Does Medicare Cover Adjustable Beds? Here's the Truth
The short answer: it depends on what kind of adjustable bed you're talking about. Medicare covers medical-grade hospital beds but generally not consumer adjustable beds. Here's exactly what's covered and how to qualify.
The Key Distinction
Medicare covers: Medical-grade hospital beds (semi-electric or fully electric) ordered by your doctor through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. These are the type you see in hospitals and nursing homes.
Medicare does NOT cover: Consumer adjustable bed bases from brands like Saatva, Purple, Tempur-Pedic, or Nectar — even if your doctor says you need one. For those, look into HSA/FSA coverage instead.
What Medicare Part B Actually Covers
Medicare Part B classifies adjustable beds under Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Specifically, it covers "hospital beds" — which are adjustable beds designed for medical use. Here's what qualifies:
Covered
- Semi-electric hospital beds
- Fully electric hospital beds (if medically justified)
- Bed rails and safety accessories
- Mattress overlays (pressure-relief)
- Trapeze equipment for repositioning
Not Covered
- Consumer adjustable bed bases
- Retail mattresses (any brand)
- Smart bed features (massage, apps)
- Under-bed lighting, USB ports
- Beds purchased from non-DME retailers
How to Qualify for Medicare Coverage
Medical necessity
Your doctor must determine that you have a medical condition requiring body positioning that can't be achieved with pillows or a standard bed. Common qualifying conditions include COPD, congestive heart failure, severe GERD, certain musculoskeletal conditions, and wound care needs.
Doctor's written order
Your doctor writes a prescription specifying the type of bed needed, your diagnosis, and why a standard bed is inadequate. This must happen before you receive the bed.
Medicare-enrolled DME supplier
The bed must come from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. You can find suppliers at Medicare.gov's Supplier Directory. Beds purchased from retail stores, Amazon, or directly from consumer brands are not eligible for reimbursement.
Meet your deductible
After you meet the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount for DME. You pay the remaining 20% coinsurance. If you have a Medigap (supplemental) policy, it may cover some or all of your 20%.
What You'll Pay Out of Pocket
Medicare typically rents hospital beds rather than purchasing them. Here's what to expect:
| Bed Type | Monthly Rental | Your 20% Share | Rental Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Electric | $60-$100/mo | $12-$20/mo | 13 months |
| Fully Electric | $100-$150/mo | $20-$30/mo | 13 months |
After 13 months of rental, you typically own the bed. Your total out-of-pocket cost for a semi-electric hospital bed over the rental period would be approximately $156-$260 (plus the annual Part B deductible if not already met).
Hospital Bed vs. Consumer Adjustable Bed
| Feature | Hospital Bed (Medicare) | Consumer Adjustable Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare covered? | Yes | No |
| Height adjustable? | Yes (entire bed raises/lowers) | No (fixed height) |
| Head/foot tilt? | Yes | Yes |
| Side rails? | Yes (safety feature) | No |
| Bed sizes? | Twin / Full only | Twin XL to Split King |
| Appearance | Institutional/medical | Looks like normal furniture |
| Smart features? | No | Yes (massage, apps, USB, etc.) |
| Typical cost | $1,000-$3,000 (retail) | $500-$2,500 |
If you don't qualify for Medicare coverage but still want an adjustable bed for health reasons, consider a consumer adjustable bed designed for seniors. These are more comfortable, better-looking, and available in larger sizes — but you'll pay out of pocket.
Alternatives to Medicare Coverage
If Medicare doesn't cover the type of adjustable bed you want, here are other ways to save:
HSA / FSA
Use pre-tax dollars with a doctor's letter. Covers consumer beds. Learn more
Tax Deduction
Deduct as medical expense if it exceeds 7.5% of AGI (with doctor's prescription).
VA Benefits
Veterans may qualify for adjustable beds through the VA prosthetic and sensory aids program.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage varies by state but may cover hospital beds similarly to Medicare.
Important Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Medicare coverage and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Medicare rules change periodically, and coverage decisions depend on individual circumstances. Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit Medicare.gov for official information. Consult your doctor about medical necessity and your Medicare plan administrator about specific coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ABL Team
Sleep Health Researchers
Our team spends hundreds of hours testing adjustable beds, analyzing specifications, and comparing real-world performance so you can make an informed decision.
Last Updated: February 13, 2026