Medicaid Funding For Lift Chairs
Lift chairs can provide a number of different benefits for those who suffer from mobility challenges. A lift can make rising out of the chair from a sitting position much easier. A lift chair can also help provide seniors with mobility issues more independence, allowing them to remain in their homes, as opposed to having to stay at a nursing home or assisted living facility. Lift chairs are also beneficial to nurses, caregivers, and family members who could injure themselves while helping their charge get up from the sitting position. Lift chairs are constructed similarly to traditional recliners, with the added feature of an electric motor located in the base. Many lift chairs can also achieve the same positions that the best recliners do. With so many benefits of a lift chair, you may be wondering: will Medicaid pay for a lift chair?
What Type Of Medical Equipment Will Medicare Cover
Medicare coverage varies from state to state. In some states, Medicare will cover a specific type of medical equipment, while in other states, it wont.
Medicare usually covers Durable medical equipment helps you complete your daily activities such as walkers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, hospital beds, portable oxygen equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics.
How Long Do Chair Lifts Last
While the chair itself will last indefinitely, the motor typically lasts between 10 to 20 years depending on how often it is used and if there are any adverse environmental factors, such as high humidity or damage to electrical equipment.
Hopefully, you or your loved ones wont be in a position where a mobility chair becomes a necessity.
If the situation does arise, enrollment in Medicare can help you or your loved one find the right chair to help with your condition and make life comfortable AND affordable.
Now that you know does Medicare cover lift chairs for the elderly, you can rest assured that an affordable chair is out there to lift your spirits.
Should Medicare give more benefits to the elderly aside from lift chairs? Let us know your thoughts down below!
Resources
About Haley Burress
Haley has been working with seniors and their caregivers for more than 17 years. She has held local and national leadership roles in a variety of senior services and senior care agencies. Today, she is a sought after writer specializing in topics for older adults, their family members, and professional caregivers. When she isnt at her computer sipping coffee, you can find her hiking with her husband, son, and dog or trying a new cookie recipe in the kitchen. Follow her on . Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.
Dont Miss: Is Medicare Advantage Part Of Medicare
You May Like: How Does An Indemnity Plan Work With Medicare
Weight Capacity: Standard Or Bariatric
The weight capacity of a ceiling lift is an important consideration, and each ceiling lift has its own specific weight capacity.
Most lifts are capable of supporting between 300 and 450 pounds. If the user exceeds this weight threshold, there are bariatric ceiling lifts intended for patients who exceed these weight limits.
Because no two patients are exactly the same, the weight capacity of a ceiling lift can be a crucial consideration when looking at ceiling lifts.
Does Medicaid Pay For A Lift Chair
Medicaid may cover a lift chair if a patient meets the requirements. If you qualify, Medicaid may cover the cost of a VivaLift! ® Infinity Power Recliner , or another lift chair . Medicaid isnt a federally run program and is managed by individual states, so its important to note that eligibility will vary by state.
Read Also: Is It Worth Getting Medicare Part D
Three Types Of Lift Chairs Are Available
Two-Position Lift chair
This is the most basic of all three.
It can recline in two positions: A 90-degree upright position or a 45-degree position with the individual’s legs elevated and back at a recline.
The leg elevator and the reclining motor form one engine. This allows the chair to elevate as it reclines.
Three-Position Lift chair
The three-position lift chair has a 45-degree reclined and upright angle. It is similar to its two-position counterparts.
The chair’s reclining position allows for a nearly flat angle. The supine position relieves pressure on the back.
The chair’s components are all one motor like the two-position chair.
Infinite Position Lift Chair. The most customizable of the three medicare options, the infinite position chair is the best.
These seats can be used to sit upright or flat. You can also tilt your back at a 45-degree angle and elevate your legs.
Zero-gravity chairs
These zero-gravity chairs are powered by two motors, and they are usually the most expensive option of all three. These chairs are the most versatile of all the lift chairs.
