One of the most stressful aspects of taking a loved one home to recover is the sticker shock. The cost can quickly add up, from medicines to home adaptations. Second to these expenses, but most likely the largest — and at the same time, vitally important for safety and comfort — will be a high-quality medical bed.

One of the common questions families have is: Does OHIP cover hospital bed rentals? Or is this covered by my private insurance?

There are different ways to get funding, and the short answer to this question is that the system is complicated. This guide walks you through accessing the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), private insurance providers such as Sun Life and Manulife, and additional provincial supports in Ontario.

 

1. OHIP is NOT putting you up at your local hospital for rent

In Ontario, a common myth is that OHIP pays for all medically necessary equipment used at home. The bad news is that the Hospital Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not pay for the rental of a hospital bed directly.

The Ministry of Health does provide some assistance via the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), however.

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

The ADP is available to all Ontarians who have a permanent physical disability (generally considered to be six months or longer). Depending on the circumstances, the funding provided could represent as much as 75% of the cost of a medical bed approved for the purpose through the ADP.

ADP funding eligibility: The only requirements to be eligible for ADP funding are:

• Show proof of Ontario residence with a health card.
• Be physically disabled and in need of a hospital bed for a minimum of six months.
• Get a professional assessment done (please do an occupational therapist, a doctor can assess it and often can miss things).

 

Note: The ADP has a long-term orientation. However, if you only need a bed for 4 weeks in order to recover after a surgical procedure, then this particular program is probably not for you. A private hospital bed rental is typically the most practical and quickest solution for these types of short-term needs.

 

2. Private Coverage —Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross and More

You’re almost certainly covered for “Durable Medical Equipment” (DME) if you have extended health benefits attached to your employment or through a private plan.

Many of the major Canadian insurers, such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life and Blue Cross have a “hospital bed” benefit that allows for the rental/purchase of a hospital bed for the home, provided it is medically necessary.

Steps to File Insurance on Your Rental

Need a script: Most insurers want a written order from a doctor or nurse practitioner that cites your diagnosis and explains why a medical bed is necessary (such as “Post-operative hip surgery recovery” or “Severe sleep apnea requiring head elevation”).

Get a Quote: If you want an actual quote, you`ll call a local provider. We offer insurance-compliant, detailed itemized quotes at Hospital Bed Rental Inc.

Watch Your Lifetime Maximum: Most plans have a “lifetime maximum” on medical equipment, generally between $1,500 to $5,000.

Renting allows you to stay comfortably inside your limits, not this; this is a mass-market, fully electric hospital bed rental near me for a not-so-massive initial out-of-pocket cost, either.

 

3. Veterans and Seniors — Funding That is Specific for Them

Below are some extra “safety net” programs for limited populations that Ontario permits.

As an example, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) covers 100% of the cost if the patient is a veteran. Generally, this covers the price of the bed, mattress, and even the delivery and setup charges.

OW/ODSP: If you are on social assistance or disability support, the government may pay the last 25% that the ADP does not cover, or give a one-time grant for acute medical needs.

Easter Seals Society: A key must-have to help families with children who have physical disabilities to offset the cost of a pediatric model hospital bed.

 

4. Why Renting is Almost Always the Cheapest Option

If you compare the hospital bed cost in Ontario, you can find a brand new, fully electric bed between $2,500 and $5,000+. It is seldom a good idea for a family with a 3-month recovery to purchase.

Renting offers several financial advantages:

Maintenance Free: If a motor fails, the rental company replaces the bed for free.

Reduced Upfront Cost: You pay for the months in which you actually utilize the equipment.

Accessories are included: One of the often “hidden” costs when buying new is the cost of the specialized medical mattress and safety rails, as these are generally included in rental packages.

For seniors who need a medical bed at home, acquiring one through rental enables you to enjoy the luxury of having a high-end, fully electric functionality that may not be too affordable for a permanent purchase.

 

5. The Medical Expense Tax Credit — A Tax Benefit

If you do need to pay out of pocket for a rental, just remember that in Canada, hospital bed rentals are a qualifying medical expense.

Retain all receipts from your rental provider. At tax time, you can deduct these expenses against the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on your federal and provincial returns. So this can get you a hefty refund, taking the “true” price of your home care setup way down.

 

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step

The process is almost like a full-time job, in terms of dealing with insurance and fighting for the government grant! Still, a written quote combined with a doctor’s expert prescription can give you access to thousands of dollars in free money.

Whether you are searching for a short-term hospital bed for hip surgery recovery or a long-term solution for an elderly family member, knowing your choices is the beginning of an easy recovery. Are you excited to make your house a safe haven? Go to Hospital Bed Rental now to request a tailored quote for your insurance provider, or explore our affordable rentals in Brampton and the GTA.