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Joshua Iversen, President, Syzygy Financial LLC
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Medicare’s Policy on Home Hospital Beds
Basic home hospital beds may be paid for, in part, by Medicare Part B. Anyone who has Medicare Part B, and has a medical need for a hospital bed in their home, is able to get partial coverage under Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) policy. DME is defined as medical equipment that can be reused, and a hospital bed falls under this policy. A Medicare enrolled doctor must deem the hospital bed necessary and prescribe it for use in an individual’s home.
Medicare will pick up 80% of the amount that is Medicare approved for the purchase of a hospital bed for home use. The individual must cover the remaining 20%. This can be paid out-of-pocket or with help from supplemental insurance, such as Medigap. One must also have met their Medicare Part B deductible, which as of 2019 is $185. Medicare will also help to cover the cost of some bed accessories, which may include trapeze bars, mattress covers that are intended to avoid bedsores, and bedside rails.
Rather than buy a home hospital bed straight out, one can also rent a hospital bed and still receive financial assistance from Medicare. With current Medicare regulations, after 13 months of renting, the individual owns the bed.
It’s important to note, Medicare will not cover the cost of full electric beds. However, one can pay the difference out-of-pocket between a manual-lift bed and a fully electric one. In addition, Medicare only covers a basic bed, meaning a shape very similar to a twin bed, but not identical.
In order for Medicare to pick up part of the bill, an individual must get the hospital bed from a Medicare approved supplier. If the hospital bed is purchased from a supplier that is not approved, Medicare won’t cover any of the cost of the hospital bed. Participating suppliers have Medicare supplier numbers. To find participating suppliers, click here or call 1-800-633-4227.
Medicare Advantage Plans, such as a PPO or HMO, may also help to cover the cost of hospital beds. Since plans vary, one will need to call their provider and ask about their specific plan. It is very likely their policies will be the same as Medicare’s policy.
Financial Assistance & Payment Options
Medicaid Coverage
Since Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, with each state running the program as they see fit within the guidelines set forth by the federal government, rules and regulations about durable medical equipment (DME) such as home hospital beds, is not consistent across the states. That being said, each state has a Medicaid State Plan and most states also have Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers. Both State Plans and Waivers provide assistance to help the elderly avoid nursing home placement. Therefore, Medicaid very often will cover the cost of DME, which includes home hospital beds. As with Medicare, the bed must be deemed necessary by a physician. Learn more about Medicaid and their stance on DME here.
State Funded, Non-Medicaid Programs
Some states offer non-Medicaid assistance in obtaining durable medical equipment and hospital beds for home use for aging or low income residents. However, it’s important to note that these programs vary widely across the board. Click here to learn more about these programs and to see if one is available in your state.
Veterans' Benefits and Options
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers medical benefits for veterans that also include covering DME, such as home hospital beds. However, once again, a doctor must deem the bed medically necessary.
TRICARE for Life (TFL), a supplemental medical insurance for retired veterans, helps to cover the costs for those enrolled in Medicare that are not covered by Medicare. This holds true for DME, as TFL will pick up the 20% copayment that Medicare requires when purchasing DME. CHAMPVA for Life (CFL) offers the same benefit. But it is meant for spouses at least 65 years of age of vets who have been permanently disabled or killed in service. TRICARE, also for retired vets, also covers hospital beds (both rented and purchased), given they have been prescribed by a doctor.
There are other avenues in which a veteran can get a home hospital bed should a family feel one is required, but is not able to get a prescription. The Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services Program (VD-HCBS) allows participants control over what care and services meet their needs. This program should give veterans the flexibility to purchase a hospital bed even if they are unable to have one officially prescribed.
Another option is the Aid & Attendance (A&A) Program. This is a pension program for veterans who need help with their activities of daily living. Their care requirements do not need to be related to their military service. Under A&A, monies can be allocated as the beneficiary sees fit.
In addition, many states also have programs specifically for veterans. For instance, Project MEND is for residents of Texas and provides refurbished home hospital beds and mattresses to veterans and their spouses.
Link to Pukang
Tax Deductions and Home Hospital Beds
One may make a deduction from their federal income taxes in the event they buy a needed home hospital bed for themselves, their spouse or other dependent. It’s important to note that deductions for durable medical equipment can only be made in the year that they were purchased. The following examples presume the tax filer has no other medical expenses for the year.
