Patients about to return home from a hospital stay or their caregivers may be wondering how to get a hospital bed for home. They might also wonder if it's easy (or difficult), and how affordable it is. These are all understandable concerns, especially at a time when you need things to go smoothly.
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The good news is that patients in need of a home hospital bed have various ways of securing an appropriate model. With options both to rent and buy, you can find a bed to suit your needs.
Some people may be able to get some of the cost of a home hospital bed covered by Medicare, but not all home medical equipment suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. In this case, people typically pay upfront for the item and then request reimbursement from their health insurance provider. If you plan to do this, be sure to check with your insurance provider before going ahead with hospital bed purchase or rental.
For the sake of simplicity, it's often best to rent or purchase a hospital bed directly. There are several advantages to obtaining a hospital bed from a specialized HME supply store. If you rent a hospital bed from our Denver, Colorado showroom, for example:
The cost of the bed includes set-up (please note that delivery fees may apply).
Patients can rent a bed for as little as one week.
Long-term rental rates are available for people who wish to rent on a longer-term basis.
Delivery and installation can usually be completed on the same day or next business day as booking.
Hospital beds come under the heading ofdurable medical equipment. DME is equipment designed for long-term medical use at home. However, some patients may not need a hospital bed or any other piece of DME for long-term or permanent use. That's where a rental can be beneficial.
Hospital bed rental can be a great option for families that anticipate needing a hospital bed for less than 20 weeks. Renting doesn't require you to have the total sum of the bed up front, and may save you money over time if the patient's needs are relatively short. Some suppliers will also credit part of your rental cost toward the eventual purchase of the bed. Experts can explain everything you need to know about how to rent a hospital bed and the benefits it can bring you and your family.
Purchasing a hospital bed is usually the best option if you anticipate needing it long-term. Despite the initial cost, it may end up being cheaper in the long run if you require it for more than 20 weeks. The other main benefit of purchasing a bed is the ability to customize it to better fulfill the patient's and caregiver's needs.
Hospital beds can be beneficial for various kinds of people. Hospital beds offer features that make staying in bed more comfortable for the patient and administering care easier for the caregiver.
In a 2021 study, it was reported that hospital beds can reduce the risk to caregivers while performing tasks such as repositioning a patient. As everyday tasks like this are associated with musculoskeletal problems in caregivers, hospital beds are key in protecting the caregiver as well as the patient.
Another study noted the importance of comfort for patient recuperation:
It’s important for patients to feel independent and not totally reliant on the caregiver. Fully electric and semi-electric beds can help with this.
Well-maintained hospital beds help to prevent further discomfort and cross-infections.
If you or a loved one are facing a long period of time in bed after an illness, injury, or surgery, it's well worth considering a home hospital bed for all of the abovementioned reasons.
There are three main types of hospital beds: fully electric, semi-electric, and manual. Though these are the three main categories, different specialty beds cater for specific needs within these categories.
Electric beds allow the patient to control the position and height of the bed with a remote control. Unlike with a manual bed, this gives the patient control over the bed so they don't have to rely on a caregiver to make adjustments.
Apart from giving the patient more independence, electric beds make it much easier for the caregiver to tend to the patient or change the sheets. Depending on the model of the bed, some electric beds may offer a range of positions.
While an electric motor raises and lowers the head and footrest of the bed, a caregiver changes the height of the bed with a crank. This results in a “halfway” option that allows for relative patient independence at a lower cost.
Manual beds are the most economical option, but everything is adjusted using a crank. A manual bed could work well for patients who don't require a lot of adjustment, but patients will generally have less independence.
There are specialized hospital beds designed with specific patients in mind. These are two of the most common:
Bariatric beds are heavy-duty beds that are designed for patients who are overweight or obese. Typically, bariatric hospital beds are wider and sturdier than standard hospital beds.
This type of bed elevates the feet above the level of the head. The Trendelenburg position is primarily a medical position that can be helpful for pelvic surgery. As it carries risks for the patient, this position should only be used under medical advice.
Hospital beds and adjustable beds can both be adjusted to help the patient sit up or raise their feet. However, hospital beds also move up and down on the vertical plane whereas adjustable beds typically don’t. If the patient will require a caregiver to help them transfer in and out of bed, a hospital bed is preferable to take pressure off the caregiver’s back.
When facing a long-term or chronic illness that requires a hospital bed at home, purchasing a hospital bed for home use could be a great choice. With many choices other than the standard hospital bed, patients can easily find a model to suit their preferences and needs.
For shorter-term recuperation after illness or surgery, renting hospital beds will be the most cost-effective option. Hospital bed rental gives you the flexibility to choose the bed that best suits your needs for precisely the amount of time you need it.
If you suffer from body aches and pains, you can get a bed specifically built to address your health conditions. Such beds use advanced technology and expertise, and often come with advanced features, making them a pricey option.
One way you can save money on a specialized mattress is if your insurance covers such a bed.
Currently, Medicare covers the cost of certain types of mattresses subject to their guidelines. In other words, it must be a Medicare approved mattress for a medical purpose. In such a case, you need to pay a nominal amount to get the best mattress for your medical situation.
Does Your Mattress Qualify for Medicare Coverage?
Medicare Part B can cover a variety of mattresses. If you subscribe to Medicare, and want them to cover your mattress cost, you must conform to the following guidelines.
What Part of Medicare Covers Mattresses and Beds?
Medicare Part B provides coverage for the cost of mattresses and beds used at home by patients for medical use.
To get insurance coverage, the mattresses covered must qualify as durable medical equipment (DME).
