Medicare covers lift chairs only when a doctor prescribes them as medical equipment, not as furniture

Medicare Part B covers a lift chair — also called a power lift recliner — but only if your doctor writes an order saying you need it for a medical reason. The chair must be prescribed the same way a wheelchair or walker would be. Medicare will not cover a lift chair you buy on your own, even if you think it would help you stand up. The prescription has to come first.

When Medicare does cover it, the program pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent. The total approved amount varies by region and supplier, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 for the chair itself. Some Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans cover part or all of your 20 percent share, depending on your plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write a prescription stating that a lift chair is medically necessary for your condition — straightforward wanting one is not enough.
  • Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the approved amount after your deductible is met, and you pay 20 percent.
  • You must order the chair from a Medicare-enrolled durable medical equipment supplier, not from a furniture store or online retailer.
  • Your supplier will submit the prescription and paperwork to Medicare for review before the chair is delivered.
  • Medicare may deny the claim if your doctor's documentation does not clearly explain why you need the chair for a medical reason.

What medical reasons Medicare recognizes for a lift chair

Medicare covers a lift chair when you have a condition that makes it difficult or unsafe for you to stand up from a regular chair or bed. Common reasons include severe arthritis in the knees or hips, back pain that limits bending, heart or lung disease that causes shortness of breath when exerting yourself, or weakness from surgery or illness. Your doctor has to document that the lift chair will help you perform daily activities or prevent injury.

The prescription does not have to say "lift chair" by name. Your doctor can write "power lift recliner" or describe it as a "motorized chair to information with standing." What matters is that the doctor's notes explain your medical condition and why a regular chair is not safe or practical for you. If your doctor is unsure how to write the order, ask them to contact your durable medical equipment supplier — the supplier can often provide a form the doctor can sign.

How to get Medicare to cover your lift chair

Start by talking to your doctor about whether a lift chair would help your condition. If your doctor agrees, ask them to write a prescription or order. Do not buy a chair before you have this prescription — Medicare will not reimburse you for a chair you purchased on your own.

Next, find a Medicare-enrolled durable medical equipment supplier in your area. You can search for suppliers on Medicare.gov by entering your ZIP code, or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for a list of suppliers near you. Call at least two or three suppliers and ask what they charge for a lift chair and whether they accept your insurance. Tell them you have a prescription from your doctor.

The supplier will ask you to sign paperwork and will collect your doctor's prescription. They will then submit the order to Medicare for review. This review step usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, Medicare checks that your doctor's notes support the medical need and that the supplier is enrolled. If Medicare approves the order, the supplier will contact you to schedule delivery and fitting. If Medicare denies it, the supplier will tell you why, and you can ask your doctor to provide more detailed medical information for an appeal.

What happens if Medicare denies your claim

Medicare may deny coverage if your doctor's notes do not clearly explain why you need the chair, if the supplier is not enrolled with Medicare, or if Medicare decides the chair is not medically necessary based on your condition. A denial does not mean you cannot get a lift chair — it means Medicare will not pay for it.

If you receive a denial notice, you have the right to appeal. Ask your supplier or doctor's office to help you gather additional medical records or a more detailed letter from your doctor explaining your condition. You can submit this new information to Medicare within 120 days of the denial. Many appeals are approved when the doctor provides clearer documentation of the medical need.

If your appeal is denied or if you decide not to appeal, you can still purchase a lift chair out of pocket. Some suppliers offer payment plans or discounts for cash purchases. You can also check whether your Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap plan has different coverage rules — some plans cover lift chairs under different terms than Original Medicare.

Renting versus buying a lift chair through Medicare

Medicare typically covers the purchase of a lift chair, not a rental. Once Medicare approves and pays for the chair, it belongs to you. You can keep it, move it, or sell it. The supplier cannot take it back or charge you a monthly rental fee after Medicare has paid.

However, some suppliers offer rental options for people who are not sure whether they want to commit to buying, or who may only need the chair temporarily. If you rent first, ask the supplier whether the rental payments can be credited toward a purchase if you decide to buy later. Some suppliers will do this; others will not. Rental costs are usually not covered by Medicare, so you would pay out of pocket.

What to expect during delivery and setup

Once Medicare approves your order, the supplier will contact you to schedule a delivery date. Most suppliers deliver within one to three weeks of approval. When the chair arrives, the delivery team will bring it into your home, assemble it, and show you how to use the controls. They will also explain the warranty and how to contact them if something breaks.

Ask the delivery team to demonstrate the lift function, the recline, and any other features. Make sure the chair fits comfortably in the space where you plan to use it — measure your doorways and the room beforehand to avoid problems. The supplier should also give you a manual and contact information for repairs or questions.

Most lift chairs come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects. If something stops working during the warranty period, contact the supplier and they will repair or replace it at no cost to you. After the warranty expires, repairs are your responsibility, though many suppliers offer extended warranties or service plans for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a lift chair from a furniture store and have Medicare reimburse me?

No. Medicare will only pay for a lift chair ordered through a Medicare-enrolled durable medical equipment supplier. If you buy from a furniture store or online retailer, Medicare will not reimburse you, even if you have a doctor's prescription. You must use an approved supplier.

Does my Medicare Advantage plan cover lift chairs differently than Original Medicare?

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans can set their own coverage rules. Some cover lift chairs the same way Original Medicare does; others may cover a larger share of the cost or have different approval processes. Call your plan's customer service number to ask about their lift chair coverage before you get a prescription.

What if my doctor says I need a lift chair but Medicare denies it?

You can appeal the denial within 120 days. Ask your doctor to write a more detailed letter explaining your medical condition and why the lift chair is necessary. Submit this letter along with your appeal to Medicare. Many denials are overturned when doctors provide clearer documentation.

Will Medicare cover a lift chair if I have had a recent surgery or injury?

Yes, if your doctor prescribes it. Temporary conditions like recovery from hip or knee surgery often may have access to for coverage. Your doctor's notes should explain how long you are expected to need the chair. After you recover, you can keep the chair or donate it.

How much will I have to pay out of pocket?

You pay 20 percent of Medicare's approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible for the year. The approved amount varies by region and supplier, typically $1,000 to $3,000, so your 20 percent share is usually $200 to $600. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, it may cover part or all of this amount.