Medicare coverage can be difficult to understand. While Original Medicare coverage is pretty straightforward in what’s covered, figuring out what’s covered by other pieces of Medicare, like Medigap plans, Medicare supplements, or Medicare Advantage plans, is far more complicated.
And when you need something for your health, like a specific type of mattress or bed, you need to know whether or not Medicare can help cover the cost. Fortunately, if you’re looking into beds and mattresses, Medicare may be able to help you. You may only need to pay a small amount to get a better bed for your health.
Medicare does cover the purchase – or rental – of some mattresses and beds. However, it’s important to know exactly which types of mattresses and beds qualify for coverage. Your new bed will need to be a type of durable medical equipment, or DME.
What is Durable Medical Equipment?
Durable medical equipment (DME) is any equipment or supplies that you need for your health. Medicare.gov describes durable medical equipment as “medically necessary” and prescribed by a doctor for use in your home.
Commonly, there are two kinds of medical equipment that you’ll use at home: durable medical equipment and disposable medical supplies. While disposable medical supplies are typically used once, then thrown away, durable medical equipment is the opposite. It’s medical supplies that are meant to last you a long time.
In order to be Medicare-eligible durable medical equipment, an item must meet these requirements:
- Primarily serve a medical purpose.
- Be prescribed or ordered by a medical professional.
- Be able to be used repeatedly (not disposable).
- Able to be used at home.
- Is only useful to a patient with an injury, medical condition, or disability.
DME often helps Medicare subscribers manage their health needs better. Because this kind of equipment is meant to be used long-term for health benefits, it’s needed to manage many medical conditions and illnesses. Items like blood sugar monitors, oxygen equipment, and walkers and wheelchairs all qualify as pieces of DME.
Which Types of Beds or Mattresses Are Covered by Medicare?
Certain beds and mattresses, along with other sleep accessories, do qualify as durable medical equipment. But only some types of beds and mattresses will be able to meet the requirements necessary to be covered by Medicare.
There are three types of beds and bed-related equipment that are covered by Medicare:
- Pressure-reducing beds
- Pressure-reducing mattresses
- Pressure-reducing mattress overlays
Coverage for each of these types of beds or mattresses varies depending on the specifics of your Medicare plan. It also depends on the type of equipment your doctor prescribes and your diagnosis.
Depending on what your doctor prescribes for you, Medicare may require you to rent or buy the bed or mattress you need. Some Medicare subscribers may be able to choose which is best for them. Additionally, you’ll need to order your bed or mattress from a DME subscriber who’s enrolled in Medicare. If you don’t, Medicare won’t pay your claim.
Make sure you check with both your doctor and any mattress or bed company to ensure everything is accepted through Medicare. That’s the best way to ensure you’re getting the Medicare coverage and financial assistance you need.
The Top Pressure Relief Mattresses
Searching for a mattress that meets Medicare DME requirements doesn’t have to be difficult. If you search for the right type of mattress – a pressure relief mattress – and consider the most recommended choices, you can find a great option for your needs.
Here are the top five pressure relief mattresses to consider.
1. Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty Mattress
Designed to prevent friction, the Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty Mattress is a pressure relief choice that offers the perfect amount of comfort. With a layer of specialized “gliding” material and high density foam under its surface, this mattress reduces pressure on the body and helps you move comfortably when lying down.
2. Joerns PrevaMatt Defend Pressure Relief Mattress
The Joerns PrevaMatt Defend Pressure Relief Mattress is specifically made to help those who are trying to prevent health issues or need relief from current concerns. It can solve pressure-related problems, like pressure ulcers and wounds. It’s made of two layers of viscoelastic foam, meaning it can move and cradle your body easily.
3. Drive Medical Therapeutic 5 Zone Support Mattress
Drive’s Therapeutic 5 Zone Support Mattress is firm yet comfortable, tough yet gentle. It features a sturdy foam core that offers support and helps redistribute pressure evenly to prevent sores and ulcers. And it’s both waterproof and anti-microbial, which means you don’t have to worry about even the toughest stains or messes of any kind.
4. ThevoRelief Pressure Relief Mattress
This pressure relieving mattress can easily tackle discomfort. Made just for those with arthrosis, aches and pains, and general discomfort, the ThevoRelief Pressure Relief Mattress is both soft and supportive. Its unique wing suspensions help relieve soreness, and it’s a popular mattress for those who are living with cancer as this mattress can help reduce some symptoms’ intensity.
5. Drive Medical Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress System
This is much more than a mattress. The Drive Medical Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress System is actually a machine that can adjust the pressure of your mattress, giving alternating or static pressure as needed. A quiet pump provides air flow and helps direct or decrease pressure depending on what’s feeling sore.
How to Find Mattresses Covered by Medicare
If you’re in need of a new mattress but can’t afford the cost, Medicare may be able to help. You’ll need to make sure that the mattresses you need or are considering qualify as durable medical equipment. Then, you’ll need to check your specific Medicare coverage to determine how much Medicare will pay, and how much you’ll be responsible for.
To make your search for a Medicare-approved mattress easier, you’ll want to search online. You can view mattresses from many different providers, and you’ll be able to narrow down your search for specific types. Plenty of Medicare-approved mattresses – and beds – are available online.
While shopping for a new mattress online, you can also compare prices and check to see what’s covered by Medicare. This makes the process easier, and you don’t even have to leave home to find a better mattress for your comfort and health.