Free and Low-Cost Hospital Beds by State
Northeast
Midwest
South
West
Frequently asked questions
Does every state have a program that lends medical equipment?
Every state and DC has a federally funded assistive technology program under the Assistive Technology Act. In the AT3 Center directory, 49 of the 51 programs listed here show a device reuse service, and most also lend devices short term. Not every program stocks hospital beds, so call and ask.
Who pays for a hospital bed if I can’t afford one?
Hospice provides beds to hospice patients. Medicaid covers medically necessary equipment, VA health care can provide beds to eligible veterans, and Original Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after the Part B deductible. If none applies, state assistive technology programs and local loan closets may lend or pass on a donated bed.
How do I find a medical equipment loan closet near me?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach your local area agency on aging, which knows about loan closets in your area. Your state assistive technology program, hospital social workers, and hospice teams are also good sources.
Where this information comes from
The AT3 Center directory of state AT Act programs, the Medicaid.gov state contact list, the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center state directory, ACL, the Eldercare Locator, Medicare.gov, and VA.