What Medicare Covers for Lift Chairs and Recliners

Medicare's coverage of lift chairs depends on medical necessity, not comfort

Medicare Part B covers a lift chair — also called a power lift recliner — only when a doctor documents that you have a medical condition making it difficult or unsafe for you to stand up from a regular chair. The chair must be prescribed as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which means it is ordered by your doctor and meets specific Medicare standards. Medicare will not pay for a lift chair bought for comfort alone, even if you are over 65 or have Medicare.

If your doctor believes a lift chair would help you, the process starts with a written order from them. You then work with a Medicare-approved DME supplier — not a furniture store — to get the chair. Medicare typically covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent, plus any difference if the supplier charges more than Medicare's allowed amount.

Key Takeaways

Medicare covers a lift chair only when your doctor writes an order stating you have a medical condition that makes standing from a regular chair unsafe or impossible.
The chair must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not a furniture retailer, and must meet Medicare's equipment standards.
You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost after meeting your Part B deductible; the exact amount depends on your supplier and your deductible status.
If your doctor has not yet ordered a lift chair, ask during your next visit whether one would help your specific condition.

What conditions may have access to for Medicare coverage

Medicare does not have a fixed list of diagnoses that automatically may have access to. Instead, your doctor must document that your specific medical condition makes it medically necessary for you to have a lift chair. Common conditions that doctors prescribe lift chairs for include severe arthritis, Parkinson's disease, post-surgical recovery, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, and advanced age with significant weakness or balance problems.

The key is that your doctor must explain in writing why a standard chair is unsafe for you — for example, because you cannot push yourself up with your arms, or because attempting to stand puts you at high risk of falling. A general statement that you "have arthritis" is not enough. The doctor's order should describe the functional limitation that the lift chair addresses.

How to start the process with your doctor

If you think a lift chair might help you, bring it up at your next appointment with your primary care doctor or the specialist treating your condition. Be specific about what is difficult: "I cannot push myself up from my regular chair" or "I am afraid I will fall if I try to stand up from a low seat." The more detail you give, the easier it is for your doctor to write a clear order.

Your doctor will examine you and decide whether a lift chair is medically necessary for your condition. If they agree, they will write a written order that includes the reason, your diagnosis, and any special features the chair needs (for example, a higher seat height or extra support). This order goes to a DME supplier, not directly to Medicare.

Finding a Medicare-approved DME supplier

Once your doctor has written an order, you need to work with a Medicare-approved DME supplier. These are companies that Medicare has vetted to provide medical equipment. You can find them by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or by searching the Medicare Supplier Directory online at dmepos.cms.gov. Enter your zip code to see which suppliers near you are approved.

Do not buy a lift chair from a furniture store or online retailer and then try to get Medicare to pay for it. Medicare will only pay if the chair comes from an approved supplier and the supplier submits the paperwork correctly. When you contact a DME supplier, give them your doctor's order and ask them to handle the Medicare paperwork. They will submit the order and your insurance information to Medicare and tell you what you owe.

What you will pay out of pocket

Your cost depends on three things: whether you have met your Part B deductible for the year, what Medicare's approved amount is for the chair, and whether your supplier charges more than that approved amount.

Medicare Part B has an annual deductible (the amount you pay before Medicare starts paying). Once you meet it, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved cost and you pay 20 percent. If your supplier charges more than Medicare's approved amount, you may owe the difference on top of your 20 percent. Ask your supplier upfront what the total cost will be and what you will owe.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower. Check your plan documents or call your plan to ask whether lift chairs are covered and what you will pay.

What Medicare will not cover

Medicare does not pay for a lift chair if your doctor has not ordered it as medically necessary. This means you cannot buy a lift chair for convenience or comfort and expect Medicare to reimburse you. You also cannot use Medicare to pay for upgrades like premium upholstery, extra features, or a more expensive brand than what Medicare's approved amount covers.

If you want a lift chair but your doctor does not think it is medically necessary, you have the option to buy one yourself. Lift chairs range widely in price depending on features and brand, but you would pay the full cost out of your own pocket.

What to ask your doctor

Before your appointment, write down the specific difficulties you have getting in and out of chairs. During the visit, ask your doctor directly: "Do you think a lift chair would help my condition?" If they say yes, ask them to write the order and explain what information they are including. If they say no, ask what other options might help — sometimes physical therapy, a different type of chair, or other equipment is a better fit.

If your doctor is unsure, ask whether they would be willing to refer you to a physical therapist or occupational therapist for an evaluation. These specialists can assess whether a lift chair is the right tool for your situation and can communicate that recommendation to your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a lift chair if I am on Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same DME that Original Medicare covers, including lift chairs when medically necessary. However, your out-of-pocket cost and the approval process may differ. Contact your plan directly to ask about their lift chair coverage and what paperwork your doctor needs to submit.

What if my doctor says I do not need a lift chair but I want one anyway?

Medicare will not pay for it. You can purchase a lift chair on your own, but you will pay the full cost. Some people find that a less expensive option — like a chair with higher armrests, a cushion to raise the seat, or grab bars — solves the problem without the expense of a power lift chair.

How long does it take to get a lift chair after my doctor orders it?

Once your DME supplier submits the order to Medicare, approval typically takes one to two weeks. Delivery and setup usually add another one to two weeks. Ask your supplier for a timeline when you place the order. In the meantime, ask your doctor whether there are temporary solutions to help you safely get in and out of chairs.

Will Medicare pay for a replacement lift chair if mine breaks?

Medicare covers replacement only if the original chair cannot be repaired. Your doctor must document that repair is not possible and that you still need the chair medically. Contact your DME supplier first — they may be able to repair it under warranty or service agreement before Medicare considers replacement.

Can I choose any lift chair I want, or does Medicare limit my options?

Medicare approves the medical necessity, but your DME supplier determines which specific chairs they stock and bill to Medicare. Ask your supplier what options are available within Medicare's approved amount. If you want a more expensive chair, you can pay the difference yourself, but Medicare will only cover up to its approved amount.

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.