Will Medicare Pay for Hospital Beds? - Purchase Or Rental ...

13 May.,2024

 

Will Medicare Pay for Hospital Beds? - Purchase Or Rental ...

Does Medicare Cover Hospital Beds?

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Medicare classifies hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME), which is covered by Medicare Part B. Learn about eligiblity and out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare will pay for a hospital bed purchase or rental if it's considered medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor, and provided by a medical equipment provider approved by Medicare.

Medicare classifies hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME), which is covered by Medicare Part B. However, there are some requirements you must meet for Medicare hospital bed coverage.

Additionally, even if Medicare does cover your hospital bed, there are some out-of-pocket costs you'll likely face. Learn more about your coverage.

Does Medicare Pay for Beds?

Yes, Medicare will pay for hospital beds, if you meet certain conditions. Medicare does cover the cost of renting a hospital bed or purchasing one for home use if:

  • You are enrolled in Medicare Part B
  • The bed is considered medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor
  • The bed is supplied by a medical equipment provider who is approved by Medicare

According to Medicare.gov, "Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. If your doctors or suppliers aren't enrolled, Medicare won't pay the claims submitted by them."1

Compare Medigap plans in your area.

Find a plan

Or call now to speak with a licensed insurance agent:

1-800-995-4219

How Much Does a Hospital Bed Cost with Medicare?

If your hospital bed rental or purchase is approved for Medicare coverage, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount of the hospital bed, and Medicare pays the other 80 percent.

Before Medicare will pay its share, however, you must first meet your Part B deductible. In 2024, the standard Medicare Part B deductible is $240 per year. 

Medicare covers hospital bed rentals and purchases. After 13 months of renting your hospital bed, you will officially own it under current Medicare rules. The specific cost of your hospital bed may depend on factors such as:

  • How much your doctor charges
  • Your location
  • Other insurance you may have

Your doctor can tell you more about how much you'll likely pay for your hospital bed under Medicare.  

Medicare Competitive Bidding Program

Under Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program, DME suppliers submit bids to provide equipment to Medicare recipients living in or visiting competitive bidding areas. If you have Original Medicare and live in or are visiting a state in a competitive bidding area, you must get your DME from a contract supplier.

Refer to Medicare.gov to find out if you live in a competitive bidding area.

Compare Medigap plans in your area.

Find a plan

Or call now to speak with a licensed insurance agent:

1-800-995-4219

Does Medicare Pay for Hospital Stays?

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, as well as skilled nursing care, hospice care and limited home health services.

As an inpatient at a hospital, your Medicare Part A coverage includes the following:

  • Semi-private rooms

  • Meals

  • General nursing

  • Inpatient treatment drugs

  • Care as part of a qualifying clinical research study

  • Other hospital services and supplies

Not included are things like private-duty nursing, most private rooms, personal care items and television and phone services.

How Much Do Hospital Stays Cost With Medicare?

Before Medicare Part A will pay its share of a hospital stay, you must first meet your Medicare Part A deductible — $1,632 per benefit period (in 2024).

For lengthy hospitalizations, you may have to pay coinsurance based on the length of your stay (all costs listed are for 2024):

  • Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance

  • Days 61-90: $408 coinsurance per day

  • Days 91 and beyond: $816 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day." You have 60 lifetime reserve days.

  • Beyond lifetime reserve days: All costs.

Compare Medigap plans in your area.

Find a plan

Or call now to speak with a licensed insurance agent:

1-800-995-4219

Goto Pukang to know more.

A Medigap Plan Can Help Pay for Your Hospital Stay or Hospital Bed

Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (Medigap) helps pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay.

All Medigap plans offer coverage for the following hospital benefits:

  • Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs         

  • First three pints of blood if needed for a transfusion        

  • Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment

Some Medigap plans may also include coverage for:

  • Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stay

  • Medicare Part A deductible           

With 10 standardized Medigap plans to choose from in most states, you can find one that meets your needs. Call today to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you compare Medigap plans that are available where you live.

Important: Plan F and Plan C are not available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

Medicare Supplement Insurance can help cover your out-of-pocket hospital bed costs.

Find a plan

Or call

1-800-995-4219

to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

Are Home Hospital Beds Covered by Medicare?

Navigating the world of healthcare can be daunting, especially when considering the costs and coverage of essential equipment like home hospital beds. With an aging population and a growing need for in-home care, understanding what is and isn’t covered by insurance, specifically Medicare, is paramount.

This article seeks to clarify the extent of Medicare’s coverage for home hospital beds, shedding light on both the requirements for obtaining one and the potential gaps in coverage that might necessitate out-of-pocket expenses.

Understanding Medicare Coverage Basics

Medicare, a fundamental pillar of health insurance for countless Americans, especially those aged 65 and over, can often seem like a labyrinth of regulations, policies, and exceptions. However, its primary objective remains consistent at its core: to provide essential medical coverage to those who need it most.

