What You Should Know
- Seniors are at a high risk of falling, which may result in serious injuries or even death.
- Seniors who have mobility issues or trouble with balance may fall when getting into or out of their bed.
- Bed rails provide stability and security so that seniors can use their beds safely.
- Bed rails may also help seniors get into and out of bed with less assistance, enabling them to live more independently.
- Medicare, Medicaid, veterans programs, and national and state-based resources can help seniors afford bed rails.
There are different kinds of bed rails available on the market. They not only prevent patients from falling out of bed, but also provide support when getting in and out of bed. When choosing a model, you should research the different options available since this will provide a higher level of comfort. Some bed rails can be adjusted for size, and can accommodate more body weight. While others come equipped with an accessory pouch and padded handle grips. The newer models come equipped with a motion-sensing LED nightlight for added safety. Once you have an idea of what you want, the bed rail you select comes down to two very important factors: features and price.
To help you with your research process, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 bed rails for seniors. I’ll start at number one, working my way down to twenty, based on the average rating given by customers. You’ll find the model number, a breakdown of the important features, and the price. Let’s get started.
1. AdirMed Height Adjustable, Slip Resistant Bed Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The AdirMed has many great features and is an ideal bedside tool for the elderly or disabled. The unit can be adjusted to fit any size mattress and easily folds for transport. The bed rail has a storage pouch so you can keep your personal belongings safe, and has slip-resistant handles. It supports a maximum of 250 lbs.
Key Features:
- Strong steel structure
- Slides under mattress
- Height adjustable
- Depth adjustable
- Storage pouch
- Weight capacity of up to 250 lbs.
- Tool-free assembly
2. Secure Bed Assist Rail with Anchor Strap
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Secure Bed Assist Hand Rail is designed to make getting in and out of bed safely. It supports up to 300lbs., and has non-slip handgrips. It can be adjusted to 8 different heights, and has an anchor strap to attach safely to different bed frames. It has a chrome plated steel frame.
Key Features:
- Chrome plated steel frame
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Non-slip handgrips
- 8 Adjustable heights
- Tool-free assembly
- Anchor strap to attach to all beds
- One-year warranty
3. Able Life Bedside Mighty Home Bed Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Able Life Bedside Rail weights less than 2lbs., but supports people up to 300lbs. It’s easy to assemble because it requires no tools, and can easily fold for storage purposes. The handle is cushioned for easy transitioning in and out of bed. The Able Life Bedside rail is also equipped with an organizer pouch to keep your personal belongings safe.
Key Features:
- Safety strap
- Organizer pouch
- Easily folds for travel
- Tool-free assembly
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Full-size cushion handle
4. Mobility Transfer Grip Plus Bed Handle
Description:
The Mobility Transfer Bed Handle is height adjustable and can support up to 250lbs. The cushioned, non-slip handle is easy on the hands when getting in and out of bed. It’s durable because of the all steel tubing and easily folds for transport. Assembly can be done within minutes without using any tools.
Key Features:
- Height adjustable
- Tool-free assembly
- All steel tubing with wooden board base
- Cushioned, non-slip cover handle
- Weight capacity of up to 250 lbs.
5. Medline Bed Assist Bar
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Medline Bed Assist Bar is durable because it’s made from solid steel. The height can be adjusted to accommodate different size people, and it’s very easy to assemble since it requires no tools. It comes with a storage pouch to safely keep personal items. And it has comfortable handgrips to make getting in and out of bed easy.
Key Features:
- Comfortable handgrips
- Storage pouch
- Adjustable height
- Tool-free assembly
- Solid steel
- Easily folds for transporting
6. LumaRail-FS Bed Assist Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
LumaRail-FS Bed Assist Rail is safe, and provides convenience and reliability. It has many key features like padded grips for comfort, a motion sensing LED light, and anchor strap. It’s easy to assemble because it requires no tools and has a powder coated finish. The height can easily be adjusted, and the LumaRail-FS has a motion sensing LED nightlight.
Key Features:
- Padded grip for comfort
- Adjustable height
- Motion sensing LED nightlight
- Anchor strap
- Powder coated finish.
