What an adjustable bed does and whether it makes sense for you
An adjustable bed is a mattress frame that moves up and down at the head and foot, letting you raise your upper body or legs without stacking pillows. The bed itself does the work — you use a remote control or buttons on the side to change position. Some models also add heat, massage, or memory foam, though those features cost more.
Whether one helps depends on what's causing your discomfort. If you have acid reflux, sleep apnea, lower back pain, or swelling in your legs, raising the head or foot can reduce symptoms. If you have arthritis in your hips or knees, the ability to bend the bed instead of your joints may make getting in and out easier. If your main problem is a soft mattress, a regular firm mattress might solve it for less money.
The trade-off is cost and space. A basic adjustable bed frame runs $800 to $2,000. A higher-end model with more features can reach $4,000 or more. You also need a mattress designed for an adjustable frame — regular mattresses can tear or bunch. And the bed takes up more floor space because it needs clearance to move.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare covers adjustable beds only when prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition, and only the frame — not the mattress or add-on features.
- A doctor's order and a supplier certified by Medicare are both required; buying one on your own and asking Medicare to reimburse you will not work.
- You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after your Part B deductible, and the supplier must accept Medicare's approved price as payment in full.
- If Medicare denies your claim, the supplier can appeal on your behalf, but the process takes weeks or months.
- Private insurance, Medicaid, and Veterans benefits have different rules; checking your plan's durable medical equipment policy before ordering saves time and money.
When Medicare will pay for an adjustable bed
Medicare Part B covers an adjustable bed frame only if a doctor prescribes it as durable medical equipment (DME) for a medical reason. The reason has to be documented in your medical record — the doctor cannot straightforward write a prescription without a clinical note explaining why you need it. Common reasons Medicare accepts include severe arthritis affecting mobility, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that makes lying flat difficult, or circulation problems causing leg swelling.
Medicare does not cover the mattress, sheets, or add-on features like heating or massage. It covers only the adjustable frame itself, and only the portion that Medicare's pricing system deems reasonable. That approved amount varies by region and supplier.
You must order the bed through a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare and certified to sell durable medical equipment. If you buy one from a furniture store or online retailer and then ask Medicare to pay you back, Medicare will deny the claim. The supplier has to be in the system before you order.
How to get a Medicare-covered adjustable bed
Start by talking to your doctor about whether an adjustable bed would help your condition. If the doctor agrees, ask them to write an order that includes the medical reason and send it to a Medicare-certified DME supplier. You can find suppliers in your area by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or searching the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov.
Once you have chosen a supplier, they will handle most of the paperwork. The supplier submits the doctor's order to Medicare along with a claim. Medicare reviews it and sends you a notice saying whether it is covered. This step usually takes one to two weeks, but can take longer if Medicare needs more information from your doctor.
If Medicare approves the claim, you pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. The supplier cannot charge you more than Medicare's approved price. If you have already met your deductible, you pay 20 percent of the approved amount and you are done.
If Medicare denies the claim, the supplier can file an appeal on your behalf. You will receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial. Common reasons include the doctor's note not being specific enough about the medical need, or the supplier not being properly enrolled in Medicare. The appeal process can take several months.
What you pay out of pocket
Your cost depends on Medicare's approved amount for your region and whether you have met your Part B deductible. The approved amount for an adjustable bed frame typically ranges from $800 to $1,200, though this varies. You pay 20 percent of that approved amount.
If your approved amount is $1,000 and you have met your deductible, you pay $200. If you have not met your deductible, you pay the full deductible amount first, then 20 percent of what remains.
The supplier cannot charge you more than the approved amount, even if their retail price is higher. If they do, report it to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. Some suppliers offer payment plans, but that is between you and the supplier — Medicare does not arrange financing.
Adjustable beds under Medicaid and Veterans benefits
Medicaid covers durable medical equipment, but the rules vary by state. Some states cover adjustable beds with a doctor's order; others do not. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what your plan covers. You can find your state office at medicaid.gov.
If you are a Veteran, the VA may cover an adjustable bed through the VA health system. You will need a VA doctor to prescribe it and a VA-approved supplier to provide it. Contact your local VA medical center or call the VA benefits line at 1-800-827-1000 to ask whether an adjustable bed is covered under your may be able to access level.
If you have private insurance through an employer or the marketplace, check your plan's durable medical equipment policy. Some plans cover adjustable beds; others do not. Call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask specifically whether adjustable bed frames are covered and whether you need a doctor's order.
Alternatives if Medicare denies your claim or you do not have coverage
If Medicare denies your claim and the appeal does not succeed, you have a few options. You can buy an adjustable bed out of pocket — prices range from $800 to $4,000 depending on features. Some retailers offer financing plans with monthly payments, though interest rates vary.
You can also ask your doctor whether a different solution might work. A wedge pillow or foam incline can raise your upper body without the cost of an adjustable frame. A bed rail or grab bar can make getting in and out easier if arthritis is the main issue. A regular firm mattress sometimes solves back pain without any moving parts.
Some community organizations and nonprofits lend or donate durable medical equipment. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ask whether equipment lending programs operate in your area. You can find your local agency at eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-855-500-3212.
What to know before you order
Make sure your bedroom has enough space. An adjustable bed needs clearance at the head and foot to move fully. Measure your room and check the bed's dimensions before ordering. Some models are wider than a standard bed frame.
Ask the supplier about delivery and setup. Medicare covers the frame, but delivery and assembly may be separate charges. Some suppliers include these; others charge extra. Get the total cost in writing before you agree.
If you rent your home, check your lease. Some landlords do not allow modifications or large furniture changes. Confirm with your landlord before ordering.
Keep all paperwork — the doctor's order, the Medicare approval notice, the supplier's invoice, and your payment records. If Medicare or your insurance company questions the claim later, you will need these documents to prove you paid what you owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover the mattress that goes on an adjustable bed?
No. Medicare covers only the adjustable frame itself. You must buy the mattress separately. The mattress has to be designed for an adjustable frame — regular mattresses can tear or bunch when the frame moves. Specialty mattresses for adjustable beds cost $400 to $1,500 depending on material and firmness.
What if my doctor says I need an adjustable bed but Medicare denies it?
Ask your doctor to write a more detailed note explaining exactly why you need it and how it will help your condition. The supplier can then resubmit the claim with the new information. If Medicare denies it again, you have the right to appeal. The supplier can file the appeal for you, or you can file it yourself by following the instructions in the denial notice.
Can I buy an adjustable bed online and have Medicare pay for it?
No. The supplier must be enrolled in Medicare before you order. If you buy from a non-Medicare supplier, Medicare will not reimburse you. Always confirm the supplier is Medicare-certified before placing an order. You can check this on the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov.
What happens if the adjustable bed breaks after Medicare pays for it?
The supplier is responsible for repairs during the rental or warranty period. Medicare-covered equipment usually comes with a one-year warranty. After that, repairs are your responsibility. Ask the supplier about the warranty terms and what is covered before you take delivery.
Do I need a new prescription every time I order a replacement bed?
Yes. If your original bed breaks or wears out and you need a replacement, your doctor must write a new order. Medicare allows replacement equipment only once every five years unless your medical condition changes significantly. If you need a replacement sooner, your doctor will need to document why.