Does Medicare Pay for Power Lift Chairs
A Lift Chair Recliner is an ideal solution for any individual who is experiencing troubles transitioning from a seated position to standing due to balance issues or limited mobility. Have you ever wanted to know the answer to the question, "Does Medicare pay for power lift chairs?" If certain coverage criteria and considerations are met, Medicare may cover a part of the cost of a lift chair for a Medicare beneficiary.
Does Medicare Cover Power Lift Chairs?
According to Medicare Part B, coverage may be applicable to a portion of the lift chair as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) under particular circumstances. A lift chair unit consists of two main components, the chair itself and the motorized lift mechanism. Medicare can only cover the seat-lift mechanism because that is the component that can be considered under the DME rule, even if it is built into the unit.
Does Medicare cover power lift chairs? A beneficiary may be eligible for a power lift chair Medicare covers if the following criteria are met:
- You have severe arthritis in your hip or knee
- You have muscular dystrophy or another type of neuromuscular disease
- You must be unable to stand up from a regular armchair or any chair in your home
- Your doctor determines that regular movement is medically necessary and that the seat lift may improve your condition or prevent it from getting worse. The seat lift must be prescribed as part of your treatment plan
- Because of your condition, you are unable to stand up and would otherwise be confined to a chair or bed without the equipment
- You’re able to control the seat lift yourself, the device operates smoothly, and the equipment helps you sit or stand without other help
Power Lift Chairs Medicare Considers
It is important that the unit is determined by a doctor or physician as medically necessary for health improvement or to prevent conditions from getting worse. A patient can schedule an in-person medical examination with a treating physician and receive a written prescription if the doctor feels the patient’s mobility issues would be resolved with a lift chair.
Once appropriate documentation is collected from a doctor, selecting the type of power lift chair Medicare will cover is the next step. Since Medicare only covers the cost of the seat lift mechanism, and the beneficiary is responsible for the furniture portion of the lift chair, an individual should choose the lift chair that bests suits their taste and style, as well as their medical needs.
Although the market for power lift chairs Medicare pays for has many manufacturers, Pride Mobility offers durable and stylish power lift chairs Medicare may cover. VivaLift!® Power Recliners offer customizable settings with ease for comfort and convenience. Adjustable features such as power headrest, power backrest, power lumbar and footrest extension provide comfort levels based on the individual’s preference. The VivaLift! Voya Power Recliner includes a soft-touch remote with the USB charging port. The Sierra Power Lift Chair comes in three stonewash fabric color variations and offers infinite, lay-flat positioning for maximum comfort.
The Heritage Collection’s power lift chairs are the top-selling units in the Pride Lift Chair line. Equipped with FirstUp® technology, they are built with a steel lift frame for long-term durability. A heavy-duty actuator and scissor mechanism support the user’s weight with noiseless and smooth lift performance, lifting the individual from the seated to the standing position with greater speed compared to other power lift chairs on the market. Additional features include head and arm covers and large dual pockets for storage.
Since purchasing a power lift chair Medicare may cover leaves some of the responsibility of the cost to the beneficiary, individuals should choose a unit that meets their style, comfort and durability requirements.