What Medicare Covers for Lift Chairs and Recliners

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

Medicare Part B will pay for a lift chair if your doctor writes an order saying you need it for a medical reason — usually difficulty standing up due to arthritis, surgery recovery, or mobility loss. The chair must come from a Medicare-approved supplier, and you typically pay 20% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. A standard lift chair that you buy from a furniture store for comfort alone is not covered, no matter the price.

The difference between a covered lift chair and an uncovered one comes down to medical necessity and paperwork. Your doctor has to document why you cannot safely stand without information, and the supplier has to be enrolled in Medicare. If both conditions are met, Medicare treats the lift chair the same way it treats a wheelchair or hospital bed — as durable medical equipment, or DME.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write an order stating you need a lift chair for a medical reason, such as severe arthritis or difficulty standing after surgery.
The lift chair must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not a furniture store or online retailer.
Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after your Part B deductible is met; you pay the remaining 20%.
If your doctor prescribes a lift chair and you use a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage may differ — contact your plan directly to confirm.

How Medicare decides whether a lift chair is medically necessary

Your doctor must have a medical reason to prescribe a lift chair, and that reason has to be documented in your medical record. Common reasons include severe arthritis in the knees or hips, recovery from hip or knee surgery, chronic back pain that makes standing difficult, or neurological conditions that affect balance and strength. The doctor does not have to use the word "lift chair" — they can write "patient requires information with sit-to-stand transfers" or similar language — but the medical record must show why you cannot safely get out of a regular chair on your own.

Medicare's local contractor in your state reviews the doctor's order to decide whether it meets medical necessity. This review can take a few days to a couple of weeks. If the contractor approves it, they send the order to a Medicare-approved DME supplier in your area. If they deny it, your doctor can appeal or request a review, and you have the right to see the reason for the denial.

What you pay for a Medicare-covered lift chair

Once Medicare approves the lift chair, you are responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. The approved amount varies by region and by the specific features of the chair — a basic two-position lift chair costs less than a three-position model with heat and massage. You also pay your Part B deductible first if you have not met it for the year. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240, but this amount changes annually.

The DME supplier should tell you the approved amount and your out-of-pocket cost before delivery. Some suppliers offer payment plans if the cost is high. If the supplier charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, you should not pay the difference — Medicare rules prohibit balance billing for DME. If a supplier tries to charge you more, contact Medicare directly.

Finding a Medicare-approved DME supplier

Once your doctor's order is approved, Medicare's local contractor will usually refer you to a supplier, or you can search the Medicare Supplier Directory online at dmepos.cms.gov. Enter your ZIP code and select "lift chair" or "patient lift" to see which suppliers near you are enrolled. Call at least two suppliers to compare prices and delivery times, since the approved amount is the same everywhere but delivery speed and customer service vary.

When you contact a supplier, have your doctor's order number ready, or ask your doctor's office to send it directly to the supplier. The supplier will verify your Medicare coverage, confirm your out-of-pocket cost, and arrange delivery and setup. Most suppliers deliver within one to two weeks. Ask whether they handle the Medicare paperwork or whether you need to submit anything yourself — most handle it all, but it is worth confirming.

Differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans

If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), the process described above applies to you. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage for lift chairs may be different. Some Advantage plans cover lift chairs under the same rules as Original Medicare; others require prior approval from the plan itself, not just from Medicare's contractor; and some may have a higher or lower out-of-pocket cost.

Contact your Medicare Advantage plan before asking your doctor for a lift chair order. Tell them you are considering a lift chair and ask what documentation your doctor needs to provide and what you will pay. Some plans require you to try other options first — such as physical therapy or grab bars — before approving a lift chair. Getting this answer upfront saves time and prevents surprises at delivery.

What happens if Medicare denies the lift chair

If Medicare's local contractor denies the lift chair order, your doctor receives a denial notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient medical documentation, a information that the condition does not meet medical necessity, or a finding that the patient can safely use a regular chair with other aids like grab bars or a raised toilet seat.

Your doctor can appeal the denial by submitting additional medical records or a written statement explaining why the lift chair is necessary. The appeal process takes several weeks. You also have the right to request an independent review if you disagree with the denial. Ask your doctor's office or the DME supplier for help filing an appeal — many suppliers are experienced with this process and can guide you through it.

Alternatives if a lift chair is not covered

If Medicare denies the lift chair or you choose not to pursue it, other options exist. A raised toilet seat with armrests, grab bars, or a transfer bench for the bathtub may be covered by Medicare and can reduce the strain of standing. Physical therapy, which Medicare does cover, can sometimes improve strength and balance enough to make a lift chair unnecessary. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist to explore this option.

If you decide to buy a lift chair out of pocket, prices range widely depending on features and brand. A basic two-position lift chair from a furniture or medical supply store typically costs $400 to $800, while more advanced models with heat, massage, or three positions can cost $1,000 or more. Some people choose to purchase a chair if the out-of-pocket Medicare cost is high or if they want a specific style or brand that is not available through a Medicare supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a lift chair myself and ask Medicare to reimburse me?

No. Medicare only pays when you obtain the lift chair from a Medicare-approved DME supplier after your doctor's order is approved. If you buy a chair on your own, Medicare will not reimburse you, even if your doctor prescribed it. Always get approval first, then work with an approved supplier.

Does Medicare cover the cost of delivery and setup?

Yes. The Medicare-approved amount for a lift chair typically includes delivery and basic setup. Ask the supplier to confirm this before they deliver. If the supplier charges extra for delivery or setup, that cost should not be your responsibility — report it to Medicare if it happens.

What if I need a lift chair but my doctor will not prescribe one?

Talk to your doctor about your difficulty standing and ask them to evaluate you for a lift chair. If your regular doctor is hesitant, you can ask for a referral to a physical therapist or occupational therapist, who can assess your needs and recommend equipment to your doctor. Sometimes a specialist's recommendation carries more weight in the approval process.

Can I rent a lift chair instead of buying one?

Yes. Some DME suppliers rent lift chairs for short-term use, such as during recovery from surgery. Medicare may cover rental if your doctor prescribes it and the supplier is approved. Rental typically costs less per month than purchase, but if you need the chair for more than a few months, purchase becomes more economical. Ask the supplier about both options.

Will my lift chair be covered if I move to a different state?

If you already own a Medicare-covered lift chair, you can take it with you when you move. If you need a new lift chair in a different state, your doctor will need to write a new order, and Medicare's contractor in your new state will review it using that state's approved amounts and suppliers. The process is the same, but approved amounts and available suppliers may differ.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.