- Easily folds for transport
7. Able Life Home Bedside Safety Handle
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Able Life Home Bedside Rail can be adjusted to accommodate people of all different sizes. It is made with lightweight aluminum and is very durable, supporting people up to 300lbs. The Able Life Bedside Rail easily folds for transport and is convenient, coming with an accessory bag for storage.
Key Features:
- Made from lightweight aluminum material
- Adjustable height
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Accessory bag is included
- Safety strap
- Easily folds for transport
8. Stander EZ Adjust & Pivoting Adult Home Bed Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The EZ Adjust Bed Rail can function as both a bed rail and a bed handle. It supports people up to 300lbs., and the height can be adjusted for convenience. The EZ Adjust Bed Rail comes with an organizer pouch to store your belongings, and easily folds when transporting. It has a lifetime warranty and can be assembled without using any tools.
Key Features:
- Rail pivots down 180° to side of bed when not in use
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Adjustable height
- Tool-free assembly
- Lifetime warranty
- Equipped with organizer pouch
9. Stander BedCane – Home Bed Assist & Support Handle
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Stander BedCane supports up to 300lbs., and is made with heavy duty steel. It comes equipped with a safety strap and the height can be adjusted. For added comfort, the Stander BedCane has padded handles to make getting in and out of bed easier. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Key Features:
- Adjustable height from 16″-21″
- Safety strap
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Padded handle for comfort
- Heavy duty steel with powder coat
10. Stander Bed Rail Advantage Traveler
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Stander Bed Rail can be assembled without using any tools. It’s easy to install and supports up to 400lbs. The unit comes with an organizer pouch, safety strap, and has an adjustable height range of 21.5″ and width of 16″. The Stander Bed Rail has cushioned handles to allow for easy in and out access.
Key Features:
- Portable folding
- Cushioned support handle
- Organizer Pouch
- Supports up to 400lbs.
- Safety strap
- Adjustable height range: height: 21.5″ width: 16″
- Tool-free assembly
11. Secure Bed Assist Hand Rail with Adjustable Floor Support
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Secure Bed Assist Hand Rail has non-slip handles, and can support up to 300lbs. The bed rail can be assembled without using any tools and conveniently folds for transport. It’s durable because it’s made with powder coated steel and can be adjust from 31”-37”.
Key Features:
- Non-slip handgrip
- Adjustable height
- Durable powder coated steel
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Tool-free assembly
- Portable and easily folds
12. Stander Mobility Home Adult Bed Rail & Cushioned Support Bed Handle
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Stander Mobility is designed for home beds and hospital beds. It has a swing out arm to help assist you when getting out of bed. The unit comes equipped with non-slip legs, which swing out and move with you as you transition smoothly out of bed. It’s very easy to setup and does not require any tools during installation.
Key Features:
- 4-Pocket organizer
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Swing out arm and legs
- Anti-slip grips for comfort
- Height adjustable
- No tools required
- Easily folds for transport
13. Bed Assist Adjustable Handrail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Bed Assist Handrail by TFI can be adjusted to accommodate all people, and easily folds for transporting. The legs fully extend to the floor for safety and stability. No tools are required for assembly.
Key Features:
- No tools required
- Legs extend to floor for safety
- Adjustable height
- Easily folds
14. Drive Medical Home Bed Style Adjustable Bed Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Drive Medical Bed Rail is constructed from 1” steel and is very durable. It can fit all home-style beds, and can be installed without the use of tools. It slides under the mattress so support is available on both sides of the bed.
Key Features:
- Constructed from 1” steel
- Adjustable height
- Fits all home-style beds
- Tool-free assembly
15. RMS Dual Bed Rail – Adjustable Height Bed Assist Rail
Description:
The RMS Dual Bed Rail is a very popular item. It’s made from powder coated premium steel for durability, and has a non-slip rail. The height can be adjusted to accommodate all people, and it can be installed within minutes without tools. The RMS Dual Bed Rail comes with 3 handlebars to make getting out of bed easier.
