Getting a Sensory‑Friendly Bed Covered by Medicaid in Colorado

Getting a Sensory‑Friendly Bed Covered by Medicaid in Colorado

A sensory‑safe bed like a Cubby Bed can greatly support children with autism who struggle with wandering, falls, or bedtime anxiety. These beds often qualify as durable medical equipment (DME) under Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid). 

Does Medicaid Cover Sensory-Safe Beds?

Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) covers DME when it is deemed medically necessary by a licensed provider. This typically includes hospital beds and custom safety equipment. Enclosed beds like the Cubby Bed are more complex, approval depends on detailed documentation showing that the bed is needed for safety, not convenience.

Here is what you should know to get one (step-by-step):

1. Locate a medical supplier in Colorado that sells Cubby Beds and accepts Medicaid
   1. Colorado Medicaid Buy-In Resource Here
      
      
      
2. Obtain a prescription and a detailed Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), ideally from an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT). The LMN should document safety concerns, past interventions, the specific sensory‑safety features needed, and a monitoring plan
   1. The LMN should clearly explain:
      1. Your child’s diagnosis and safety risks (wandering, falls, seizures, etc.)
         
         
      2. Past interventions tried and why they failed (bed rails, locks, behavior supports)
         
         
      3. Specific Cubby Bed features needed for safety and sensory regulation
         
         
      4. A follow-up and monitoring plan
         
         
         
3. Work closely with the DME supplier to submit paperwork and prior authorization to Medicaid
   
   
4. Be ready to appeal a denial. Medicaid may deny enclosed beds if they see them as restraints or convenience rather than safety. Documentation must show why alternatives (like bed rails, locks, behavior plans) failed

Timeline and tips

• Standard DME can take ~6 weeks; Cubby Beds often take 3-6 months.
• Medicaid usually allows a new bed/mattress every 5 years.
• Suppliers can arrange to move the bed if your family relocates.
• Tell your doctor up front that the process requires extensive paperwork. Some families find success by asking their doctor’s office to “bundle” medical records into the LMN.

Local Option: Forester Family Medical Supply

If you’re in Colorado, Forester Family Medical Supply is a trusted, family-owned provider that proudly accepts Medicaid and Medicare. They:

• Handle all communication with your doctors and Medicaid so you don’t have to
• Offer specialty beds (including enclosed safety beds), incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, and mobility products
• Provide free delivery and setup across Colorado
• Have 25+ years of experience working with families and providers

Call (720) 219-2511 or email lauren@foresterfamilymedical.com to get started. Flyer with more information below.