Does Medicare Cover Lift Chair Rental?

It’s just a fact of life. As we get older, our bodies get weaker. If you are in a situation where standing or sitting on your own is difficult, you may be looking to get a lift chair.

Lift chairs can be pricey. And not everyone can afford them. But another great option available is to rent one.

This leads to the common question that many people have, “does Medicare cover lift chair rental?” In this article, we answer the question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of lift chair rental, as well as other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Lift Chair Rental?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of lift chair rental. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for your lift chair rental. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Sometimes Medicare will not cover the purchase of a lift chair. Instead they will have you rent one instead. Whether the rental is required by Medicare or not, the lift chair is considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME). That means Medicare Part B will cover it whether bought or rented.

However, there are some specific requirements. One is you will need your doctor’s prescription. Your doctor has to be Medicare-approved, and s/he must consider the lift chair has to be medically necessary.

Also, the supplier you get the chair from must also be enrolled in Medicare for the lift chair to be covered. If the supplier does not accept Medicare assignments, they may charge you more than the Medicare accepted amount.

Lastly, the chair must be for use in the home. It will not be covered if you’re in a nursing home or long term care facility.

Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare Part C also cover rental for lift chairs. They cover everything Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) covers along with additional benefits.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Lift Chair?

Lift chair rental usually costs between $50 and $150 a week. Monthly rentals average around $200 or so. The price varies on the type of lift chair that will be rented; standard lift chairs are usually less expensive. There may also be delivery charges which can cost $100.

What Is A Lift Chair?

Lift chairs are similar to recliners, but they can help a person shift from a sitting position to a standing position. Lift chairs are useful for people who are having mobility problems, most commonly the elders, and people who just underwent surgery.

Aside from lifting a person to a standing position, lift chairs’ common features also include reclining of the backrest and footrest to different positions.

A remote controls the position of the lift chair and the lift function itself. Some lift chairs have additional features like heat and massage functions.

Some lift chairs also provide more versatility when it comes to adjustment of position, the most versatile being a zero gravity lift chair.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.