Does Medicare Cover Standing Beds? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re researching hospital beds or medical beds for home use, one of the first and most important questions you’ll likely ask is: “Will Medicare or insurance cover this bed?”

It’s a fair question—and one that often causes confusion.

The short answer:

• Medicare covers only basic hospital beds under strict conditions
• Premium beds—like the ReNuCare® Standing Bed—are not covered by Medicare or insurance at this time

Understanding why this is the case can help you make a more informed decision about your care, comfort, and long-term quality of life.

What Medicare Actually Covers for Home Hospital Beds

Hospital beds are categorized by Medicare as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B. While coverage is possible, it is not automatic and comes with strict medical and administrative requirements.

Medicare Hospital Bed Coverage Requirements

To qualify for Medicare coverage, all of the following must apply:

• Medical necessity must be proven – A physician must document a medical condition that requires a hospital bed rather than a standard bed.
• A doctor’s prescription is require – The prescription must clearly explain why a standard bed cannot meet the patient’s needs.
• The bed must be supplied by a Medicare-approved DME provider
• Rental is usually required first – Medicare typically rents hospital beds rather than allowing immediate ownership.

Even when approved, coverage is limited to basic functionality only.

What Type of Hospital Beds Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare generally covers standard or semi-electric hospital beds, which are designed to meet minimum care requirements.

Typically Covered by Medicare:

• Basic or semi-electric hospital beds
• Motorized head and foot adjustment
• Manual or partially electric height adjustment
• Standard mattresses

These beds are intended for short-term or basic medical care, not advanced therapy, mobility training, or independence support.

What Medicare Does Not Cover

Without extensive documentation—and often not at all—Medicare generally does not cover:

• Full-electric hospital beds
• Bariatric hospital beds
• Low or ultra-low beds
• Specialty or pressure-relief mattresses
• Advanced positioning or therapy systems
• Standing beds

These features are typically classified as “non-essential” or “luxury” under Medicare guidelines—even when they may significantly improve safety, circulation, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Why Standing Beds Like the ReNuCare® Are Not Covered by Insurance

The ReNuCare® Standing Bed is intentionally designed to go beyond the minimum standard of care defined by insurance programs.

It is not a low-cost, short-term medical bed. Instead, it is a premium mobility and wellness solution built for daily, long-term use.

What Makes the ReNuCare® Standing Bed Different

Full standing functionality to support:

• Circulation
• Bone density
• Muscle engagement
• Upright positioning

Fully electric positioning for:

• Comfort
• Ease of use
• Greater independence

Designed to reduce caregiver strain

• Less lifting
• Safer transfers
• Improved ergonomics

Built for long-term daily living

• Not just recovery
• Not limited to short-term care

Because of these advanced capabilities, the ReNuCare® Standing Bed exceeds Medicare’s narrow definition of “medically necessary equipment.” As a result, insurance does not currently provide coverage—not because the bed lacks value, but because it offers more than insurance programs are structured to support.

Medicare vs. ReNuCare® Standing Bed: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Medicare-Covered Hospital Bed	ReNuCare® Standing Bed
Cost Structure	Rental + 20% coinsurance	One-time investment
Coverage	Limited	Not covered / self-pay
Features	Basic only	Standing + advanced positioning
Approval Timeline	Weeks or longer	Immediate availability
Ownership	Limited or none	Full ownership
Focus	Basic medical necessity	Quality of life & mobility
Independence Support	Low	High

Why Insurance Covers Only Basic (“Low-Cost”) Beds

Medicare and insurance programs are designed to:

• Control healthcare costs
• Provide minimum functional care
• Support short-term or essential medical needs

As a result:

• Beds are standardized
• Advanced features are excluded
• Innovation is slow and restricted

Premium beds—especially those designed to restore independence rather than simply manage symptoms—fall outside these guidelines.

When Investing in a Premium Standing Bed Makes Sense

A standing bed like ReNuCare® may be the right choice if:

• You require long-term mobility support
• Standing therapy is part of your wellness or care plan
• You want to reduce fall risk and caregiver burden
• Comfort, dignity, and independence are priorities
• You prefer immediate access without insurance delays
• You value ownership over rental restrictions

Final Thoughts

Medicare can be helpful for basic hospital beds, but it was never designed to support advanced, premium solutions that focus on mobility, independence, and long-term quality of life.

The ReNuCare® Standing Bed is not covered by insurance at this time—and that’s because it offers far more than what insurance programs are built to provide.

For individuals and families who prioritize mobility, safety, dignity, and independence, investing in a standing bed can be a powerful long-term decision.

Want to Learn More?

• Schedule a free live demo with one of our product specialists
• Learn the difference between a standing bed and an electric hospital bed
• See if the ReNuCare® Standing Bed fits your care goals

📅 Book your free consultation today and experience the difference firsthand.