Key Features:
- Attaches to both sides of bed
- Tool-free assembly
- 3 Handlebars to make getting out of bed easier
- Durable because it’s made from powder coated premium steel
- Non-slip foam rail
- Adjustable height
16. FREEDOM Grip Bed Rail
Description:
The FREEDOM Grip Bed Rail is perfect for anyone who has a hard time getting out of bed. It has a 9” cushioned grip handle, and can be assembled without using any tools. The unit supports up to 250lbs., and will slide under the mattress for easy installation.
Key Features:
- Supports 250lbs.
- 9″ Wide foam cushioned grip handle
- Tool-free assembly
- Easy installation
17. AdriMed Height Adjustable Bed Rail
Description:
The AdriMed Bed Rail has been built to provide comfort. It has a strudy bar for better grip, and the height can be adjusted. It comes with a safety strap and accessory pouch. The unit can be installed within minutes because it slides right under the mattress and requires no tools.
Key Features:
- Strudy bar for comfort
- Adjustable height
- Accessory pouch
- Multiple grip bars for different hand positions
- Safety strap
- Powder coated steel construction
- Tool-free assembly
18. MOBB Home Bed Assist Handle
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The MOBB Home Bed Assist Handle is very easy to install since it slips right under the mattress. It comes with a small storage area to keep personal items and/or magazines. The MOBB bed rail has non-metal handles for comfort, and requires no tools for installation.
Key Features:
- Non-metal handles for comfort
- Easy installation because it slips right under the mattress
- Storage area for small items
- Tool-free installation
19. Stander 30″ Home Safety Adult Bed Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Stander Bed Rail can be installed on most traditional beds. The unit supports up to 300lbs., and pivots 180° to the side when not in use. The height can be adjusted to accommodate most people, and can be reversed so it can be installed on other side of the bed. It’s very easy to install with an optional accessory pouch.
Key Features:
- Supports up to 300lbs.
- Rail pivots 180° to the side of the bed when not in use
- Reversible and can be placed on other size of bed
- Rail width: 30”
- Safety strap
- Adjustable height
- Easy to install and fold
20. Platinum Health Lumarail Bed Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The Platinum Health Lumarail Bed Rail has all the cool features you’re looking for. It comes with a bed anchor strap and integrated LED motion sensing light. The unit can be assembled quickly since it requires no tools during setup. The padded handgrips provide comfort when getting in and out of bed. The Platinum Health Bed Rail easily folds for transporting.
Key Features:
- Bed anchor strap included
- Integrated IntelliBrite motion sensing LED
- Powder coated finish
- Adjustable height
- Padded handgrips
- Tool-free assembly
- Easily folds for transport
21. EasyComforts Bed Guard Rail
Price: See Amazon for Latest Price
Description:
The EasyComforts Bed Guard Rail easily slides under the mattress for quick installation. It’s made from solid steel so it is very durable, and can fold easily for transport. There is some assembly required before installation. It’s a very affordable option for people not looking to spend too much money.
Key Features:
- Length adjusts to 20″-29″
- Some assembly required
- Fits easily under the mattress
- Easily folds for transport
For Information on Other Bed Rails, Read our Reviews of the Following:
Financial Assistance for Bed Rails for Low-Income Seniors
If you are a senior on a budget, you may need financial assistance to improve the affordability of bed rails. Medicare is a good option for those who need a hospital bed as well as bed rails, but it will not cover bed rails if they are purchased separately. However, other resources are available that can provide free or low-cost bed rails to seniors. These include Medicaid for low-income seniors or seniors with disabilities and TRICARE and CHAMPVA programs for veterans and/or their families. National Easterseals and AT programs as well as smaller state-specific programs are also available resources that may reduce the cost of bed rails. The below content will cover each of these options in detail, providing eligibility criteria and program contact information.
Original Medicare Coverage of Bed Rails
Side rails for beds are not covered by Original Medicare unless they are included as part of an approved hospital bed that has been prescribed by a doctor. Types of hospital beds that Medicare will approve include fixed-height, variable-height, semi-electric, heavy-duty and extra-wide, and extra-heavy-duty beds. However, this approval is contingent on qualifying criteria being met and required procedures being followed.
