How to Get Financial Assistance for Adjustable Beds

UPDATED

Written by Garen Glazier

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Breus

Our Editorial Process

Table of Contents

Adjustable beds typically start at $500 in smaller sizes and can easily cross the $2,000 threshold for split designs, making them a significant financial investment for most buyers. Using Medicare or Medicaid can lower your out-of-pocket payments. That said, there are a few stipulations with both of these programs to consider.

Medicare Coverage of Adjustable Beds

Medicare does not cover standard adjustable beds. Under certain conditions, you can use Medicare Part B to cover the cost of a hospital-grade adjustable bed because these models are categorized as durable medical equipment (DME). These conditions include the following:

  • Your primary care provider (PCP) must prescribe a hospital-grade adjustable bed for in-home use. 
  • You and your PCP must both be enrolled in Medicare to qualify for a payout.
  • If approved, Medicare covers 80% of the adjustable bed’s cost. You are responsible for the remaining 20%.
  • DME suppliers who are enrolled in Medicare can only charge you for the coinsurance and deductible based on the amount Medicare approves. If the supplier is not Medicare-enrolled, there are no restrictions on how much they can charge you. 

Keep in mind that hospital-grade adjustable beds are not comparable to standard adjustable beds in terms of amenities or performance. Many of these bases aren’t equipped for massage, automatic snore response, wall-hugging, and other features commonly found in standard adjustable beds. Hospital-grade beds may also be somewhat loud and slow to transition between positions.

Medicaid Coverage for Adjustable Beds

Unlike Medicare, a federal program available to all people 65 and older, Medicaid is a joint federal and state-level program for people with qualifying income needs. If you meet the criteria in your state, you may use Medicaid to partially pay for a hospital-grade adjustable bed. Medicaid cannot cover the cost of standard, non-prescription adjustable beds.

Your PCP and DME supplier must both be enrolled in Medicaid in order for you to receive funding for your hospital-grade adjustable bed. Otherwise, you won’t be able to secure coverage for your purchase and will need to pay out of pocket.

At the state level, you can obtain a waiver that covers some or all of your adjustable bed’s total cost. However, some states offer more robust waiver programs than others. The table below includes some state-by-state waiver options, but the list is not exhaustive and other options may be available in your state of residence. Click each state name to see all waiver programs currently listed on the Medicaid.gov website.

We cannot guarantee these waiver programs will be able to assist you with your adjustable bed purchase. Age requirements for each waiver are listed below, but additional restrictions and conditions may apply.

