ALS Hospital Beds and Accessories |
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If you have trouble sitting up or moving on your own, a hospital bed can be very helpful. It allows for better positioning, which can improve your circulation. It will also help your caregiver care for and transfer you with less strain.
The standard semi-electric bed shown below is covered by insurance. The head and feet of the bed can be raised and lowered using a remote control, but the bed’s overall height must be adjusted by the caregiver with a manual crank.
A fully electric (or total) hospital bed is not covered because Medicare considers it a convenience item. If you prefer a fully electric bed, ask your durable medical equipment (DME) provider if you can pay the difference between the two. The overall height of fully electric beds is adjusted with electronic controls.
The standard semi-electric bed shown below is covered by insurance. The head and feet of the bed can be raised and lowered using a remote control, but the bed’s overall height must be adjusted by the caregiver with a manual crank.
A fully electric (or total) hospital bed is not covered because Medicare considers it a convenience item. If you prefer a fully electric bed, ask your durable medical equipment (DME) provider if you can pay the difference between the two. The overall height of fully electric beds is adjusted with electronic controls.
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Standard hospital bed
a special bed with side rails that can be raised or lowered by crank or motor in three separate, jointed sections, which allows you to lie in various positions Note: Standard hospital beds must be prescribed in person by a doctor and supplied by a Medicare-certified medical equipment provider. For the first 13 months, you will be renting your hospital bed. After that, you will own it. |
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Alternating pressure pad and pump
a device placed between the mattress and sheet that provides alternating pressure to help prevent and treat pressure sores Note: Insurance will cover this if your doctor writes a prescription and letter stating that it is medically necessary. |
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Over-bed table
often referred to as a “hospital table,” the base rolls underneath the bed so the table can be placed conveniently in front of you Not covered by insurance |
About Insurance Coverage
Medicare will cover 80% of durable medical equipment (DME) that it considers long-lasting, medically necessary, and intended for home use. Medicaid and private insurance usually follow Medicare's guidelines and can pick up the remaining 20%. In order to get a piece of equipment covered, it must be properly documented by your doctor.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance do not cover all equipment, which means you may have to pay out of pocket for some devices. But before spending any of your own money, always ask your local ALS organization if you can borrow specific devices from their loan closet at no cost.
Note: Loan closets do not typically loan hospital beds.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance do not cover all equipment, which means you may have to pay out of pocket for some devices. But before spending any of your own money, always ask your local ALS organization if you can borrow specific devices from their loan closet at no cost.
Note: Loan closets do not typically loan hospital beds.
Equipment Safety
Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS organization to assess your equipment needs.
To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
