of health insurance that pays for equipment needed for daily living. Also known as durable medical equipment coverage, it’s not about doctor visits—it’s about getting the right tools to stay safe and independent. Think lift chairs, hospital beds, walkers, or even special mattresses. These aren’t luxuries. For many seniors or people with mobility issues, they’re necessities.

Medicare Part B covers certain items if your doctor says they’re medically necessary. That’s the key phrase: medically necessary. It doesn’t mean your doctor just writes a note. You need documented proof—like a diagnosis of arthritis, Parkinson’s, or severe joint pain—that makes moving from a regular chair or bed dangerous. Lift chair prescription, a formal request from a licensed provider for a chair that helps you stand up safely isn’t optional paperwork. It’s the only way Medicare will pay up to 80% of the cost. Same goes for hospital bed coverage, Medicare’s reimbursement for beds that adjust height, tilt, or split for medical needs. You can’t just buy one online and expect a refund. The equipment must be rented or bought from a Medicare-approved supplier, and your doctor must re-certify the need every 12 months.

Most people assume medical coverage means pills and scans. But the real value shows up in the home. A lift chair isn’t just a chair—it’s a way to avoid falls. A hospital bed isn’t just a bed—it’s a way to sleep without pain. These aren’t fancy gadgets. They’re tools that let people live at home instead of moving to a facility. And yes, the paperwork is a hassle. But if you’ve got the right diagnosis and the right supplier, the system works. You don’t need to pay full price for gear that could cost thousands. Medicare’s there to help—if you know how to ask.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been through this. From how to get a lift chair approved to what beds Medicare actually covers, these posts cut through the confusion. No fluff. Just what you need to know to get what you’re entitled to.