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Lift Chair Medicare Requirements

Lift chairs are usually recliners that have a built-in motorized platform which allows the user to raise or lower the chair as necessary using an attached control to allow the user to sit and stand in a safe, controlled manner. Medicare will usually cover part of the costs for a doctor-approved recipient who selects a chair that moves up and down in a smooth fashion using an electrical lifting system.

  1. Individual Requirements

    • Medicare requires that anyone seeking reimbursement for purchase of a lift chair must suffer from a debilitating disease or disorder such as arthritis that makes it extremely difficult or impossible for them to stand from a sitting position on their own. For an individual to be considered approved for a lift chair through Medicare they have to be unable to stand from a sitting position unassisted in all chairs in their home, not just a certain few. The user must also be able to use the attached remote and operate the chair independently as well as walk unassisted after use of a lift chair.

    Doctor’s Requirements

    • Medicare requires that the user’s doctor provide Medicare with a prescription for the lift chair. Medical charts must also be provided to prove the user’s medical condition and deterioration in order for that person to be approved for a lift chair. Once preliminary approval is met, the individual’s doctor must also fill out required prescription paperwork, including a Certificate of Medical Necessity, and submit it to Medicare independently to gain final approval for reimbursement of the lift chair.

    Chair Requirements

    • In order to receive a partial reimbursement from Medicare for your lift chair, users must first select a chair from a medical supply store which meets Medicare’s standards for acceptable lift chairs. Your physician or local medical supply store staff should be able to help users select an appropriate chair for their needs which also meets Medicare requirements. Medicare requires that the lift chair be in a recliner-type style and lift easily and smoothly using only the attached controls. Chairs using a spring lift system are not covered by Medicare. Medicare also requires that if the user purchases the chair before receiving approval that they provide Medicare with all user and physician required paperwork as well as proof of purchase for the chair.

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