You might be wondering how Medicare could help you get a new mattress - and the answer is: it can! While it may seem unusual, Medicare may cover the costs of your next mattress, so check it out and see what you can save!
Medicare is renowned for assisting elderly Americans in paying for their medical needs and care. It covers doctors' fees, hospitalization, laboratory tests, and other related medical expenses and can also help pay for the equipment essential to a patient's treatment.
Medicare offers two parts of coverage, Part A and Part B, to help you with major medical costs. Part A covers hospital expenses, while Part B covers doctor fees and lab work. Plus, Part B helps you get the equipment you need for your home with its Durable Medical Equipment (DME) qualification.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
To be eligible for Medicare coverage, an item must meet the specific criteria of being classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME):
- To be considered a medical necessity and be approved by Medicare, it must be prescribed by an authorized medical doctor.
- This item must be built to last, with a life expectancy of three years or more.
- The prescription request must be submitted within six months of the doctor personally examining the patient.
- Medicare requires documentation to demonstrate medical necessity for any requests.
- Medicare will only provide coverage for Durable Medical Equipment if it is obtained from a provider approved by Medicare.
Medical Beds
To be eligible as Durable Medical Equipment, a bed must be what is commonly known as a "hospital bed," designed for medical necessity rather than comfort. These beds are adjustable in various ways, including the angle and height of the head and feet, and some models even have adjustable mattress height from the floor.
Medicare may cover a hand-crank or hand-held electric motor-controlled hospital bed, depending on the patient's needs. Usually, Medicare does not cover a fully electric motor bed; however, for very obese patients, it may cover extra large or wide beds.
Medical Mattresses
For Medicare coverage, a medical mattress must meet all the criteria for being classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). It must be designed for medical care, not just comfort. The only type of medical mattress that Medicare will cover is a pressure-reducing mattress designed to reduce pain and aid in healing.
These top-rated pressure-reducing mattresses are sure to provide unbeatable comfort:
- Joerns PrevaMatt Defend Pressure Relief Mattress
- Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty Mattress
- Therapeutic 5-Zone Support Mattress
- ThevoRelief Pressure Relief Mattress
Special Considerations
Uncover the surprising truth - Medicare could pay for your next mattress! Believe it or not, this isn't as strange as it seems.
Medicare will help you pay for your approved DME item, covering 80% of the cost. You'll just need to pay the remaining 20%.
If you're looking to get more out of your Medicare coverage, consider checking out Medicare Advantage: a supplemental insurance policy available through private insurance companies. These policies could offer more extensive coverage for DME items than Part B.
Patients in care facilities or at a relative's home can still satisfy the requirement of using DME for home use.
To get coverage for a DME, even a medical mattress, you must obtain it through an authorized DME supplier.