Are Electric Lift Chairs Covered by Medicaid? A Comprehensive Guide to State-by-State Policies and Application Procedures

When family members struggle to stand up from regular chairs due to old age, illness, or post-surgery recovery, electric lift chairs often become essential devices for enhancing safety and independence. Many families ask: “Are lift chairs covered by Medicaid?”—meaning whether Medicaid can help cover the cost of this equipment.

The answer is: Under specific conditions, yes, Medicaid may cover part or all of the cost of an electric lift chair. However, this depends on the state you live in, the specific type of Medicaid program you are enrolled in, and proof of medical necessity. This article will provide a detailed explanation of Medicaid’s reimbursement policies for lift chairs, the application process, and practical advice.

I. The Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare

First, it is important to clarify the distinction:

Medicare (federal health insurance) primarily covers individuals aged 65 and above. Its reimbursement rules for lift chairs are extremely strict, and it usually does not cover full lift chairs.

Medicaid is a jointly funded federal-state program targeting low-income individuals, people with disabilities, or those with high care needs. It is more flexible in supporting home-based long-term care and is more likely to cover assistive devices.

In particular, for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, lift chairs are often considered part of “home modifications” or “Durable Medical Equipment (DME)” and thus may qualify for funding.

II. Key Conditions for Medicaid Coverage of Lift Chairs

To qualify for Medicaid reimbursement, you typically need to meet all of the following conditions:

1. Eligibility for Medicaid

Your income and assets must be below the thresholds set by your state (standards vary by state).

Elderly individuals or people with disabilities may apply through special channels such as “Medically Needy” programs or “Elderly & Disabled Waivers.”

2. Medical Necessity Certification from a Doctor

A written assessment must be provided by a licensed physician (MD/DO) or nurse practitioner (NP), stating that the patient cannot use regular chairs safely due to one of the following conditions:

Severe arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis

Recent hip/knee replacement surgery

Muscle weakness, post-stroke sequelae, or other conditions causing difficulty standing up

3. The Device Is Classified as “Durable Medical Equipment (DME)”

Recreational lift chairs with massage or heating functions sold in regular furniture stores usually do not qualify. Medicaid is more likely to approve:

Basic-function lift chairs (without non-essential entertainment features)

Devices with a valid HCPCS code (e.g., E0625: Electric seat lift mechanism)

Equipment purchased from a Medicaid-certified DME supplier

4. Approval Through Case Management or Waiver Programs

In most cases, applications must be submitted through your state’s HCBS Waiver program (e.g., “Elderly and Disabled Waiver”) and approved after evaluation by a Case Manager.

III. Examples of State-by-State Policy Differences

Medicaid is administered by individual states, so coverage varies significantly:

State Is Lift Chair Coverage Possible? Notes

New York ✅ Yes Can be applied for through the “Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver”

California ✅ Yes May be approved under programs like “In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)” or “CAAP”

Texas ⚠️ Limited Only available for high-need cases under STAR+PLUS or CLASS Waiver programs

Florida ✅ Yes Can be applied for through the “Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program”

Alabama ✅ Yes “Elderly and Disabled Waiver” explicitly includes DME funding

Ohio ✅ Yes “Ohio Home Care Waiver” supports the purchase of home-based assistive devices

Tip: Even if your state does not explicitly list “lift chairs,” you may still be approved if you can prove the device is necessary to prevent falls and avoid institutional care.

IV. How to Apply for Medicaid Coverage for a Lift Chair?

Step 1: Confirm Medicaid Eligibility

Visit your state’s Medicaid official website (e.g., medicaid.gov → “Find Your State”) or call the state Medicaid service hotline.

Step 2: Contact Your Case Manager or Home Care Coordinator

If you are already enrolled in an HCBS Waiver program, contact your Case Manager directly to request the equipment.

Step 3: Obtain a Doctor’s Prescription and Evaluation Report

The doctor must complete Medicaid’s required medical necessity form, detailing functional limitations and how the device will improve safety.

Step 4: Select a Medicaid-Certified DME Supplier

The supplier will assist in submitting a Prior Authorization application and provide models that meet Medicaid standards (typically basic models from brands like Golden Technologies or Pride Mobility).

Step 5: Wait for Approval and Arrange Delivery

The approval process usually takes 2–6 weeks. Once approved, the device will be delivered and installed at little or no out-of-pocket cost.

V. If Medicaid Does Not Cover the Cost? Alternative Assistance Channels

Medicare Advantage Plans: Some plans offer annual health benefit allowances that can be used for lift chairs.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Eligible veterans may receive lift chairs for free.

Local Area Agency on Aging: Provides equipment loans, subsidies, or referrals.

Nonprofit Organizations: Groups like the Lions Club or Salvation Army sometimes fund home safety modifications, including lift chairs.

VI. Important Reminders

❌ Do not purchase first and apply for reimbursement later! Medicaid usually does not provide retroactive reimbursement for equipment purchased without prior authorization.

✅ Choose basic-function models: Avoid “non-medical” features like massage or Bluetooth speakers to prevent denial of coverage.