Navigating Insurance to Secure a Safe Bed for a Special-Needs Child

- Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/01/09 - Updated: 2025/02/04
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful
Topic: Youth and Disability - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main

Synopsis: Article assists parents with special-needs children navigate the medical necessity and insurance maze when it comes to providing a safe bed for their child.

Why it matters: This article provides a practical overview of safety-focused bed solutions designed to enhance comfort and reduce risks for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. It outlines key features of specialized beds, such as adjustable height mechanisms, reinforced guardrails, and pressure-relieving materials, which address common challenges like mobility limitations, fall prevention, and skin integrity. By offering clear explanations of product options, safety standards, and customization tips, the resource serves as a valuable guide for caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals seeking to create safer sleep environments. Its emphasis on accessibility and adaptive design highlights how tailored bedding solutions can improve daily living while promoting independence and dignity for vulnerable populations - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

What does it take to keep a child safe at night? While you may have immediately thought about baby monitors and other child-safety devices, those caring for special-needs children must often fight to get insurance companies to cover medically necessary beds. At issue: the cost of providing high-quality beds that take into account a child's specific needs.

Main Item

"Beds designed for special-needs children must, above all else, be safe. Entrapment and falls are real concerns, especially if these vulnerable children are restless or don't have full control over their body movements," explains Rachel Markwood, a patient advocate for SleepSafe Beds, the pioneer in providing medically prescribed beds for children with special needs, particularly those with physical and cognitive disabilities.

SleepSafe Beds' patented bed systems are providing a better and safer night's sleep for children diagnosed with a wide range of conditions, including such well-known ones as Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cystic Fibrosis, Rett Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Down Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Mitochondrial Disease, Aicardi Syndrome, PCDH19 Epilepsy, MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome) and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, as well as those dealing with traumatic brain injuries and tracheostomies.

Tips to Help You Select the Right Bed for Your Special Needs Child

Navigating insurance company approval

"Getting insurance companies to approve a special-needs bed is rarely simple and never guaranteed," says Markwood. "It's common for people to be denied by the insurance companies on their first attempt. You could be denied several times. Persistence is generally rewarded. We encourage people to call our office if they need guidance."

Markwood says that SleepSafe Beds has, by necessity and volume, become a trusted resource in this area. The company is nationally recognized for providing high-quality, customized beds for special-needs children.

She adds, "Our staff is on the phones every day assisting parents and therapists who are trying to get insurance approvals. It's an advantage that our products meet and exceed FDA standards. Our bed models are typically covered by private insurance and Medicaid."

A prescription doesn't guarantee insurance company coverage

Markwood stresses that after 15 years in business, the staff has dealt with nearly every insurance-related issue.

"Our office should be on the list of people you call for help. We try to know what works."

She outlines some of the steps that should be taken to navigate the insurance maze:

How to improve your Letter of Medical Necessity

While SleepSafe Beds is prohibited by law from writing Letters of Medical Necessity, the company's experts act as advisors daily. Their guidance provides important insights, including

*The Food and Drug Administration has identified seven zones of bed entrapment:

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Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2017, January 9 - Last revised: 2025, February 4). Navigating Insurance to Secure a Safe Bed for a Special-Needs Child. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 7, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/children/safe-beds.php

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