Qualifying for a Hospital Bed With Medicare
In general, to qualify for a standard fixed-height hospital bed, Medicare requires patients to have a condition that makes one medically necessary. Examples of this include:
- Patients who require body positioning for medical reasons, such as to reduce pain, prevent respiratory infections, or ensure proper body alignment.
- Patients who have conditions that require attachments that cannot be fastened to or used with an ordinary bed.
For patients to get approval for hospital beds with additional features not present in a standard fixed-height hospital bed, further criteria must be met. Medicare requirements to get coverage for these other types of hospital beds are detailed below.
For variable height beds, patients must have:
- Severe arthritis or other lower extremity injuries
- Severe cardiac conditions
- Spinal cord injuries (including quadriplegic, paraplegic, multiple limb amputee, and stroke patients)
- Other severely debilitating conditions and/or diseases that require variable height enabled beds in order to assist and enable movement
For an electric powered hospital bed, patients must have:
- A condition which requires frequent and/or immediate body position changes
- The ability to operate controls to make adjustments in certain cases
For a heavy-duty, extra-wide bed, patients must:
- Weigh between 350 and 600 pounds
For an extra-heavy-duty bed, patients must:
- Weigh more than 600 pounds
How To Get Medicare Coverage for a Bed Rail
Beyond meeting the above qualifying criteria, there are steps patients must follow before they will receive Medicare coverage for their hospital bed with side rails. Failure to follow a step can result in Medicare denying a claim and patients being expected to pay the full price for all items.
Steps to get Medicare coverage for a hospital bed with side rails for those who meet all hospital bed qualifications are as follows:
- Schedule a face-to-face appointment with a doctor for an evaluation.
- Ensure this doctor is enrolled in Medicare. To find healthcare providers near you participating in Medicare, enter your location and select doctors and clinicians as the provider type in Medicare’s providers search engine.
- Get a prescription from this doctor for the type of bed you require. It must indicate medical conditions that require positioning and/or specify the attachments you need that can only be used with a hospital bed. Make sure it also indicates that bed rails are necessary for medical reasons.
- Give a Medicare enrolled supplier your doctor’s prescription. Such suppliers can be found by entering a zip code and/or the equipment type needed in the equipment and suppliers search engine provided on the Medicare website. If your supplier is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare may not pay for the claims they submit.
- The equipment supplier will file the claim with Medicare and receive payment for its portion of costs if a claim is approved. You will only be responsible for paying the 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount (assuming you have paid the Part B deductible).
Medicare Supplement Insurance And Paying for Bed Rails
Patients who want to use their Original Medicare benefits to help cover a hospital bed with side rails may want to consider getting a Medigap policy, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance. Medigap policies lower Medicare enrollees out-of-pocket costs by helping cover Medicare coinsurance, deductibles, and/or copayments. Otherwise patients must pay the full amount for any of these that apply.
Patients without a Medigap policy should expect to pay any remaining deductible as well as coinsurance for a hospital bed with side rails. A hospital bed and side rails would be covered under Original Medicare Part B, or Medicare’s medical insurance, and the Medicare Part B annual deductible (which was $233 in 2022 and will be $226 in 2023) must be paid in full before Medicare will disburse any payments. In addition to this, patients will also be responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount, or coinsurance, for the actual hospital bed with side rails.
To assist you in finding the best Medigap plan to help with at least some of these costs, Medicare has published a page on comparing Medigap policies. Selecting a plan is relatively straightforward, as Medigap policies are standardized to have the same benefits in most states. However, residents of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin should visit Medicare’s Medigap pages created specifically for their state as their plans are designed differently.
Medicaid Coverage of Bed Rails
Medicaid programs give free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying Americans; however each state has its own unique program and all are somewhat different. While eligibility criteria may also vary, applicants generally must be low income or very low income as well as US citizens or lawful permanent residents who live in the same state in which they apply for benefits. The elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, families, and children are also groups that may be eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Most state Medicaid programs will cover durable medical equipment (DME) and accessories, like hospital beds with side rails, under certain conditions. These include that a healthcare professional has determined that they are medically necessary and Medicaid has approved coverage prior to any purchase being made.
