Medicare Coverage for Home Medical Equipment: What’s Included and How to Get It

When you need help moving around at home, Medicare coverage, a U.S. federal health program for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. Also known as Medicare Part B, it can pay for durable medical equipment, devices like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and lift chairs that are medically necessary and used at home. But it doesn’t cover everything—and getting approved isn’t automatic.

You need a doctor prescription for lift chair, a written order from your healthcare provider confirming you have a mobility-limiting condition like severe arthritis, Parkinson’s, or muscle weakness. The same goes for Medicare bed coverage, which applies to hospital-style or adjustable beds that help with positioning, breathing, or preventing pressure sores. Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved cost after you meet your Part B deductible. The rest is your responsibility, unless you have supplemental insurance.

What you can’t get covered? Fancy beds with massage features, mattresses sold as "comfort upgrades," or equipment bought from non-Medicare-approved suppliers. You also need to rent or buy from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Many people miss this step and end up paying full price because they bought from a regular furniture store or online retailer that doesn’t handle Medicare billing.

It’s not just about the equipment—it’s about the documentation. Your doctor must note your diagnosis, explain why the equipment is needed, and confirm you can’t manage without it. No vague statements like "might help." They need specifics: "patient unable to stand from standard chair without assistance due to bilateral hip osteoarthritis. Lift chair reduces fall risk and enables independent mobility."

Once you have that, the supplier handles the rest—submitting claims, verifying eligibility, and delivering the item. You won’t get reimbursed retroactively if you buy first and ask later. That’s why so many seniors end up paying out of pocket: they don’t realize the rules until it’s too late.

There’s a reason these rules exist. Medicare isn’t a home improvement fund. It’s meant to support medical needs that affect safety, independence, and health outcomes. A lift chair isn’t a luxury—it’s a fall prevention tool. A hospital bed isn’t a comfort item—it’s a pressure ulcer prevention device. When you understand that distinction, the process makes more sense.

Below, you’ll find real guides from homeowners and caregivers who’ve walked through this exact process. They’ve shared what worked, what didn’t, and the small details that made all the difference—from how to talk to your doctor to which suppliers actually respond to Medicare calls. Whether you’re looking at a lift chair, a hospital bed, or just trying to figure out what’s even covered, these posts give you the no-fluff, step-by-step truth.