StateWaiver Options and Age RequirementsMedicaid Phone Contact and Website
AlabamaState of Alabama Independent Living (18 and older)
Alabama Community Transition Waiver (no age restriction)
1-800-362-1504
https://medicaid.alabama.gov/ 
AlaskaAlaskans Living Independently (21 and older)
Alaska Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Waiver (21 and older)
1-800-478-7778
https://health.alaska.gov/dpa/pages/medicaid/default.aspx 
ArizonaArizona Long Term Care System (65 and older)1-800-654-8713
https://www.azahcccs.gov/ 
ArkansasARChoices in Homecare (21 and older)
Self-Direction/IndependentChoices (18 and older)
1-800-482-8988
https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/medical-services/ 
CaliforniaMedi-Cal Multipurpose Senior Services Program (65 and older)
Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Alternatives Waiver (no age restriction)
1-800-541-555
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/default.aspx 
ColoradoCO Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver (18 and older)1-800-221-3493
https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/ 
ConnecticutCT Personal Care Attendant Waiver (18 to 64)
CT Home Care Program for Elders (65 and older)
1-800-842-2159
https://portal.ct.gov/OHA/Health-Care-Plans/Other-Plans/Medicaid 
DelawareDelaware HCBS (3 or older)
DE Diamond State Health Plan – Plus (18 and older) 
1-800-372-2022
https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ 
District of ColumbiaDC Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Waiver (18 and older)
DC Individual and Family Support Waiver (18 and older)
1-855-532-5465
https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid 
FloridaFL Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program (18 and older)1-877-711-3662
https://www.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/ 
GeorgiaGA Independent Care Waiver (18 to 64)1-877-423-4746
https://medicaid.georgia.gov/ 
HawaiiHI Medicaid I/DD Waiver (no age restriction)1-800-524-3370 (Oahu)
1-800-316-8005 (other islands)
https://medquest.hawaii.gov/ 
IdahoIdaho HCBS Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver (18 and older)1-877-456-1233
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/medicaid-health 
IllinoisIllinois’ Persons with Disabilities Waiver (under 60)
Illinois’ Persons Who Are Elderly Waiver (60 and older)
1-800-843-6154
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1628 
IndianaIN Aged and Disabled Waiver (no age restriction)
Older Americans Act (60 and older)
1-866-408-6131
https://www.in.gov/medicaid/ 
IowaIowa HCBS Waiver (age requirements vary by waiver)1-800-972-2017
https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowa-medicaid 
KansasKansas HCBS Physical Disability Waiver (16 to 64)
Kansas HCBS Frail Elderly Program (65 and older)
1-800-792-4884
https://kancare.ks.gov/ 
KentuckyHome and Community Based Waiver (65 and older)
Supports for Community Living Waiver (3 and older)
1-800-372-2973
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/Pages/default.aspx 
LouisianaCommunity Choices Waiver (21 and older)
Residential Options Waiver (no age restriction)
1-888-342-6207
https://ldh.la.gov/subhome/1 
MaineMaineCare Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver (18 and older)
HCBS for Adults with Other Related Conditions (21 and older)
1-800-965-7476
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms 
MarylandCommunity Pathways Waiver (18 and older)
Community Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities (18 and older)
1-877-463-3464
https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/pages/home.aspx 
MassachusettsFrail Elder Waiver (60 and older)
Moving Forward Plan Waiver (18 and older)
1-800-841-2900
https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth 
MichiganMI Choice Waiver (18 and older)
MI Health Link (21 and older)
1-800-803-7174
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid 
MinnesotaCommunity Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver (under 65)
Elderly Waiver (65 and older)
1-800-657-3672
https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/health-care-programs/programs-and-services/medical-assistance.jsp 
MississippiIndependent Living Waiver (16 and older)
Elderly and Disabled Waiver (65 and older)
1-800-421-2408
https://medicaid.ms.gov/ 
MissouriIndependent Living Waiver (18 to 64)
Medically Fragile Adult Waiver (21 and older)
1-855-373-4636
https://mydss.mo.gov/healthcare 
MontanaBig Sky Waiver (no age restriction)1-800-362-8312
https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/memberservices 
NebraskaHCBS Developmental Disabilities Waiver (21 and older)
HCBS Aged and Disabled Waiver (no age restriction)
1-800-833-7352
https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Eligibility.aspx 
NevadaHCBS Waiver for Persons with Physical Disabilities (no age restriction)
HCBS Waiver for the Frail Elderly (65 and older)
1-877-638-3472
https://www.medicaid.nv.gov/ 
New HampshireChoices for Independence Waiver (no age restriction)
HCBS Developmental Disabilities Waiver (no age restriction)
1-844-275-3447
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid 
New JerseyDDD Supports and Community Care Waiver (no age restriction)1-800-710-0710
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/ 
New MexicoDevelopmental Disabilities Waiver (no age restriction)
Medically Fragile Waiver (no age restriction)
1-800-283-4465
https://nmmedicaid.portal.conduent.com/static/index.htm 
New YorkCommunity First Choice Option (no age restriction)
Comprehensive HCBS Waiver (no age restriction)
1-800-541-2831
https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/ 
North CarolinaCommunity Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (18 and older)
NC Innovations Waiver (no age restriction)
1-888-245-0179
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/ 
North DakotaMedicaid Waiver for Home and Community-Based Services (no age restriction)1-800-755-2604
https://www.hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid 
OhioIndividual Options Waiver (no age restriction)
Passport Waiver (60 and older)
1-800-324-8680
https://medicaid.ohio.gov/ 
OklahomaADvantage Waiver (19 and older)
Medically Fragile Waiver (19 and older)
1-800-987-7767
https://oklahoma.gov/ohca.html 
OregonAdults HCBS Waiver (18 and older)
K Plan (18 to 75)
1-800-699-9075
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/index.aspx 
PennsylvaniaHealthChoices Waiver (21 and older)
Aging Waiver (60 and older)
1-800-692-7642
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx 
Rhode IslandRhode Island Comprehensive Demonstration Waiver (18 and older)1-888-657-3173
https://healthsourceri.com/medicaid/ 
South CarolinaCommunity Choices Waiver (18 and older)
Community Supports Waiver (no age restriction)
1-888-549-0820
https://www.scdhhs.gov/ 
South DakotaAssistive Daily Living Services Waiver (18 and older)
HOPE Waiver (18 and older)
1-605-773-3495
https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/ 
TennesseeCHOICES Program (21 and older)
1915(c) HCBS Waivers (no age restriction)
1-855-259-0701
https://www.tn.gov/tenncare 
TexasCLASS Waiver (no age restriction)1-800-252-8263
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip 
UtahNew Choices Waiver (18 and older)
Aging Waiver (65 and older)
1-801-538-6155
https://medicaid.utah.gov/ 
VermontGlobal Commitment to Health 1115 Waiver (22 to 64)1-800-250-8427
https://dvha.vermont.gov/members 
VirginiaCCC Plus Waiver (no age restriction)1-855-242-8282
https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/ 
WashingtonCommunity Options Program Entry System Waiver (18 and older)
New Freedom Waiver (no age restriction) 
1-800-562-3022
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/medicaid 
West VirginiaAged and Disabled Waiver (18 and older)1-304-558-1700
https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Pages/default.aspx 
WisconsinInclude, Respect, I Self-Direct Waiver (18 and older)
Family Care Waiver (18 and older) 
1-800-362-3002
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/index.htm 
WyomingCommunity Choices Waiver (19 and older)1-307-777-7531
https://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/medicaid/ 

