Medicare Bed Coverage: What’s Covered and How to Get Approved
When you need a special bed or lift chair because of a mobility issue, Medicare bed coverage, the part of Medicare that pays for certain medical equipment needed at home. Also known as durable medical equipment (DME) coverage, it helps cover items like hospital beds, lift chairs, and adjustable bases—but only if they’re medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. This isn’t about fancy mattresses or luxury sleep systems. It’s about equipment that helps you get in and out of bed safely, reduces pain, or prevents falls.
Medicare doesn’t cover every type of bed. Lift chairs, a type of recliner with a motorized lift mechanism to help users stand up. Also known as power lift recliners, they’re one of the most common items approved under this program. If you have arthritis, Parkinson’s, severe joint pain, or muscle weakness, a doctor can write a prescription for one. Medicare will then cover up to 80% of the cost after you meet your Part B deductible. But here’s the catch: the chair must be rented or bought from a supplier that accepts Medicare assignment. And you’ll need a detailed note from your doctor explaining why you need it—not just that you’re older or tired.
Same goes for hospital beds. If you need to elevate your head or legs for breathing issues, pressure sore prevention, or circulation problems, Medicare may cover a basic adjustable bed. But it won’t pay for extra features like massage functions, memory foam, or built-in Bluetooth speakers. The focus is strictly on function, not comfort. You also can’t just order one online and expect reimbursement—you have to go through the right channels. That means working with a Medicare-approved DME supplier, getting the right forms signed, and keeping copies of everything.
Many people assume Medicare covers everything medical. It doesn’t. And many doctors don’t know the exact rules either. That’s why so many people get denied—even when they clearly need the equipment. The key is documentation. Your doctor must state your diagnosis, how the equipment helps, and why alternatives like walkers or grab bars won’t work. Medicare reviews these cases case by case. No blanket approvals.
You’re not alone in navigating this. Thousands of seniors and caregivers face the same confusion every year. The good news? If you follow the steps and have the right paperwork, approval is common. The posts below show real examples of what people have gotten covered, what trips them up, and how to avoid the most frequent mistakes. You’ll find guides on doctor letters, supplier red flags, what to do if you’re denied, and how to appeal. Whether you’re helping a parent, a spouse, or yourself, this collection gives you the clear, no-fluff facts you need to get what you’re entitled to.
