Medicare Part B covers hospital beds for home use as durable medical equipment when your doctor prescribes them, and both your doctor and the supplier of the hospital bed are enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare Part B Coverage
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary and preventative care. Besides just your annual wellness visit with the doctor, your regular flu shots, and any emergency room visits, Part B also covers clinical research, ambulance services, durable medical equipment, mental health care, and limited outpatient prescription drugs.
Medicare Covers Home Hospital Beds
Medicare Part B will cover hospital beds that your doctor prescribes for your use at home. This coverage is available because home hospital beds are considered durable medical equipment.
Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment is determined to withstand repeated use and have a lifespan of at least three years. They are also used for a medical condition, used in your home, and are not typically used by people who are not ill or injured. The full list of Medicare-covered durable medical equipment is as follows:
- Blood sugar meters
- Blood sugar test strips
- Canes
- Commode chairs
- Continuous passive motion devices
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices
- Crutches
- Hospital beds
- Home infusion services
- Infusion pumps & supplies
- Lancet devices & lancets
- Nebulizers & nebulizer medications
- Oxygen equipment & accessories
- Patient lifts
- Pressure-reducing support surfaces
- Suction pumps
- Traction equipment
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs & scooters
You may need to rent the hospital bed, buy it, or choose between renting or purchasing it. Medicare only covers your hospital bed or other durable medical equipment if both your doctor and the durable medical equipment supplier are enrolled in Medicare.
Your Costs Under Medicare Part B
When you receive services, tests, or items covered under Medicare Part B, you must first pay enough out-of-pocket costs to reach the yearly deductible. Once you have met the deductible, you will need to pay a copayment of 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services.
Sometimes doctors or suppliers do not accept assignment from Medicare. That means they do not accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment for covered services and can charge you higher prices for covered services. With durable medical equipment suppliers enrolled in Medicare, they have to accept assignment, which helps keep costs down for you.
The team at Magellan Healthcare is here to help you receive all of the health care services you need. We will find you the coverage that suits your anticipated health care needs and your budget. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with a licensed agent.
