What is a lift chair?
Lift chairs are different from other medical chairs. These chairs rise when the person sitting in them wants to stand, helping push them to their feet. If you have trouble standing on your own power, a sit-to-stand chair can be a huge help. Lift chairs can offer relief for arthritis, recovery assistance for people who have had surgery and help for people with neurological conditions.
Will Original Medicare pay for a lift chair?
Lift chairs may be covered as durable medical equipment through Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan.* The chair and motorized chair lift may come as separate parts. If that’s the case, Part B may only cover the cost of the chair lift mechanism, but not the chair itself. Keep in mind there are also some requirements to get Medicare insurance coverage. The electric lift chair must be:
- Prescribed by a doctor
- Purchased from a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare
How can I be eligible?
Your doctor must prescribe the motorized lift chair for you to be eligible for lift chair coverage. Here are some situations that may lead to that prescription:
- Arthritis in your hips or knees
- You don't live in a facility offering medical care
- You've had surgery that includes recovery with restricted movement
- You have a neurological condition that affects your ability to move
If you’re considering a lift chair, choosing the right Medicare plan matters. Explore Medicare plans to understand your coverage options.
How much will a lift chair cost with a Medicare plan?
After you pay the Medicare Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the motorized lift. You’ll have to pay the cost of the chair, too. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your lift chair costs may vary. Be sure to ask your Medicare Advantage plan for a written coverage decision (called an organization determination) to confirm whether your lift chair will be covered. This can help determine whether the cost of the chair is covered. Learn more about planning for Medicare costs.
What other DME does Medicare provide coverage for?
With Medicare plan coverage, durable medical equipment can be made more accessible. And that means more than just lift chairs. For instance, DME like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more are also covered. Learn more about the different kinds of DME Medicare covers.
