Medicare Lift Chair Cost Calculator
Estimate Your Medicare Coverage
Key Facts
- Medicare covers 80%
- Only the lift mechanism (approx 1/3 of total cost)
- After deductible 20% coinsurance
- Not covered Frame, upholstery, cushions
Your Estimated Costs
Your Chair Cost
$0.00
Medicare Coverage
$0.00
Your Out-of-Pocket
$0.00
Note: This is an estimate. Actual coverage depends on your specific Medicare plan, deductible status, and the supplier. Medicare only covers the lift mechanism (about 1/3 of the chair cost).
Many seniors wonder if Medicare will cover the cost of a recliner chair-especially if they have mobility issues, chronic pain, or trouble standing up from a regular chair. The short answer: Medicare doesn’t pay for recliners just because they’re comfortable. But it might cover a specific type of recliner if it’s classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and your doctor says it’s medically necessary.
What Counts as Durable Medical Equipment?
Medicare covers items that are:
- Used for a medical reason
- Expected to last at least three years
- Used primarily in the home
- Not useful to someone who isn’t sick or injured
Examples of covered DME include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment. A standard recliner doesn’t meet these criteria. But a power lift recliner-also called a lift chair-does. These aren’t just fancy chairs with a footrest. They have motors that gently raise the entire seat to help someone stand up without straining their knees, hips, or back.
When Will Medicare Cover a Lift Chair?
Medicare Part B may cover the motorized lifting mechanism of a lift chair, but only if:
- Your doctor writes a written order stating you have a medical condition that makes it hard to stand from a regular chair
- You have a diagnosis like severe arthritis, muscular dystrophy, or advanced COPD that limits mobility
- The chair is prescribed as part of your treatment plan
- You buy it from a Medicare-approved supplier
Medicare won’t cover the entire chair-only the lifting mechanism. The frame, upholstery, and cushioning are considered non-covered parts. That means you’ll pay for those yourself. For example, if a lift chair costs $1,200, Medicare might pay up to $400 for the motorized lift component, and you pay the rest.
What’s the Difference Between a Recliner and a Lift Chair?
Not all recliners are created equal. A regular recliner lets you lean back and raise your feet, but you still have to push yourself up with your arms or legs. A lift chair has a motorized system that lifts your whole body upward and slightly forward, reducing pressure on joints and helping you stand safely.
Lift chairs come in three main types:
- Two-position: Lets you recline slightly and raise your legs-good for reading or watching TV
- Three-position: Lets you recline farther, almost lying flat-helpful for naps or leg swelling
- Infinite-position: Lets you adjust the back and leg rest independently-best for people with severe pain or breathing issues
Only the lift mechanism is covered by Medicare. So if you need the full reclining feature for medical reasons, make sure your doctor documents that too.
How to Get Medicare to Cover a Lift Chair
Follow these steps:
- See your doctor and explain why you struggle to stand from a regular chair. Mention falls, pain, or fatigue.
- Ask your doctor to write a prescription for a lift chair as DME. They’ll need to specify your diagnosis and why it’s medically necessary.
- Find a Medicare-approved DME supplier. You can check the Medicare website or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Don’t buy online or from non-approved stores-Medicare won’t reimburse you.
- After delivery, the supplier will bill Medicare directly. You’ll pay your 20% coinsurance and any deductible.
Medicare won’t pay for delivery, setup, or repairs unless they’re part of the rental or purchase agreement with an approved supplier.
What If Medicare Denies Your Claim?
It happens. Sometimes Medicare says the chair isn’t medically necessary, or your doctor’s paperwork is incomplete. If you’re denied:
- Ask for a written explanation of the denial
- Ask your doctor to write a letter of medical necessity with more detail
- File an appeal within 120 days
Many appeals succeed if you provide additional evidence-like a physical therapy evaluation or a record of recent falls. Don’t give up after the first no.
Alternatives If Medicare Won’t Cover It
If you don’t qualify for Medicare coverage, here are other options:
- Medicaid: Some state Medicaid programs cover lift chairs if you meet income and disability guidelines
- Veterans Benefits: The VA may cover lift chairs for eligible veterans with service-related mobility issues
- Charities: Organizations like the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) or local senior centers sometimes offer grants or used equipment
- Rental programs: Some DME suppliers offer monthly rentals-cheaper upfront, but adds up over time
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA): You can use pre-tax dollars to pay for a lift chair if your doctor prescribes it
What to Look for When Buying a Lift Chair
Even if Medicare doesn’t cover it, choosing the right chair matters. Look for:
- Weight capacity-make sure it supports your body weight
- Power source-battery backup in case of power outages
- Warranty-3+ years on the motor is standard
- Easy-to-use remote-large buttons, backlighting, and simple controls
- Material-breathable fabric if you’re hot-natured, or easy-to-clean leather if you need hygiene
Brands like Pride Mobility, Golden Technologies, and La-Z-Boy offer Medicare-approved models. Always confirm with the supplier that their product is eligible for Medicare reimbursement before buying.
Real-Life Example
Martha, 78, from Portland, had knee replacements and arthritis. She couldn’t get up from her old recliner without using her arms to push off, which hurt her shoulders. Her doctor diagnosed her with severe osteoarthritis and wrote a prescription for a three-position lift chair. She bought it from a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare covered $410 of the $1,100 chair. She paid $690 out of pocket-and says it’s the best money she’s ever spent. She hasn’t fallen since.
Bottom Line
Medicare doesn’t pay for recliners. But if you need help standing up safely, a lift chair with a motorized lift mechanism may be covered. It’s not automatic. You need a doctor’s order, a qualifying diagnosis, and the right supplier. Don’t assume you’re eligible-ask. And if you’re denied, appeal. For many seniors, a lift chair isn’t a luxury-it’s a safety tool that lets them stay independent at home.
Does Medicare cover regular recliners?
No, Medicare does not cover standard recliners. They are considered comfort items, not medical equipment. Only lift chairs with motorized lifting mechanisms may be covered if prescribed as durable medical equipment.
How much does Medicare pay for a lift chair?
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of the motorized lift mechanism only, after you meet your deductible. You pay the remaining 20% plus the cost of the chair frame, fabric, and cushioning. Most lift chairs cost between $700 and $1,500, so your out-of-pocket cost could be $300-$900 depending on the model.
Do I need a prescription for a lift chair?
Yes. You need a written prescription from your doctor stating that the lift chair is medically necessary due to a diagnosed condition like arthritis, neuromuscular disease, or severe mobility impairment. Without this, Medicare won’t pay anything.
Can I buy a lift chair online and get reimbursed?
No. Medicare only pays suppliers who are enrolled in the program. If you buy from Amazon, Walmart, or any non-approved retailer, you won’t get reimbursed. Always confirm the supplier is Medicare-approved before purchasing.
What if I rent a lift chair instead of buying?
Medicare will cover rental of the lift mechanism for up to 13 months. After that, you own it. Renting can lower your upfront cost, but you’ll pay monthly fees. It’s a good option if you’re unsure how long you’ll need the chair or if you’re waiting for a Medicare decision.
Are lift chairs covered by Medicare Advantage plans?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits beyond Original Medicare. A few may cover more of the chair’s cost or include home safety equipment. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or call your plan’s customer service to ask about DME benefits.
