If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering if you can get a mattress through Medicare. The short answer is - it depends. Medicare does cover certain durable medical equipment (DME) that is deemed medically necessary. This includes items such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and walkers. So, let's take a closer look at what Medicare covers when it comes to mattresses and other DME.Medicare Coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
According to the official Medicare website, DME is defined as equipment that serves a medical purpose, is durable, and is used in your home. This can include a wide range of items, from oxygen tanks to prosthetic limbs. When it comes to mattresses, Medicare may cover a specialized medical mattress if it is deemed medically necessary for your condition.Medicare.gov: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage
Hospital beds are considered DME and are covered by Medicare as long as they are deemed medically necessary. This means that your doctor must prescribe the hospital bed for a specific condition, such as a spinal injury or chronic pain. In order for Medicare to cover the cost, the hospital bed must also meet certain criteria, such as being able to elevate the head and feet, and having side rails for safety.Medicare Coverage for Hospital Beds
Adjustable beds are not specifically mentioned in Medicare's coverage guidelines, but they may be covered if they are prescribed by a doctor and deemed medically necessary. This could be the case if you have a condition that requires you to sleep in a certain position or if you have difficulty getting in and out of a traditional bed.Medicare Coverage for Adjustable Beds
Medicare does not have a specific coverage policy for mattresses, but they may be covered if they are considered medically necessary. For example, if you have a pressure ulcer or other condition that requires a specialized medical mattress, Medicare may cover the cost. However, it's important to note that Medicare typically does not cover standard mattresses for general comfort or convenience.Medicare Coverage for Mattresses
Wheelchairs are a common form of DME and are covered by Medicare if they are deemed medically necessary. This could include manual or electric wheelchairs, depending on your specific needs. In order for Medicare to cover the cost, you must have a written prescription from your doctor and the wheelchair must be purchased from a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare.Medicare Coverage for Wheelchairs
Walkers are also considered DME and are covered by Medicare if they are deemed medically necessary. This could include standard walkers, rollators, or other types of walking aids. Your doctor must prescribe the walker for a specific condition that affects your mobility, and it must be purchased from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.Medicare Coverage for Walkers
Similar to walkers, canes are covered by Medicare if they are deemed medically necessary. Your doctor must prescribe the cane for a specific condition, such as balance issues or difficulty walking, and it must be purchased from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. However, if you simply need a cane for general support or convenience, Medicare will not cover the cost.Medicare Coverage for Canes
Crutches are also considered DME and are covered by Medicare if they are prescribed by a doctor and deemed medically necessary. This could include standard crutches, forearm crutches, or other types of crutches. In order for Medicare to cover the cost, the crutches must be purchased from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.Medicare Coverage for Crutches
Finally, lift chairs are covered by Medicare if they are deemed medically necessary for a specific condition. Lift chairs are recliners that can help individuals with mobility issues stand up and sit down more easily. Your doctor must prescribe the lift chair and it must meet certain criteria in order for Medicare to cover the cost.Medicare Coverage for Lift Chairs