How Much Does Hospital Bed Rental Cost?
A hospital bed can be a useful tool for home caregivers. Adjustable, fully electric beds improve comfort and safety for you and your care recipient.
In this article, we’ll answer important questions to help you learn more about this rental equipment. We’ll go over:
- What a hospital bed is
- Who can benefit
- How much a bed typically costs
- Medicare coverage
For more information about caregiving, check out Trualta’s learning library. This link will help you check if you have free access.
What Is A Hospital Bed?
An electric hospital bed is an adjustable bed typically used in healthcare settings. Adjustability is one of the most important features. A caregiver can easily adjust an electric hospital bed, changing the overall bed height or elevating the foot or head.
Hospital beds also have side rails to protect the care recipient from falling off the mattress. They often have wheels for easy maneuvering in a house or room. Bed accessories, like tables, can be added for more comfort.
The hospital bed mattress can be a standard type, a therapeutic foam mattress, or a medical air mattress. The latter is especially comfortable for any care recipients vulnerable to pressure sores.
Who Can Benefit From A Hospital Bed At Home?
The following people can benefit from a hospital bed rental at home:
- Someone who has mobility issues or needs to spend a lot of time in bed
- Someone who is going through recovery from an injury or surgery
Your care recipient might be more comfortable in a hospital bed than a typical bed. Some of the reasons for this include:
- The adjustability makes it easier to get in and out of bed
- The adjustability allows them to find the most comfortable position for sleeping or sitting
A rental hospital bed can also benefit the caregiver. If you need to reposition your loved one frequently, an adjustable bed makes it easier. The bed rails and other accessories make getting in and out of bed safer.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Hospital Bed?
You can buy a bed, but hospital bed rentals are more economical for many families with short-term needs.
- The cost of a new bed can be thousands of dollars, depending on the model and its features. Many of the components are sold separately. You’ll pay for the basic bed frame, plus rails, a mattress, and accessories.
- The cost of a rental varies based on the brand, the type of bed, the accessories, and where you live. A typical hospital bed rental starts at around $200 per month. Weekly rentals may be available, but at a higher rate.
Whether a rental or a purchase is more cost-effective depends on how long you think you’ll need a hospital bed. Also consider the costs of delivery. There may be an extra delivery fee or set-up fee.
Does Medicare Cover Electric Hospital Bed Rentals?
Medicare can be useful if your loved one qualifies and has a doctor’s prescription for an electric hospital bed. A medical bed is covered under Medicare Part B, durable medical equipment (DME).
The coverage for a hospital bed includes 80% of the approved cost of the bed after your loved one has met their deductible for the year. You’ll have to work with an approved medical supply company.
Medicaid may also cover some or all of the cost of hospital bed rentals or purchases. If your loved one qualifies, check with your state’s department that manages Medicaid for details.
For more information about caregiving, check if you have free access to Trualta’s learning library. This link will help you check if you have free access.
References
