Does Insurance Cover a Hospital Bed Rental for Home Use?

Now if you or a family member requires a hospital bed at home, the question arises: Does insurance cover the cost of renting? The answer varies on the insurance provider, medical necessity, and hospital bed type.

This guide will discuss:

✔ Insurance plans that usually cover hospital bed rentals
✔ How to qualify for coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance)
✔ Steps for approval of rental
✔ Alternatives if denied by insurance

Will insurance cover the rental of a hospital bed?

1. Medicare (Part B) Coverage

Covers Hospital bed rental when deemed medically necessary; pays 80 percent of the approved cost, and the remaining 20 percent is paid by the patient.

Requirements:

• Prescription from the attending physician specifying the medical necessity.
• The bed has to be provided by a DME supplier approved by Medicare. 
• The patient must be under the care of a physician for that particular condition that necessitates the bed.

2. Medicaid Coverage

Varies on a state-by-state basis, but generally provides for rentals when the proper documentation exists.

• Some states require prior authorization.
• Inquire with your local Medicaid office for details.

3. Private Health Insurance

• Private health plans often cover rentals considered medically necessary.
• Pre-authorization might be required, so it pays off to give your insurer a call before placing any order.
• Your out-of-pocket expense will be based on any deductible or co-insurance amounts that apply.

4. VA (Veterans Affairs) Benefits

• Coverage may be provided under VA healthcare to eligible vets.
• Prescription by a VA physician.

How to Have Insurance Pay for a Hospital Bed Rental

Step 1: Obtain a Prescription

VA (Veterans Affairs) Benefits

• Eligible veterans may receive coverage through VA healthcare.
• Needs VA-physician prescription.

How To Get The Insurance To Cover Hospital Bed Rental

Step 1: Obtain a Prescription from a Doctor

The doctor must indicate:

• The medical condition with which the bed is to be associated
• Why a regular bed will not serve the purpose
• Expected length of time for which it will be needed-short or long term

Step 2: Check Insurance Requirements

Call your insurer and confirm:

• If they cover rentals
• If prior approval is necessary
• Names of approved suppliers for DMEs

Step 3: Select a Supplier Approved by Medicare or Private Insurance

If you are paying through Medicare, only those suppliers enrolled in Medicare will be accepted for payment.

Private insurance plans, on the other hand, may have their own preferred providers-and need to be asked for a list.

Step 4: File a Claim

The DME suppliers are mostly able to file for billing. It is always good to keep copies of all documents.

If denied, you can appeal with additional medical documentation. 

What if Insurance Does Not Cover?

Once coming back from denial, or if uninsured:

• Pay for the rental yourself ($100-$300 per month, depending on the type of bed).
• Charities (some nonprofit organizations will lend out medical equipment).
• Purchase a used hospital bed (Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or medical resale stores).

Final Thoughts

Several insurances do cover hospital bed rentals given the circumstances, which must be medically verified, so after consulting your doctor and obtaining your order, documenting duly, you need to check with the provider before arranging the rental.