Adjustable Beds and Medicare: Quick Guide

If you’ve been looking at an adjustable bed to help with back pain, circulation, or sleep apnea, you’re probably wondering whether Medicare will chip in. The short answer is: sometimes. Medicare does cover certain adjustable beds, but only when they are deemed medically necessary and classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Below we break down the key steps, eligibility rules, and smart tips so you can decide if the extra cost is worth it and how to get a claim approved.

Can Medicare Pay for an Adjustable Bed?

Medicare Part B covers DME that your doctor says you need to treat a medical condition. An adjustable bed qualifies when a physician writes a Prescription for a Bed‑to‑Chair or a Full‑Body Adjustable Base, and the equipment meets the Medicare‑approved specifications. Typical scenarios include:

• Severe chronic back pain that improves when you raise the head or legs.
• Post‑surgery recovery where lying flat is painful.
• Sleep‑related breathing disorders that benefit from an elevated position.

When you have a valid prescription, your provider will send a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) to the Medicare‑approved supplier. The supplier then bills Medicare directly, and you usually owe the standard 20% Part B coinsurance (about £5‑£10 per month). If you’re on a low‑income subsidy, that coinsurance could be waived.

Not every adjustable bed is covered. The bed must have a solid, non‑inflating frame and be able to lock in three positions: flat, raised head, and raised foot. Brands like Sleep Number, Leggett & Platt, and certain hospital‑grade models often meet the criteria, but a cheap air‑filled mattress won’t.

Tips for Choosing the Right Adjustable Bed

Even if Medicare will cover part of the cost, you still want a bed that suits your lifestyle. Here are a few practical pointers:

1. Check the warranty. A good DME supplier offers at least a 12‑month warranty on the motor and frame. Longer coverage can save you money if something breaks.
2. Look for easy controls. Remote‑controlled buttons or a simple dial make daily adjustments painless, especially if you have limited hand strength.
3. Consider the weight limit. Make sure the frame can hold both you and your mattress. Most hospital‑grade bases support up to 300 lb (≈ 136 kg).
4. Match the mattress. A firm, low‑profile mattress works best with most adjustable bases. If you need a specialty mattress for pressure relief, confirm that it’s compatible before you buy.
5. Ask about delivery and setup. Medicare‑approved suppliers typically include free delivery and basic setup, but some charge extra for stairs or larger homes.

Finally, keep copies of all paperwork—prescription, CMN, and receipts. If Medicare denies the claim, you can appeal with the same documents many times. The appeal process can be a bit slow, but having everything organized speeds up the review.

Bottom line: an adjustable bed can be a solid investment for health, and Medicare does help cover it when you meet the medical‑necessity criteria. Talk to your doctor, get the right paperwork, pick a reputable DME supplier, and you’ll be on your way to a more comfortable night of sleep without breaking the bank.