Does Medicare Cover Power Lift Recliners?

Power lift recliners make it easier to get in and out of your chair. It can be a huge help for those with mobility issues caused by any number of reasons.

If you’re over 65 and interested in getting one, a common question many have is, “does Medicare cover power lift recliners?” In this article, we answer this question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of power lift recliners, as well as other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Power Lift Recliners?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of power lift recliner. 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 power lift recliner. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Original Medicare does provide for coverage for a power lift recliner. Coverage is under Part B as power lift recliners are considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

However, there’s a bit of a catch. Medicare Part B will only cover the cost of the motorized lift mechanism and not the chair itself.

Also, Medicare Part B will only cover a power lift recliner if it is medically necessary. Conditions that are considered medically necessary include:

Severe arthritis in the knee or hip
Muscular dystrophy or another type of neuromuscular disease
Your doctor prescribes it as it will either improve your condition or prevent it from worsening
Unable to or having difficulty standing or sitting without the power lift recliner.

Medicare does not cover power lift recliners for people who are residing in assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, or nursing homes.

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provides coverage for power lift recliners. (Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers.) However, out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.

How Much Do Power Lift Recliners Cost?

Power Lift Recliners usually cost an average of $750. However, costs may go even higher to over $1,000 for high end models.

What Exactly To Look For When Buying A Power Lift Recliner?

There are certain things you’ll want to consider when you purchase a power lift recliner. So here are the things that you should look for before you buy a power lift recliner:

Number Of Positions

This is one of the most important things that you need to check out when buying a power lift recliner. You will often see the number of positions they offer. The most common are ‘2-position’ and ‘3-position’ recliners. But there are others that offer more versatility like the ‘infinite position’ and ‘zero gravity’.

The Size Of The Chair

You’ll want to purchase a chair that you can fit in and can carry your weight. Each product has a maximum weight limit. Also keep in mind that the larger the chair, the deeper the seat cushion. And keep in mind, you’ll want to choose the size that will fit best in your living room.

The Cover

Choose the cover of the chair that you think is comfortable. For example, if you sweat a lot then leather may not be the best choice. Or, if incontinence is a problem, then a fabric cover is not a great choice.

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.