“Adjustable bed” can mean two very different things, and Medicare treats them very differently.
The short answer
- Consumer adjustable beds and adjustable bases (the kind sold for comfort, often with a regular mattress): not covered. Medicare’s policy defines an ordinary bed as one “typically sold as furniture,” and says it “may or may not have head or leg elevation adjustments” (A52508).
- Hospital beds, which also adjust: covered by Part B as durable medical equipment when your records show you meet the criteria (Medicare.gov). Medicare defines DME as equipment that’s durable, used for a medical reason, typically useful only to someone who is sick or injured, used at home, and expected to last at least three years.
Adjustable bed vs hospital bed under Medicare
| Consumer adjustable bed | Semi-electric hospital bed | Full-electric hospital bed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head and foot adjust | Yes (usually powered) | Yes (powered) | Yes (powered) |
| Whole bed raises and lowers | Usually no | Yes, by hand crank | Yes, powered |
| Medicare classification | Ordinary bed | Hospital bed | Hospital bed (total electric) |
| Covered by Medicare? | No | Yes, if you meet the criteria | No; available as a paid upgrade |
| Typical seller | Furniture and mattress stores | Medicare-enrolled suppliers | Suppliers and some manufacturers |
Sources: A52508 for the bed definitions and LCD L33820 for coverage.
For a full comparison of features, see hospital bed vs adjustable bed.
How much will Medicare pay?
For a consumer adjustable bed, nothing. For a covered hospital bed, Medicare pays 80% of its approved monthly rental after you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), for up to 13 months of continuous use, after which the bed is yours (42 CFR 414.229).
| Covered bed | Approved monthly rental, months 1–3 (Oct 2026) | Your 20% |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed height, rails, mattress (E0250) | $67.02–$101.57 | about $13–$20 |
| Semi-electric, rails, mattress (E0260) | $66.21–$128.15 | about $13–$26 |
Source: CMS DMEPOS fee schedule, October 2026. Months 4 to 13 are paid at 75% of these amounts. Ranges span the 50 states and D.C.
How to qualify for a covered bed
Your medical records must show at least one of four needs, such as positioning an ordinary bed can’t provide, or keeping your head raised more than 30 degrees most of the time for heart failure, chronic lung disease, or aspiration. A semi-electric bed also requires frequent or immediate position changes (LCD L33820). Full details: Medicare hospital bed requirements.
Want something that looks like a regular bed?
Many families want an adjustable bed because hospital beds look clinical. You have options:
- A covered semi-electric bed, styled up. Wood head and foot boards, regular-looking bedding, and a good mattress can soften the look. See hospital bed sizes and sheets.
- A full-electric bed as an upgrade. If you qualify for a covered bed and a Medicare-enrolled supplier offers the bed you want, you can sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice and pay the difference.
- A furniture-style hi-low bed, bought privately. See our furniture-style comparison for beds that look like bedroom furniture.
Other ways to pay
- Medicare Advantage: plans must cover what Original Medicare covers, but may have network and prior-authorization rules (Medicare.gov).
- Taxes: if you itemize, medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income may be deductible, and special equipment whose main purpose is medical care can count (IRS Publication 502). Ask a tax professional whether your bed qualifies.
- Low-cost options: see free and low-cost hospital beds and our cost guide.
How we researched this guide
We used Medicare’s hospital bed coverage policy (LCD L33820 and article A52508), Medicare.gov, CMS’s October 2026 fee schedule, 42 CFR 414.229, and IRS Publication 502, all checked October 7, 2026.