Veterans Assistance for Adjustable Beds

If Medicaid isn’t feasible and you are a military veteran, an alternative payment option may be available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Certain people purchasing hospital-grade adjustable beds and other DME may qualify for partial coverage through the VA, but — as with Medicare and Medicaid — certain stipulations apply.

Adjustable Bed Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover adjustable beds?

Medicare only covers the cost of your adjustable bed under certain conditions. Your primary care provider must prescribe you an adjustable bed for in-home use, you’ll be limited to hospital-grade models, and both you and your doctor must be enrolled in Medicare. If you meet these criteria, Medicare covers 80% of the cost.

Do you need a doctor’s prescription for an adjustable bed?

You need a doctor’s prescription to purchase an adjustable bed if you’re planning for Medicare or Medicaid to cover part of the cost. If you plan to pay full price for the bed, no prescription is necessary.

Can any mattress go on an adjustable base?

Most adjustable beds are designed to be compatible with any mattress on the market. However, we’ve found foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses work best. Traditional innersprings are fairly rigid and don’t conform very closely, so you may not fully enjoy the pressure-relieving benefits of sleeping with your upper or lower body elevated. Additionally, mattresses with custom sizes will need an adjustable bed with matching dimensions and won’t be compatible with standard bases.

Do adjustable beds need special sheets?

Standard sheets may work well with an adjustable bed, but some people find their flat sheet comes loose — even if it’s tucked beneath the mattress. If you run into this issue, a flat sheet with corner straps may be the solution.

How much does an adjustable bed cost?

Most adjustable beds cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Size is an important consideration, with split designs often priced much higher than standard sizes. Adjustable beds with special features such as massage, wall-hugging technology, and sleep tracking also tend to be more expensive than models with fewer bells and whistles.

Are adjustable beds good for all sleep positions?

Adjustable beds are technically compatible with any sleep position, but side and back sleepers tend to feel most comfortable with their upper and lower body in raised positions. Stomach sleepers may enjoy adjusting the angle of their sleep surface to a slight degree, but zero gravity and other positions with the legs elevated may be uncomfortable and cause lower back strain.

Who should sleep on an adjustable bed?

You may enjoy an adjustable bed if you have limited mobility or chronic pain. Certain features also have appeal for a wider audience. For example, if you read in bed, you may appreciate the ability to raise the head of the bed, while massage and zero-gravity functions may be useful if you frequently exercise or have a physical job.

How long do adjustable beds last?

The expected lifespan of an adjustable base is approximately 10 years, though this can vary depending on the amount of use, the design, and the quality of the materials. Most mattresses last 7 to 10 years, although your mattress may wear out more quickly if it’s used nightly on an adjustable base.

About The Author

Garen Glazier

Staff Writer, Product Testing Team


Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.

  • POSITION: Side Sleeper
  • TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
  • CHRONOTYPE: Wolf