Medicare could cover the cost of your new mattress as durable medical equipment. Keep reading to find out how you could save hundreds of dollars on your new mattress.

Medicare is a well-known, government-run program that helps seniors pay for medical care. In addition to covering lab work, hospitalization costs, and related medical costs, Medicare can also pay for equipment that is considered medically essential by a physician for their patient. In fact, you can even find online health insurance plans with 100% mattress coverage if you know where to look! 

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is equipment that enables you to complete your daily activities and includes various items, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and oxygen tanks. Medicare will cover the cost of DME if the equipment is durable and able to withstand repeated use. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare could cover the cost of your new mattress as durable medical equipment. 

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Medicare coverage comes in different "parts." Medicare Part A covers medical costs incurred in the hospital setting; inpatient hospital stays, care received in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and certain home health care. Medicare Part "B" covers medical costs incurred as doctor fees, lab work, and certain types of equipment you might use at home that are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Medicare regulations require that an item be considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and thus eligible for coverage if it meets the following criteria:

• The equipment must be considered a medical necessity and prescribed by an approved Medicare physician.
• The equipment must be durable, which means its life expectancy is at least three years or longer.
• The doctor must make the prescription request within six months of personally examining the patient.
• The request must contain documentation proving why it is a medical necessity.
• The equipment must be obtained through an authorized Medicare DME supplier. You can find health insurance mattresses stores online with a simple search. 

Medical Beds

Typically, a bed classified as DME equipment must be a hospital bed that is designed for medical care, not for comfort. These types of beds are often adjustable; for example, it's possible to adjust the angle and height of both the head and feet. This makes it easier to deliver care to patients. On some DME beds, it's also possible to adjust the height of the mattress also. 

 The Medicare policy for patient beds may cover motorized beds or manual crank beds, depending on the patient's condition. Typically, Medicare will not cover the cost of a fully electric motor hospital bed. However, Medicare can cover extra large or wide beds for obese patients.

Medical Mattresses

 To be covered by Medicare, a medical mattress must meet all the criteria of being classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The design and purpose must be for medical care, not just comfort or aesthetics. As a result, typically, only pressure-reducing medical mattresses are eligible for reimbursement under Medicare. Pressure-reducing medical mattresses can help reduce pressure on injured or inflamed tissues, helping to alleviate pain and promote healing.

Fotunately, there are many mattress stores with offers for seniors. Some highly rated pressure-reducing mattresses include:

Joerns PrevaMatt Defend Pressure Relief Mattress

Designed for comfort and safety, this pressure-relief mattress provides pressure ulcer prevention and uses fewer chemicals and plant-based materials. 

Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty Mattress

The Solace Resolution Glissando Mattress helps to prevent friction and shear, which can reduce the development of pressure ulcers.

Therapeutic 5-Zone Support Mattress

The Therapeutic 5-Zone Support Mattress is a high-quality latex-free therapeutic foam mattress that provides pressure redistribution and friction reduction.

ThevoRelief Pressure Relief Mattress

ThevoRelief Pressure Relief Mattress features an integrated fiberglass framing that mimics the spine's movement and follows the body's contours to provide targeted support for perfect spinal alignment to ensure maximum support.

How Much Does Medicare Cover For DME?

 If a Medicare beneficiary purchases an approved durable medical equipment item, the program will cover 80 percent of the cost, and the beneficiary must pay the remaining 20 percent out of pocket. However, your Medicare insurance policy can be supplemented with a private plan called Medicare Advantage. These policies may provide more coverage for DME items than Part B alone. Search online today to find health insurance quotes for individual health plans with 100% mattress coverage.