What is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
Durable medical equipment (DME) is medically essential equipment, like a hospital bed, prescribed by a medical practitioner to assist patients in functioning in their everyday lives. The medical supplies must be used at home by the patients. DME includes equipment like oxygen equipment, crutches, and hospital beds.
What Mattresses are Covered Under Medicare?
Medicare Part B does not cover all types of mattresses. However, you can get covered by Medicare only if you and your doctor is enrolled in Medicare.
You must get the bed and mattresses from Medicare approved suppliers. The mattresses covered by Medicare are:
Where Medicare approves your new mattress or hospital bed as durable medical equipment, you must pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and the deductible. At the same time, Part B will cover the rest of the cost.
To get covered by Medicare under Part B, your mattress needs to fulfill certain criteria:
Medicare Part B can also provide additional factors specifying whether you can rent or buy the mattress, or choose between the two options.
Does Insurance Cover Orthopedic Mattresses for Back Pain?
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If you suffer from arthritis or sciatica, and your doctor has prescribed an orthopedic bed or hospital bed to alleviate back pain and discomfort, you can get the mattress cost covered under Medicare or a private insurance company.
Two types of orthopedic mattresses can be covered by insurance. They are:
A medical insurance company shall cover the mattress cost where:
The orthopedic mattress can get covered by Medicare if it is qualified as a DME, and considered an essential part of the patient’s life.
Can PlushBeds’ Mattress Qualify for Insurance Coverage?
A PlushBeds mattress can be an excellent choice for people suffering from back pain and other orthopedic problems. The Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress from PlushBeds comes with recommendations from chiropractors and orthopedic doctors for providing comfort, support and superior pressure relief to the sleeper.
The organic latex mattress is built with 100% organic latex that offers superior pressure relief while improving circulation. The premium latex bed would reduce stress, and alleviate pain while reducing the amount of pressure on the hips, shoulders, and joints.
Your doctor can prescribe the mattress for treating and managing spinal and back pain issues and reducing pressure. Before covering your PlushBeds mattress, Medicare requires your doctor to provide the necessary documents to vouch for its necessity of relieving your pain issues.
While PlushBeds' mattress is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, and BCBS, private insurance companies can exercise discretion before extending such medical coverage.
Does Medicare Cover a Pressure Relief Mattress?
Pressure relief mattresses are prescribed for immobile patients, and those bedridden due to injuries. Some patients may develop pressure ulcers or sores with the increase of pressure in the patient’s skin and joints during the long period of immobility. Seniors can also try pressure-reducing Medicare approved mattresses to improve their sleep quality.
A pressure relief mattress is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, BCBS insurance, and possibly others. To get the Medicare approved amount, a person must provide proof of immobility or injury that causes them to be bedridden.
Will Medicaid Cover Adjustable Beds?
Patients with medical conditions like paraplegia or a broken hip can get Medicaid coverage for an adjustable bed if it is necessary to provide greater comfort and limit injury risk.
To be covered, the adjustable bed must be classified as a DME. An adjustable bed can qualify as a DME only when —
Medicare allows the cost of the necessary modifications on an adjustable bed to reduce pressure.
Some of the modifications covered under Medicare are:
To be eligible for Medicare coverage, the adjustable bed must be prescribed by the doctor’s office as necessary to treat the problem.
An adjustable bed is considered a necessity when it requires:
A person might require an adjustable bed in case of medical conditions like severe leg injuries, paraplegia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Assistance with the Cost of an Adjustable Bed
As Medicare insurance pays a portion of the cost, the patient can access financial assistance to pay for the deductible or copay while getting an adjustable bed.
Some of the financial assistance available are:
Medicaid Services
The Federal and State program can assist people with low income get financial assistance towards meeting their healthcare costs. The program may help in covering the cost of an adjustable bed.
Department of Veteran Affairs
Veterans can get financial assistance to cover the cost of an adjustable bed from TRICARE, a supplemental Medicare policy, an Aid and Attendance Program, and Veteran Directed Home and Community based Service Programs.
Philanthropic Organizations
Specific organizations like Muscular Dystrophy Association can offer financial assistance to people suffering from such conditions to cover the cost of an adjustable bed.
Does Medicare Cover Hospital Beds?
You can get a hospital bed at home for you or your loved one, and get health insurance coverage if it is medically essential. If you rent a hospital bed, the rent can be covered by insurance in case of a medical emergency.
A hospital bed is classified as durable medical equipment, covered under Medicare and Medicaid, if you meet their eligibility conditions.
Medicare Mattress Cost
Although you can get covered by Medicare while purchasing a specialized bed or mattress, you need to pay a portion of the cost. Medicare approved beds and mattresses can come in the price range of $500 to $ 30,000 and above.
The bed cost can depend on the type of bed needed, the deductible, and whether you buy or rent the mattress.
Purchase or Rent?
To get the required coverage, you must either buy or rent a Medicare approved mattress from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. If you purchase it from any other supplier, you might need to pay the total price, as Medicare will not approve the purchase.
If renting a bed, Medicare will cover the rent for 13 months of continuous use, after which the supplier must transfer the ownership of the bed to the user. The supplier would also be responsible for repairs to the medical bed, if required, during the rent period.
You can locate a Medicare-approved supplier here or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Takeaway
To get your mattress covered under Medicare, you need to conform to certain guidelines provided in Part B. Also, you need to get a note from the doctor about why the mattress is a medical necessity, and purchase it only from a Medicare approved supplier.
You can still get a specialized mattress even when you do not get coverage under Medicare or other private health insurance companies. You can purchase an affordable mattress by looking for the best rates during a sales event.
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