First, it’s pivotal to recognize the distinct parts of Medicare, each catering to specific aspects of healthcare:

  • Medicare Part A: Primarily known for covering hospital stays, it can also cover certain types of home health services, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility stays.
  • Medicare Part B: This is the outpatient portion, which generally takes care of doctor visits, preventive services, and durable medical equipment (DME) – a category under which home hospital beds fall.
  • Medicare Part C: Also called Medicare Advantage, this is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private companies approved by Medicare. It often includes benefits from Parts A and B, sometimes D, and additional services.
  • Medicare Part D: Exclusively devoted to prescription drug coverage.

In understanding the maze of Medicare, beneficiaries also often come across various supplemental benefits, many of which are not immediately apparent. One such benefit is the over-the-counter (OTC) card, a perk some Medicare Advantage plans offer. But exactly what is OTC card? It’s a prepaid card loaded with a specific dollar amount, allowing beneficiaries to purchase approved, non-prescription health items. From vitamins to first-aid supplies, this card acts as a bridge to everyday health essentials, ensuring that Medicare recipients have access to medical treatments and preventive and holistic health products.

Medicare’s Coverage for Home Hospital Beds

When it comes to medical equipment, Medicare Part B can sometimes feel like a beacon of hope. It provides a potential pathway for beneficiaries to access crucial equipment like home hospital beds. But, like any support system, it comes with its own set of criteria and guidelines.

Firstly, the bed must be a medical necessity. This implies that the patient’s medical condition necessitates specific features unavailable in a regular bed. Such features may include side rails, adjustable height, or the ability to elevate parts of the bed.

Below is a quick look at the crucial requirements for Medicare to cover home hospital beds:

  • Doctor’s Prescription: A physician or medical professional must prescribe the bed, highlighting its medical necessity. The document should elucidate why the patient’s condition requires a special bed and why alternatives like a regular bed with added side rails won’t suffice.
  • Approved Supplier: The purchase needs to be made from a Medicare-approved supplier. This ensures the equipment meets the necessary medical standards and guidelines set by Medicare.
  • Coverage Percentage: It’s worth noting that Medicare won’t typically cover the full cost. Beneficiaries are responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount under Part B, while the Medicare Part B deductible applies.

Limitations of Medicare-Covered Beds

Acquiring a hospital bed through Medicare might initially seem like a boon, given the financial relief it offers. However, it’s essential to peer beyond the surface and understand the broader picture of what this means for the user’s day-to-day experience and overall quality of life.

Basic Functionality

Medicare-covered beds are designed with a primary focus on providing basic medical support. While they serve this purpose adequately, they may not offer advanced features like massage functions, advanced adjustability, or other comforts that premium beds may provide.

Aesthetic Appeal

One of the most noticeable limitations is their appearance. Medicare-covered beds tend to retain a distinctly clinical look and feel reminiscent of a hospital setting. This might not blend well with a home’s interior, making the user’s room stand out as “medical” rather than “residential.”

Durability and Quality

While Medicare-approved suppliers provide beds that meet specific standards, there might be other top-tier or latest models in the market. Over time, wear and tear or the need for maintenance might emerge more quickly than with premium beds.

Limited Customization

Beneficiaries often find themselves with limited choices. The options available under Medicare coverage might not cater to individual preferences in terms of size, design, or additional features.

Potential Future Costs

Basic beds might necessitate the purchase of add-ons or upgrades for enhanced comfort or functionality, leading to added out-of-pocket expenses in the long run.

Alternative Options 

When faced with the need for a hospital bed at home, it’s not always a straightforward decision. While Medicare offers a foundational path, it’s one of several avenues.

The idea of renting gains traction for many, especially those with temporary requirements. Imagine needing a bed for post-operative recovery or during a short-term ailment. Renting becomes a viable solution that’s both cost-effective and flexible. Plus, there’s the added allure of variety. Rental providers often stock a range of models, from basic to those with more luxurious features. It’s an opportunity to experience premium qualities without the long-term commitment.

On the other hand, there’s an undeniable allure to owning a premium bed. This is especially true when individuals are willing to foot the bill themselves. By sidestepping insurance constraints, there’s a newfound freedom to select a bed based on quality, features, and longevity. And it’s not just about the functional attributes; aesthetics come into play, too. Premium beds offer a chance to infuse medical utility with style, ensuring one’s living space remains an authentic reflection of personal taste.

But the essence of a premium bed goes beyond its physical characteristics. It’s about holistic well-being. These beds, curated with thought, are pivotal in promoting comfort, relaxation, and quality sleep. Even if the initial cost might seem steep, it’s an investment in health, peace of mind, and personal autonomy. In this pursuit of a perfect blend of form and function, a bed from Transfer Master could be the ideal choice.

Wrapping Up 

Photo by SHVETS Production from Pexels

Medicare may provide coverage for home hospital beds, but often only for basic models, which might not meet everyone’s desires or expectations. These gaps in Medicare’s offerings underscore why many individuals opt to bear the expense out of pocket. The choice to invest personally in a bed isn’t just about the tangible features but also about curating an environment that resonates with comfort, aesthetics, and personal preference.

In balancing health necessity and a sense of home, many find that the value of a premium bed, both in functionality and design, far surpasses the constraints of standardized Medicare options.

For more information, please visit electric hospital beds for sale.