Lift Chairs and Medicare: Coverage Policies, Eligibility Requirements, and Practical Guide You Need to Know

For many American seniors and individuals with mobility impairments, a lift chair is more than just a comfortable seat—it is a key assistive device that maintains independent living, prevents falls, and reduces the burden of caregiving. However, the price of such equipment typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, which is a significant expense for households on fixed incomes. As a result, many people ask: “Does Medicare cover lift chairs?”

The answer is: Standard Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance Part B) usually does not cover the entire lift chair, but under specific conditions, it may cover its “medical component”—namely, the power seat lift mechanism. This article will clearly explain Medicare’s coverage policies for lift chairs, eligibility requirements, application process, and alternative funding options.

I. Medicare’s Basic Stance on Lift Chairs

❌ The entire chair ≠ A medical deviceMedicare classifies lift chairs as “furniture” rather than purely medical devices. Therefore, the cost of the entire chair (including the frame, fabric, cushions, etc.) is not covered.

✅ But the power seat lift mechanism may be coveredIf a doctor certifies that you have a clear medical need and all the following conditions are met, Medicare Part B may cover the cost of the lift mechanism (i.e., the motor, base, and control system)—which typically accounts for 30%–50% of the total chair cost.

II. Five Essential Conditions for Obtaining Medicare Coverage

To qualify for Medicare coverage of a “Seat Lift Mechanism,” you must meet all the following requirements:

1. Have a severe mobility impairment

You must have a condition such as arthritis, neuromuscular disease (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis), or another chronic illness that causes:

Inability to stand up independently from a regular chair;

Ability to walk independently (or with a walker/cane) once standing.

⚠️ Note: If you are completely bedridden or require a wheelchair for mobility, you usually do not qualify.

2. Obtain a written prescription and diagnostic certificate from a doctor

You must receive the following from a Medicare-certified doctor (MD or DO):

An official Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN);

A clear explanation of how the lift mechanism will improve your functional status.

3. Purchase from a Medicare-certified Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier

The equipment must be purchased from a Medicare-enrolled Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier. You can search for local compliant providers in the Medicare.gov Supplier Directory.

4. The equipment meets Medicare’s technical standards

The lift mechanism must:

Have a genuine lifting function (to push the user to a standing position, not just recline);

Serve a purpose that cannot be achieved by regular furniture;

Be a Class II medical device registered with the FDA.

5. Complete an in-person medical evaluation

The doctor must conduct an in-person consultation before writing the prescription; the decision cannot be made solely through phone or online consultations.

III. Medicare Reimbursement Amount and Out-of-Pocket Costs

Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount.

You are responsible for a 20% coinsurance + the annual deductible (which is $257 in 2025).

Example: If the approved amount for the lift mechanism is $600, Medicare pays $480, and you pay $120 + the deductible (if not yet met).