Medicare's Coverage of Lift Chairs

Medicare Part B covers lift chairs, but only when a doctor orders one as medical equipment and the chair meets specific requirements. Medicare calls these power lift recliners, and the program treats them the same way it treats wheelchairs or walkers — as durable medical equipment that helps you move safely. You do not pay the full cost upfront; instead, you pay 20% of what Medicare approves, and Medicare pays 80%.

The catch is that your doctor must write an order stating that the lift chair is medically necessary for your condition. A lift chair you buy because climbing stairs is hard, or because you want comfort, does not may have access to. The chair must address a specific medical need — usually helping you stand safely after surgery, managing arthritis that makes standing painful, or assisting with mobility after an injury or stroke.

Medicare will only pay for one lift chair per five years, unless your medical condition changes significantly enough that your doctor documents a new need. If you already own a lift chair and want Medicare to cover a replacement, you will need a new doctor's order and proof that five years have passed since the last one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must order the lift chair in writing and state why it is medically necessary for your specific condition.
  • Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible; you pay the remaining 20%.
  • The lift chair must come from a Medicare-approved supplier, not a furniture store or online retailer.
  • Medicare covers one lift chair per five years, and you need a new doctor's order if your medical need changes before that period ends.
  • Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans may cover some or all of your 20% cost-share, depending on your specific plan.

How to Get Your Doctor's Order

Start by talking to your doctor about whether a lift chair would help your mobility or recovery. Be specific about what makes standing difficult — pain, weakness, balance problems, or recent surgery. Your doctor does not need to examine you in person to write an order; a phone call to your regular doctor or a telehealth visit can result in an order if the doctor believes the chair is medically necessary.

Ask your doctor to send the order directly to a Medicare-approved supplier. Do not buy the chair first and then ask Medicare to reimburse you; Medicare will not pay for equipment you purchased before getting approval. Your doctor's office may have a preferred supplier they work with, or you can find one yourself using Medicare's supplier directory at dmepos.cms.gov.

Keep a copy of the doctor's order for your records. You will need it when you contact the supplier, and you may need it later if Medicare or your insurance asks questions about the purchase.

Finding a Medicare-Approved Supplier

Not every furniture store or online retailer that sells lift chairs is a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare only pays suppliers who are enrolled in the Medicare program and meet specific standards for equipment, delivery, and customer service. Buying from an unapproved supplier means Medicare will not reimburse you, even if you have a valid doctor's order.

Search for suppliers at dmepos.cms.gov, the official Medicare directory. Enter your zip code and select "Lift Chairs" or "Recliners" from the equipment list. The directory shows which suppliers in your area are approved and whether they deliver to your home. Call at least two suppliers to compare prices, delivery times, and warranty terms.

When you call a supplier, have your doctor's order ready and ask them to submit it to Medicare for pre-approval. Some suppliers will do this automatically; others require you to request it. Pre-approval tells you upfront what Medicare will pay and what you will owe, so you avoid surprises at checkout.

What Medicare Approves and What You Pay

Medicare sets a maximum amount it will pay for a lift chair, called the approved amount. This amount varies by region and supplier, but typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for a basic power lift recliner. Medicare pays 80% of this approved amount; you pay 20%.

If a supplier charges more than Medicare's approved amount, you are responsible for the difference. For example, if Medicare approves $4,000 and the supplier charges $5,500, Medicare pays $3,200 (80% of $4,000), and you owe $2,300 ($1,100 for your 20% share plus the $1,500 overage). This is why comparing suppliers matters — a cheaper chair from an approved supplier may cost you less out of pocket than a premium model.

Before you buy, ask the supplier for a written estimate showing the total cost, Medicare's approved amount, what Medicare will pay, and what you will owe. This protects you from unexpected bills.

How Your Deductible and Supplemental Insurance Affect the Cost

You only pay your 20% share after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240, but this amount changes yearly. If you have not met your deductible yet, you pay the full deductible first, then 20% of the approved amount.

If you have a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance), it may cover your 20% cost-share. Plans C, D, G, and M typically cover the Part B coinsurance, meaning Medigap pays what you would otherwise owe. Check your Medigap policy documents or call your insurer to confirm.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your cost-sharing rules are different. Some Advantage plans cover durable medical equipment with little or no cost-share; others charge a copay or coinsurance. Call your Advantage plan before ordering to find out what you will owe.

When Medicare Denies Coverage

Medicare may deny a lift chair claim if your doctor's order does not clearly explain the medical need, if the supplier is not approved, or if you already received a lift chair within the past five years. A denial does not mean you cannot get a lift chair — it means you will pay the full cost yourself.

If Medicare denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Ask the supplier or your doctor's office to help you file an appeal, which involves submitting additional medical records or a letter from your doctor explaining why the chair is necessary. Appeals can take several weeks, so do not expect a quick decision.

If the appeal is denied and you believe the decision is wrong, you can request a hearing before a Medicare administrative law judge. This process is free but can take months. Many people choose to pay out of pocket rather than wait, especially if they need the chair when ready.

Alternatives if Medicare Does Not Cover Your Lift Chair

If your doctor will not order a lift chair, or if Medicare denies your claim and the appeal fails, you have other options. Some state Medicaid programs cover lift chairs for low-income seniors; contact your state Medicaid office to ask. Veterans may be covered through the VA; call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to inquire.

Charitable organizations and disease-specific nonprofits sometimes offer lift chairs or financial help to pay for them. The Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, and similar groups occasionally have equipment programs. Search online for your specific condition plus "equipment information" or "durable medical equipment grants."

If cost is the main barrier, ask suppliers about payment plans or discounts for cash purchases. Some suppliers offer 12-month financing with no interest, which spreads the cost over time. Buying a used lift chair from a private seller is cheaper but carries risk — you have no warranty, and Medicare will not cover repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a lift chair online and have Medicare reimburse me?

No. Medicare only reimburses suppliers enrolled in the Medicare program. If you buy from an unapproved retailer — even with a valid doctor's order — Medicare will not pay. Always confirm the supplier is listed in Medicare's directory before you buy.

What if my lift chair breaks after Medicare pays for it?

The supplier is responsible for repairs during the warranty period, usually one to two years. After that, you pay for repairs yourself. Medicare does not cover maintenance or repairs; it only covers the initial purchase. Ask about warranty length and repair costs before you buy.

Do I need prior approval from Medicare before I order?

Not always, but it is smart to ask. Some suppliers will submit your doctor's order to Medicare for pre-approval before delivery. This tells you upfront what Medicare will pay and prevents billing surprises. If pre-approval is not available, the supplier will bill Medicare after delivery, and you may owe money while waiting for reimbursement.

Can Medicare cover a lift chair if I am in a Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes, but the rules are different. Advantage plans set their own cost-sharing for durable medical equipment. Call your plan before ordering to find out whether it covers lift chairs and what you will owe. You still need a doctor's order, and the supplier must be in your plan's network.

What happens if I need a second lift chair before five years have passed?

Medicare will not pay for a second chair unless your medical condition changes significantly and your doctor documents a new medical need. If you move to a different home and need a second chair there, or if your first chair is damaged beyond repair, talk to your doctor about whether a new order is justified. Medicare may approve it, but there is no may provide.