Does Medicare cover lift chairs?

Most lift chairs look like a typical recliner but hidden under the seat is a motorized lift device that plugs into a regular wall outlet. You hit a button and the seat gently raises to help you stand or lowers to help you sit. This can help people with balance and mobility issues or stiff joints and muscle pain.

Please note: A lift chair is different from a stair lift, which moves up and down a staircase. A lift chair stays in place just like a regular piece of furniture. 

Yes, Medicare Part B does cover some of the costs of a lift chair. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Your doctor must give you a prescription for a lift chair for your home.
2. You must get your lift chair through a DME supplier that is enrolled in Medicare opens in new window .
3. Part B only helps pay for the lifting device, not the chair itself. 

If you want to use your Medicare benefits, understand that Medicare considers a chair and a lift device to be 2 separate items. And Medicare only helps pay for the lifting device, not the chair itself. 

If you’ve already met your Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for a lifting device. You will also still have to pay for the chair itself. 

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans , might pay for a lift chair. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan provider.

Medicare Supplement insurance plans (Medigap) may also help cover the cost of a lift chair. Depending on your plan, it may pay some of the out-of-pocket Part B costs, like deductibles or copayments. 

Lift chairs can be a safe and simple solution for anyone with hip, knee or muscle issues. If you feel you could benefit from a lift chair, reach out to your physician for more information.