Buying Lift Chairs Through Medicare: Facts, Limitations, and Alternatives

When many American seniors or their family members look for lift chairs for loved ones with mobility issues, they often ask: “Does Medicare cover lift chairs?” Behind this question lies trust in the healthcare system, as well as real concerns about the high cost of assistive equipment. However, the answer is not as straightforward as people hope.

This article will clearly and accurately explain Medicare’s coverage policy for lift chairs, clarify why Medicare does not cover lift chair costs in most cases, and provide feasible alternative funding sources and money-saving tips. This will help you understand the rules while finding practical solutions.

Key Fact: Medicare Typically Does Not Cover Lift Chairs

Despite the obvious medical assistive value of lift chairs, according to current regulations of the U.S. federal health insurance program (Medicare):

Lift chairs are classified as “furniture” rather than “Durable Medical Equipment (DME).”

Therefore, they are not covered by Medicare Part B (outpatient insurance).

Why Are Lift Chairs Not Considered “Medical Equipment”?

Medicare’s definition of DME requires meeting all the following criteria:

Primarily used for medical purposes

Expected to last at least 3 years

Suitable for home use

Not a variation of ordinary furniture

Even with electric lifting functions, lift chairs are still regarded as “reclining armchairs” in terms of design, falling into the category of household items. lift chairs through medicare In contrast, devices clearly intended to replace physical functions—such as power wheelchairs or standers—may qualify for coverage.

The Only Exception: Rare Partial Coverage for “Medical-Grade” Lift Chairs

In extremely rare cases, if a doctor writes a prescription certifying that a patient is completely unable to stand up from a standard chair and has no other alternatives, certain FDA-approved medical lift chairs may be reclassified as DME.

In practice, however, such approvals are extremely uncommon and require meeting the following conditions:

Provided by a Medicare-certified DME supplier

Submission of detailed medical records, a doctor’s certification, and an occupational therapist (OT) assessment report

The device itself must meet strict technical standards (e.g., with battery backup, weight capacity ≥ 300 lbs, infinite positioning adjustment, etc.)

Even if approved, Medicare usually only covers the motor component (considered a “lifting mechanism”) rather than the chair itself (considered furniture). The end user still needs to pay most of the cost.