The tax filer can deduct the cost of the bed that is over 10% of their adjusted gross income. If part of the bed was covered by insurance, the tax filer would only be able to deduct the part that was paid out-of-pocket.
Example: Carol’s adjusted gross income is $20,000. 10% of $20,000 is $2,000. She purchased a hospital bed for $3,000 out-of-pocket. Therefore, she can deduct $1,000 from her federal taxes.
Example: John has an adjusted gross income in the amount of $15,000. Medicare picked up $2,400 of a $3,000 bed, leaving John $600 to pay (the 20% co-payment). 10% of $15,000 is $1,500. Therefore, since the portion of the hospital bed John has to pay is not over 10% of his adjusted gross income, he cannot deduct this amount from his federal taxes.
Non-Profit and Charitable Assistance
Depending on the area in which one resides, there may be non-profits and charitable organizations that give away or loan home hospital beds. For instance, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has an equipment loan program. It includes home hospital beds for those who have neuromuscular diseases, such as ALS. To learn more, click here.
For more information on non-profit organizations that provide DME, click here.
Home Hospital Bed Costs
The cost of a home hospital bed ranges from $500 to $10,000. The variance is largely due to features and size.
Features Affecting Price
Electric vs. Manual
Manual Hospital Beds – These beds are the most basic and are adjusted using a hand crank, usually attached at the head or foot of the bed, depending on the model. Manual beds are the most economical option, starting around $500.
Semi-Electric Hospital Beds – Semi-electric beds offer more convenience than manual beds, making it much easier for one to adjust the position. With this type of bed, you can move the head and foot of the bed electronically but must manually adjust the height with a crank. The price of a semi-electric bed usually starts around $1,000.
Full-Electric Hospital Beds – For the ultimate convenience, full-electric beds allow all adjustments to be made electronically. These beds, however, come at a higher price, starting around $2,000.
Bed Dimensions
The length of a standard hospital bed from the top of the bed to the bottom is 38” wide by 84” long, with a sleep surface of 36” wide by 80” long. Extension kits are available to extend the length of some beds by 4”, ideal for people taller than 6’. Full-size hospital beds are 54” wide by 80” long, queen size beds are 60” wide by 80” long, and king size beds are 76” wide by 80” long. Bariatric beds come in a larger width of 48”. The larger the size, the higher the cost.
Weight Capacity
Most home hospital beds can support up to 450 pounds. For those who weigh more, a bariatric bed is needed, which can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Bariatric beds are typically full-electric and can cost up to three times more than standard hospital beds. They also require specific sheets and mattress pads.
Bed Sheets
Home hospital beds require sheets specifically designed for them. This is because a typical hospital bed is as wide as a twin bed but longer. Expect to spend around $50 for a set of sheets for a standard home hospital bed.
Mattress Pads
Mattress pads for home hospital beds come in various types, including air, gel, and foam. Some are designed to add comfort and help prevent pressure sores. Basic mattress pads start around $100.
Trapeze Bars
These bars help individuals reposition themselves or assist in getting in and out of bed. Bars typically add $100 to $200 to the cost.
Rails
Both manual and electronic rails are available for purchase. Expect to pay an additional $75 to $400.
IV Poles
For those needing an IV pole, options include models that attach to the bed or freestanding units. Expect to pay around $50.
Other Add-Ons
Additional accessories for home hospital beds include bed trays, table trays, bedpans, call cords, and bed rail pads.
Purchasing Used Home Hospital Beds
Used hospital beds are an option for significant savings. Prices can start as low as $300. Used hospital beds can be found on websites like eBay and Craigslist from private sellers, but they usually don’t come with a warranty. Many dealers offer refurbished beds that typically come with a 3-month to 1-year warranty. Note that used bariatric beds are harder to find than standard ones.
Renting Home Hospital Beds
Renting a home hospital bed (manual, semi-electric, or full-electric) is a practical option for short-term needs. This is especially cost-effective for temporary use. On average, renting a home hospital bed costs $200 to $500 per month. Mattresses can also be rented. Some companies may charge an initial setup fee, which can range from $50 to $100.
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Manufacturers
To assist in one’s search for home hospital beds, below is a list of reputable manufacturers.
The company is the world’s best medical beds for sale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
- Drive
- DRE
- Hill-Rom
- Invacare
- Medline
- Stryker
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