How To Get Medicaid Approval for Bed Rails
Most Medicaid beneficiaries will need to follow these or similar steps to receive Medicaid approval before they purchase a hospital bed with side rails:
- Make an appointment with a health provider who must indicate in writing that medical equipment is necessary for specific medical reasons. In some instances, doctors will be required to write a prescription.
- Locate a Medicaid-approved supplier and give them the doctor’s written document or prescription.
- This supplier will submit a prior approval application to Medicaid and Medicaid will approve or deny the application.
- If approved, the supplier will give the hospital bed with side rails to the patient and send Medicaid a bill. Medicaid will typically cover all costs for those with full benefits.
- Claims that are denied can be appealed, although this may not change the original decision.
While the above information should be true for most states, it is recommended that you contact the Medicaid program in your state for exact details about bed rail coverage. Medicaid contact information in provided in the following table:
| State | State Medicaid Website | State Medicaid Contact |
| Alabama | medicaid.alabama.gov | 334-242-5000 |
| Alaska | health.alaska.gov/dpa | 800-780-9972 |
| Arizona | azahcccs.gov | 855-432-7587 |
| Arkansas | humanservices.arkansas.gov | 855-372-1084 |
| California | medi-cal.ca.gov | 800-541-5555 |
| Colorado | healthfirstcolorado.com | 800-221-3943 |
| Connecticut | portal.ct.gov/husky | 800-842-1508 |
| Delaware | dhss.delaware.gov/dss | 800-464-4957 |
| District of Columbia | dhcf.dc.gov | 202-645-4614 |
| Florida | ahca.myflorida.com/Medicaid | 877-711-3662 |
| Georgia | medicaid.georgia.gov | 404-651-9982 |
| Hawaii | medquest.hawaii.gov | 808-524-3370 |
| Idaho | idmedicaid.com | 877-456-1233 |
| Illinois | illinois.gov/hfs | 800-843-6154 |
| Indiana | in.gov/medicaid | 800-457-4584 |
| Iowa | dhs.iowa.gov/ime | 855-889-7985 |
| Kansas | kdhe.ks.gov | 800-792-4884 |
| Kentucky | chfs.ky.gov | 800-635-2570 |
| Louisiana | ldh.la.gov | 888-342-6207 |
| Maine | maine.gov/dhhs | 207-287-3707 |
| Maryland | health.maryland.gov/mmcp | 877-463-3464 |
| Massachusetts | mass.gov | 800-841-2900 |
| Michigan | michigan.gov/mdhhs | 800-642-3195 |
| Minnesota | mn.gov/dhs | 651-431-2700 |
| Mississippi | medicaid.ms.gov | 800-421-2408 |
| Missouri | mydss.mo.gov/healthcare | 800-735-2466 |
| Montana | medicaidprovider.mt.gov | 800-362-8312 |
| Nebraska | dhhs.ne.gov | 855-632-7633 |
| Nevada | medicaid.nv.gov | 800-992-0900 |
| New Hampshire | dhhs.nh.gov | 800-852-3345 |
| New Jersey | nj.gov | 800-356-1561 |
| New Mexico | nmmedicaid.portal.conduent.com | 888-997-2583 |
| New York | health.ny.gov | 800-541-2831 |
| North Carolina | medicaid.ncdhhs.gov | 800-662-7030 |
| North Dakota | nd.gov/dhs | 800-472-2622 |
| Ohio | medicaid.ohio.gov | 800-324-8680 |
| Oklahoma | oklahoma.gov | 800-522-0310 |
| Oregon | or-medicaid.gov | 800-527-5772 |
| Pennsylvania | dhs.pa.gov/Services | 800-692-7462 |
| Rhode Island | dhs.ri.gov | 401-462-5300 |
| South Carolina | scdhhs.gov | 888-549-0820 |
| South Dakota | dss.sd.gov/medicaid/ | 800-597-1603 |
| Tennessee | tn.gov/tenncare | 800-342-3145 |
| Texas | hhs.texas.gov/services | 877-541-7905 |
| Utah | medicaid.utah.gov | 800-662-9651 |
| Vermont | dvha.vermont.gov | 800-250-8427 |
| Virginia | dmas.virginia.gov | 804-786-7933 |
| Washington | www.dshs.wa.gov | 800-562-3022 |
| West Virginia | dhhr.wv.gov/bcf | 800-642-8589 |
| Wisconsin | dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid | 800-362-3002 |
| Wyoming | health.wyo.gov | 866-571-0944 |
Veterans Resources for Bed Rails
There are programs available that help veterans and their families with the costs of durable medical equipment (DME) customizations and accessories, which may include bed rails. Examples of such programs include TRICARE and CHAMPVA, which are explained in detail below.
