Does Medicare Pay for Lift Recliners?
When you are elderly, disabled, or living with a chronic health condition, lift recliners can provide a safe and comfortable way to get up from a seated position. Unfortunately, these specialized chairs can be expensive, and many people wonder if Medicare will cover the cost. The good news is that, in some cases, Medicare may provide coverage for lift recliners.
What Are Lift Recliners?
Lift recliners, also known as lift chairs, are a type of recliner that is specially designed to help people who have difficulty standing up from a seated position. These chairs are outfitted with a motor and lifting mechanism that can be used to raise and lower the user. Some models also include features such as built-in massage and heat, as well as adjustable armrests and headrests.
Does Medicare Cover Lift Recliners?
In some cases, Medicare may cover part or all of the cost of a lift recliner. To be eligible for coverage, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must have a medical need for the lift recliner, which must be documented by your doctor. Second, the lift recliner must be considered to be medically necessary, which means that it is the best option available for addressing your medical needs. Finally, the lift recliner must be prescribed by your doctor and be obtained from a Medicare-approved supplier.
If you meet these criteria, you may be able to purchase a lift recliner with partial coverage from Medicare. Medicare Part B typically covers 80 percent of the cost of the lift recliner. The remaining 20 percent is your responsibility and must be paid out of pocket.
In some cases, you may be able to get full coverage for a lift recliner through Medicare Part B if the chair is considered to be durable medical equipment (DME). DME is defined as items that can withstand repeated use, are primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and are not useful to a person who does not have a medical condition. If a lift recliner meets this definition, Medicare Part B may cover the entire cost.
It is important to note that if you are eligible for coverage, you must purchase the lift recliner from a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare will not cover the cost of lift recliners purchased from non-approved suppliers.
In conclusion, Medicare may provide coverage for lift recliners in some cases. To be eligible for coverage, you must meet certain criteria, including having a medical need for the recliner, having a doctor’s prescription for the recliner, and obtaining the recliner from a Medicare-approved supplier. If you meet these criteria, Medicare Part B may cover 80 percent of the cost of the lift recliner, while the remaining 20 percent is your responsibility. In some cases, Medicare may cover the entire cost if the chair is considered to be durable medical equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Does Medicare pay for lift recliners?
Answer: Yes, Medicare Part B may cover the cost of lift recliners as durable medical equipment (DME) when prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.
FAQ 2: How much does Medicare pay for a lift recliner?
Answer: The amount paid by Medicare for a lift recliner depends on the type of lift recliner, the supplier, and the geographic area.
FAQ 3: What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare to cover a lift recliner?
Answer: To be eligible for Medicare coverage for a lift recliner, a patient must have a doctor’s prescription for medical reasons, and the lift recliner must be medically necessary and meet Medicare’s coverage criteria.
FAQ 4: Are there any limits to the amount of money Medicare will pay for a lift recliner?
Answer: Yes, Medicare has certain financial limits on the amount they will pay for a lift recliner.
FAQ 5: Who can provide a lift recliner that is covered by Medicare?
Answer: Lift recliners that are covered by Medicare must be supplied by a Medicare-certified Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier.