Medicare.gov

Pressure-reducing support surfaces

Part B covers pressure-reducing support surfaces as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.

If you live in certain states, you may have to get prior approval for 5 types of pressure-reducing support surfaces.

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B

deductible
you pay 20% of the
Medicare-approved amount
(if your supplier accepts
assignment
). Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment:

  • You may need to rent the equipment.
  • You may need to buy the equipment.
  • You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment.

Make sure your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. It’s also important to ask a supplier if they participate in Medicare before you get DME. If suppliers are participating in Medicare, they must accept assignment (which means, they can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible for the Medicare‑approved amount). If suppliers aren’t participating and don’t accept assignment, you may have to pay for the full cost of the DME.

 

Find out cost

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

What it is

Pressure-reducing support surfaces include certain beds (like air-fluidized beds), mattresses, and mattress overlays.

Related resources

Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage

Is my test, item, or service covered?