Does Medicare cover lift chairs?

Medicare cover lift chairs and some other medical equipment. These chairs assist you in rising from a sitting to a standing position. While standing is difficult for those with mobility issues, these chairs are excellent for this purpose.

Here are some concerns about Medicare covering lift chairs and how to maximize your reimbursement.

Medicare cover lift chairs

When you use a lift chair for a medical reason, Medicare covers it. Medicare, however, does not cover the entire cost of the chair. Part B deals with DME, which includes the motorized lifting mechanism.

You’ll have to pay for everything on your own for the upholstery, cushioning, and frame.

For reimbursement from Medicare, DME must meet the following criteria:

• Relatively long-lasting (you can use it repeatedly)
• Medical reasons
• Use in home
• Most often 3-5 years
• Helps those who are sick or injured

Wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches are all DME.

The lift’s chair portion is not medically necessary, so it is not covered.

Medicare cover lift chairs: Is this available to me?

Medicare Part B might cover a lift chair if you qualify. You can get Medicare benefits if you are 65 or above or have other qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include severe disabilities, end-stage renal disease, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Medicare Advantage recipients may still be eligible for a lift chair. Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is when you select a private insurance company to handle your Medicare benefits.

If you register in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should expect to receive at least the same level of coverage, if not more.

To get a prescription for the chair, you must see a doctor first. Also, medical lifts have these factors in mind when determining whether they are necessary:

• Severe arthritis in your knees or hips
• The chair’s operability
• Your ability to stand up without assistance
• Even with the aid of a walker, you can walk again (if you depend on a scooter or walker, this may make you ineligible)
• Once you’re standing, you can walk
• Other methods like physical therapy have not helped you get from sitting to standing.

Costs and reimbursement

Medicare Part B cost

The lift chair’s mechanism is covered by Medicare Part B. Your deductible with Part B is $203 in 2021. The lift mechanism will cost you 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for the entire chair’s cost.

Medicare-participating physicians and suppliers

Only providers of Medicare services can authorize a lift chair to be covered by Medicare, and the supplier must be a Medicare beneficiary.

Check if the company is Medicare-approved and accepts assignments to locate lift chairs. Participating chair companies could charge you more than the accepted Medicare amount, and you would be liable for the difference.

How does reimbursement work?

Medicare suppliers will likely charge the total price in advance and request reimbursement from Medicare.

In most cases, Medicare providers will file a claim on your behalf. If the supplier fails to file, you can file a claim online. A claim must include the following items:

• Insurance claim form
• A lengthy invoice
• A letter explaining your claim
• Claim-related paperwork, like your doctor’s prescription

In 12 months, either the supplier or you must claim reimbursement for the lift chair.

Additional considerations

Certain businesses may rent lift chairs. This may affect your Medicare costs. The company you rent from can better explain your monthly Medicare costs. Some Medigap policies (also known as Medicare supplement insurance) can help you pay for chair copayments. Check plan details for coverage details.

What exactly is a lift chair?

A lift chair helps someone transition from sitting to standing. When you press a button, the chair moves into a reclining position. Lift chairs may have additional features, such as heat or massage. Some chairs can even be flat, allowing you to sleep in them.

Many features and upgraded upholstery materials available lead to different chair prices. The vast majority of chairs cost between $400 and $1,000.

A lift chair transports you from the bottom of a staircase to the top by pressing a button. This allows caregivers to transfer you from a wheelchair to a bed or the other way around.

The Takeaway

A lift chair is Medicare DME, so some of the chair’s costs will be covered. Also, Medicare-approved suppliers only supply items ordered with a doctor’s prescription.

You’ll have to pay for the chair in full upfront, and Medicare will reimburse you for 80% of the approved cost of the chair’s motorized lifting component.

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