Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair: Learn how to Get Medicare Coverage for your next Recliner
You might be wondering if Medicare will cover your motorized lift chair and whether or not it’s cheaper to pay for the lift chair out of pocket or use your Medicare benefits.
This article is going to answer what Medicare covers and what Original Medicare will pay and more!
Table of Contents
What is a Power Lift Chair?
A lift chair is a type of recliner which helps people with limited mobility get up and move around.
Lift chairs work in reverse, too, helping someone go from standing to sitting without falling. Lift chairs can help prop people up to the standing position by lifting the entire chair so they can easily get out of their chairs.
How can I Pay for a Lift Chair through Medicare?
Medicare Beneficiaries will need to buy their lifting chair from a Medicare-approved supplier.
Once they have found a supplier who accepts Medicare and your doctor says the chair is deemed medically necessary follow these steps to cover the cost of a lift chair.
- Your doctor must prescribe it as a medical necessity item
- The doctor must fill out a Certificate of Medical Necessity form and submit it to Medicare CMS-849
- If your doctor does not submit a certificate, Medicare will not cover the cost of a lift chair.
- The supplier will submit a claim to Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan for 80% of the Medicare-approved cost of the lift chair
- If you are enrolled in Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan G your Medigap plan may cover all costs if you have not already satisfied your Medicare Part B deductible.
- You will be required to pay the remaining 20 percent of the lift chair without a Medigap policy.
Depending on your Medicare plan the cost of the chair may be different. Depending on the type of chair you buy the cost of the chair will vary as well. Purchasing a lift chair can be life-changing for you or your family member. It provides them the freedom they need to live a better life.
Will my Medicare Coverage Include a Power Lift Chair?
Medicare will cover the cost of the power lift mechanism, but not the chair itself. The patient must pay for any other features of the lift recliner, such as the mechanism or the fabric.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan they have the option to provide additional benefits and may cover the entire chair.
How Does Medicare Pay for Lift Chairs Recliners?
Lift chairs are covered by Medicare Part B. Original Medicare only covers the seat lifting mechanism part of a lift chair. You have to pay the rest.
The Medicare-approved amount for a lift chair depends on the state you live in. After paying the annual deductible, you will pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the lift chair if you buy from a supplier that accepts assignment.
Medicare will pay 80 percent of the costs for the chair. To get your lift chair talk with your primary care doctor and see if you qualify for Medicare to cover a lift chair.
How to Determine if the Lift Chair is Medically Necessary:
A lift chair is a type of recliner that is designed to assist people in standing up from a seated position. Lift chairs typically have a built-in motor that slowly and safely raises the person to a standing position.
To determine if a lift chair is medically necessary, you will need to get a prescription from your Medicare-enrolled physician. You will also need to fill out a Certificate of Medical Necessity for Seat Lift Mechanisms Form and submit it to your provider.
Once approved Original Medicare covers 80 percent of the costs for the lift mechanism of the lift chair. You’ll pay the remaining 20 percent of the lift chair costs.
Will Medicare Help Pay for a Stair Lift?
The answer to this question is, unfortunately, no. Medicare does not help pay for stair lifts.
However, there are other ways to get funding for a stair lift. One option is to look into Medicaid, as they may offer some financial assistance.
Additionally, many states have programs that can help cover the costs of a stair lift. Another option is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging, as they may have resources available to help you pay for a stair lift.
If you are a disabled veteran you may qualify for a grant through your local VA medical facility.
While Medicare will provide coverage for lift chairs and the mechanism for a lift chair they are not currently providing insurance coverage for a stair lift.
When does Medicare Not Cover the Out of Pocket Costs of Lift Chairs?
If the lift chair is not deemed medically necessary by Medicare then Medicare will not cover the cost of the lift mechanism.
What Disabilities Qualifies for a Lift Chair under Medicare?
If you are 65 years or older, you may be eligible for coverage for a lift chair. If you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you are still qualified for a lift chair.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, which provides your DME benefits, you are eligible for coverage of a lift chair.
You should get the same or more coverage from Medicare Advantage as you would from traditional Medicare.
Following is a list of disabilities that could qualify you for a lift chair:
- The patient is unable to stand up from a regular chair unassisted.
- The chair can be operated by the user without assistance.
- Medicare Beneficiary is able to walk independently or with a walker
- Has advanced arthritis which limits mobility
- If the patient does not have a chair, they are stuck in bed.
Where can I Buy a Lift Chair Recliner Covered by Medicare?
The Medicare Supplier Directory can help you locate approved suppliers in your area by entering your Zip code.
Is a Lift Chair Considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
A lift chair is a special type of chair that has a lifting mechanism to assist individuals who have difficulty standing up from a seated position. Lift chairs are considered durable medical equipment and a portion of a lift chair is typically covered by Original Medicare and private insurance plans.
What Lift Chair Options are Available?
Two-Position Lift Chair
A two-position lift chair is a type of lift chair that has two positions: upright and reclined. This type of lift chair is easy to use, as it only has one moving part. To use the chair, simply sit in it and then push the backrest back to recline. To return to the upright position, simply pull the backrest forward until you are in the sitting position again.
Three-Position Lift Chair
A three-position lift chair is a type of lift chair that has three different positions: upright, reclining, and flat reclining. The main difference between a three-position lift chair and other types of lift chairs is the number of positions it has. Three-position lift chairs are ideal for people who need a little bit more support than what a two-position lift chair can provide.
Infinite-Position Lift Chair
An infinite-position lift chair is a type of lift chair that allows you to find the most comfortable position. These chairs are also known as “zero-gravity chairs.” Home care services can help you maintain your relationship while providing the best care possible for your loved ones. The key benefits of home care services are flexibility and comfort.
Is the Lift Chair Mechanism Covered by My Medicare Plan?
Your Medicare plan should include health care benefits for the lift chair mechanism. While every Medicare plan is different, It depends on the specific plan that you have and what coverage it provides.
Many Medicare Advantage plans may be able to get partial coverage for the cost of the lift chair mechanism, as they will typically require you to pay up to 20 percent of the cost.
If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, your plan may cover up to 100 percent of the cost.
Contact A Medicare Insurance Agent for Help
If you’re having trouble understanding your Medicare insurance options, contact one of our Medicare insurance agents at Integrity Now Insurance Brokers for help.
Our Medicare agents can review your options with you and help you choose a plan that meets your needs.
Not sure if you have Medicare coverage for lift chairs, let us help you figure this out.
Complete our online Medicare quote form, or simply give us a call at 562-735-3553