TRICARE
TRICARE is a health care program that provides comprehensive coverage to active-duty and retired service members and their families. Among its many benefits, it covers doctor-prescribed DME as well as DME customizations, attachments, and accessories that are medically necessary because of a disability.
While there are many different Tricare plans, only some are available to veterans and their dependents: Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, US Family Health Plan, TRICARE For Life, TRICARE Select Overseas. More information about these options is provided in the table below.
| Tricare Plan | Who is Eligible | How to Enroll | Contact Information |
| Tricare Prime | Retired service members and their families who do not qualify for Medicare due to their age and who live in a Prime Service Area or are exempt from drive time standards. | Follow all steps listed on the TRICARE Prime page | Contact your Regional TRICARE Contractor |
| Tricare Select | Retired service members and their families as well as retired Guard/Reserve members at age 60 and their families. | Follow all steps listed on the Tricare Select page | Contact your Regional TRICARE Contractor |
| US Family Health Plan | Retired service members and their families aged 64 or younger.
Retired National Guard/Reserve members at age 60 who have retired pay and their families. Retirees who enroll in this program after September 30,2012 must transition to Tricare for Life at age 65. |
Follow the steps listed on the US Family Health Plan page | Call 1-800-748-7347 or reach out to a representative |
| TRICARE For Life | Retirees and their families with Original Medicare Parts A and B. | Enrollment is not required. | US-based contact: Wisconsin Physicians Service/Tricare For Life
International contact: |
| TRICARE Select Overseas | Retired service members and their families as well as Guard/Reserve members at age 60 and their families. | Follow all steps listed on the TRICARE Select Overseas page | Contact an International SOS representative in your region |
Those interested in finding the best plan for their unique situation can also use the TRICARE Plan Finder on the TRICARE website. This resource gives TRICARE coverage options for those with special circumstances, such as ex-spouses or dependent parents. After answering a series of questions, TRICARE Plan Finder users will be provided with a list of plans they may be eligible for with links to the plan’s main page for additional information.
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
CHAMPVA is a cost-sharing health insurance program for spouses, surviving spouses, and children of veterans with disabilities or who have died. To be eligible for CHAMPVA benefits, these dependents must not qualify for TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s health care program designed for active-duty and retired service members and their families.
CHAMPVA helps its beneficiaries with the costs of healthcare services and medical supplies as long as they are medically necessary and authorized by a healthcare provider. Medical supplies include durable medical equipment (DME), and DME customization and accessories may also also be covered. If DME accessories such as bed rails are approved, CHAMPVA beneficiaries will pay a $50 individual or $100 family deductible in addition to a 25% cost share when CHAMPVA is the primary payer. Accessories are usually covered in full when CHAMPVA is a secondary or tertiary payer.
Consult the following table to determine if you may be eligible for CHAMPVA health care benefits as a spouse or surviving spouse of a military veteran.
| Type of Dependant* | Eligibility Criteria |
| Spouse of a Veteran | Veteran has a VA rating of permanently or totally disabled for a service-connected disability |
| Surviving Spouse of a Veteran | Veteran had a VA rating of permanently or totally disabled for a service-connected disability at the time of their death or died from a VA-rated service-connected disability
Service member died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct |
*Children of veterans may also qualify for CHAMPVA and have their own qualifying criteria.
