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You might be wondering if Medicare will cover a lift chair for you. The answer is, it might but you'll need to follow the process to get it prescribed, and you may be better off purchasing a lift chair that is on sale when it's all said and done. Be sure to check out all of your options if you go this route to ensure you are paying what you hope for a lift chair.
Many people would benefit from a lift chair to help them sit in their recliner chair easily as well as get back up out of it. The lifting chair motor is located at the base of a lift chair so that, by using a simple remote, you can lower and raise the seat. Because the seat will angle forward as it is raised or lowered, you can easily maneuver in and out of the chair.
Under the durable medical equipment coverage for Medicare, you could get a portion of your lift chair covered. However, for approval, you'll need to meet a few requirements.
So, how does Medicare cover costs of your new lifting chair? Medicare Part B is where you need to start. It helps pay for the actual motorized lifting device but does not pay for the full chair itself. In addition, the motorized portion of a lift chair must be prescribed by a doctor and provided through an enrolled durable medical equipment provider.
If you qualify, Medicare pays for 80% of the cost of the motorized lifting device. You pay the rest (which includes the Part B annual deductible as well as the additional 20% for the lifting device and 100% of the recliner portion of the chair). This coverage is based upon the full price of the chair, so if you are finding some good deals, you may end up saving if you pay out of pocket.
Do you have a Medicare Advantage plan? If so, you could have coverage for part of your lift chair as well, so check with your provider for further details.
Medicare may pay for your lift chair in the following situations, as long as you have a prescription from your doctor stating it's a medical necessity:
- Severe arthritis of the hip or knee, or severe neuromuscular disease
- Inability to stand on your own when seated in a regular chair
- Necessity of confinement to a bed or chair if you don't have a lift chair
- Ability to walk on your own using a walker or a cane when standing
- Residence outside of a skilled nursing facility, nursing home, or hospice
To read more about this, go to the Humana.com page here.