Does Medicare Cover Hospital Bed Sheets?

Replacing hospital bed sheets is one way to help prevent diseases or viruses from spreading on the bed. Plus, it makes the experience of being a patient more comfortable.

So a common question many people have is, “does Medicare cover hospital bed sheets?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of hospital bed sheets and other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Hospital Bed Sheets?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of hospital bed sheets. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for your hospital bed sheets. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for hospital bed sheets. Coverage for a hospital bed sheet is provided by Medicare Part A since it is part of your inpatient stay in a hospital. Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient expenses such as hospitalization costs as well as skilled nursing facilities and other inpatient settings.

Even though coverage for hospital stays is provided by Medicare Part A, your healthcare provider must first deem it medically necessary for you to be admitted to a hospital. Services in a hospital stay that Medicare Part A covers include the following:

General nursing care
Semi-private room
Hospital equipment
Hospital services
Meals
Medications for treating the symptoms of your illness

Hospital beds, bed sheets, pillows, and blankets are part of the semi-private room which Medicare Part A covers during an inpatient hospital stay.

Medicare Part A will provide coverage for 100 percent of your expenses during your inpatient stay and treatment from days 1 to 60. Between days 60 and 90, Medicare Part A will still provide coverage for the cost of your inpatient expenses, but you will have a copay of $371 per day in 2021. After 90 days, Medicare Part A will no longer provide coverage.

However, Medicare Part A provides 60 lifetime reserve days. If you have lifetime reserve days, they will still provide coverage for your hospital stay after 90 days but you will pay a copay of $742 per day up until your reserve days are gone.

Part C Coverage for Hospital Bed Sheets

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provide coverage for hospital bed sheets. They cover everything Original Medicare covers, as well as some additional benefits. However, exactly what it covers and how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.

How Much Do Hospital Bed Sheets Cost?

Sheets for a hospital bed usually cost around $20. This price will vary greatly depending on where they are bought.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.