To apply for CHAMPVA benefits as a spouse or surviving spouse, you will need the following documentation:
- An Application for CHAMPVA benefits as well as an Other Health Insurance Certification form
- A copy of your Medicare card or documentation from the Social Security Administration that you do not qualify for Medicare if you are 65 years old or older.
- A copy of the legal document that ended your marriage if you are a surviving spouse who remarried but is again single.
Copies of certain documents, such as VBA rating decisions, certificates of release or discharge from active duty, or a report of separation may speed up application processing.
National Financial Assistance Resources for Bed Rails
Seniors who need financial assistance for bed rails and who meet program criteria may be eligible to receive help from Assistive Technology (AT) programs in their state or a local Easterseals program. Both of these operate nationally and have widely available services.
Assistive Technology (AT) Programs
AT programs are available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four US territories and are financed by the government as well as other public and private sources. Intended to help all individuals with any type of disability, functional limitation, or chronic health condition, AT programs provide information about as well as access to assistive technology (AT). Specific services include AT demonstrations, AT loan programs, the sale of reutilized AT for discount prices, and financial loans to obtain AT. Find AT programs in your state or territory through the National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center’s national directory.
Easterseals
Easterseals offers services and supports to more than 1.5 million people with visible and/or invisible disabilities through a nationwide network of affiliates. While Easterseals programs vary based on the needs of the surrounding community, they may include loan programs that provide medical equipment, such as hospital beds with side rails, to individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Inventory may vary by location and equipment loans may require a small fee. Connect with a representative at your local Easterseals for program-specific information.
Additional Financial Assistance Resources for Bed Rails
In addition to the large and widely available financial assistance resources already mentioned, smaller organizations may also be able to help seniors in certain states afford bed rails. Such programs as well as their areas of service are included in the below table.
| Resource | How They Help | Contact Information |
| Pass It On Center AT Reuse Locations Finder | The Pass It On Center’s AT Reuse Locations tool helps users find equipment reuse programs in their state. Users can filter results to find programs offering reassigned or refurbished equipment. | Search results will include organizations’ addresses and phone numbers. |
| Good Health WIll | This nonprofit sells medical equipment and healthcare supplies at discounted prices in the cities of Loveland and Greeley, Colorado. Financial assistance may also be available to some customers. | Loveland office: (970) 624-6002
Greeley office: (970) 515-6935 Email: [email protected] |
| Goodwill Home Medical | Sanitized and refurbished home medical equipment, including bed rails and bed rail pads, are sold at affordable prices to New Jersey residents by Goodwill Home Medical. | (609) 812-2210 or fill out an online form |
| Community Caregivers | The Community Caregivers loaner’s closet offers durable medical equipment, including bed assist rails, to anyone in the state of New Hamphsire who needs it. Individuals can use items as long as needed for free. | Call (603) 432-0877
Email: [email protected] |
| Project Mend | A Texas-based nonprofit that provides refurbished medical equipment and assistive technology to those in need with disabilities or illnesses. | Call (210) 223-6363 |
| Friends of Disabled Adults & Children (FODAC) | FODAC serves disabled adults and children in Georgia by providing free or discounted refurbished home medical equipment and more. | Call FODAC at (770) 491-9014 or contact a FODAC partner in Georgia or South Carolina to request equipment. |
| Medical Equipment Bank | This equipment bank is located in Washington state’s Thurston County. It allows users to borrow and return equipment, including hospital beds and bed accessories. | Call (360) 456-8810 |
| The Durable Medical Equipment Aid Society (The DME) | The DME gives away gently used durable medical equipment for free to the elderly and those with disabilities or physical limitations who live in Southern California and have limited finances or insurance. | Call (818) 298-9893 |
Explore the Answers to Some Common Questions About Bed Rails
- Can You Add Bed Rails to an Adjustable Bed?
- Does Medicare Cover Bed Rails for the Elderly?
- What Is a Bed Railing?
- What Can I Use Instead of a Bed Rail?
- Are Bed Rails Safe for the Elderly?
- How Do You Prevent Someone with Dementia from Falling Out of Bed?
- What Are the Types of Bed Rails?
- 5 Safety Tips for Bed Rails for the Elderly
- Can You Put Bed Rails On Any Bed?