Changes To Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans are like your HMO or PPO and give you extended coverage. As of 2019, changes to the provisions of these plans may group lift chairs as an allowable supplemental health care benefit.These changes make it easier than ever for those with a specific injury or physical and medical need to access lift chairs in a cost-effective way.
Donât Miss: Does Costco Pharmacy Accept Medicare
Read Also: Does Medicare Pay For Weight Reduction Surgery
Health Care In The Home Medicaid And State Programs
The programs aimed specifically at low income families, the disabled and the elderly for in the home care, and designed to help the beneficiary maintain their independence are calledHome and Community Based Services , Waivers or 1915 Waivers.
To help with the maintaining of independence in the home, the programs and waivers, offer assistance withhome medical equipment DME and often cover as much as 100% of the cost.
You can check your eligibility for any programs by contacting your State Medicaid Agency here.
If you want more in depth information on HCBS programs, or waivers, you can go here on Medicare.gov
These programs use the term home to mean the following
To find out more about Medicaid Self Direction click here.
Here Is A Selection Of The Most Popular Standing Lifts Available At Rehabmart:
- Handicare’s SystemRoMedic QuickMove Patient Lift – This manual sit-to-stand lift provides comfortable, reliable support during transfers, also functioning as an in-room mobile therapy station for strength building exercises. In addition to these two amazing functions, it can also be used as a comfortable walker by simply folding away the seat cushions and footplate!
- R82s Molift Active Raiser Patient Lift The top-selling standing lift at Rehabmart, R82s Molift earns the praise of customers thanks in large part to its extraordinary design and various additional features. These features include rolling wheels, anti-slip footing, and a number of support straps and handle grips. Additionally, the lift is available in a number of patient sizes!
- Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Lift Offering padded leg supports, hydraulic lifting mechanisms, low friction casters, and a retractable footplate, this hydraulic standing lift still manages to be one of the most affordable lifts available on the market. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that customers widely applaud this unit as one of the best lifting products to purchase .
Read Also: Does Medicare Advantage Have A Donut Hole
Using The Right Sling
Determining which sling is appropriate depends on factors like a persons height, weight and hip measurement, according to the FDA. Caregiver preference and whats comfortable for them is another important factor, says Ambrose. Common types of slings include:
- Universal slings, or U-slings, which support the entire body and often make the most sense for transporting people from the bed to the toilet.
- Full body slings, which offer a high back and solid head support.
- Standing slings, which suit those with partial mobility, as well as head and neck control.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Patient Lifts
Medicare Advantage plans are provided by companies contracted by Medicare to give all the Medicare services, and to cover everything that Original Medicare Parts A and B cover, and that includes patient lifts if you qualify under the Medicare guidelines.
As of the last quarter in 2020, Advantage plans will be allowed to extend the number of extra benefits they offer.
With regard to how to get coverage and where to get equipment, that depends on who your provider is, and you will need to ask them about suppliers and the procedure.
Recommended Reading: Is Medicare Or Medicaid For Old People
Generally Medicare Coverage Eligibility For Your Chair Lift Mechanism Will Include The Following:
- You have a condition that inhibits your mobility, like severe arthritis in your hip or knee or a neuromuscular disease like muscular dystrophy.
- Because of this condition, you are unable to stand up on your own and would otherwise be confined to a bed or wheelchair.
- Your doctor has determined that regular movement is medically necessary and has prescribed a lift chair as part of your treatment plan.
- You are able to control the seat lift yourself and the equipment helps you sit or stand up without other help.
Medicare typically wont pay for recline functions or seat lifts that use a spring-release mechanism.
If youre having mobility issues, BEK Medical is here for you. We have a variety of mobility products and other offerings that will make your life easier and more comfortable. Give us a call at to find out more.
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover You When Traveling Abroad
Is A Lift Chair And A Stair Lift The Same
Lift chairs are not to be confused with stair lifts as they are not the same device. A lift chair is a recliner-like chair that helps you stand up and sit down. A stair lift is a chair that can be raised or lowered at the edge of a staircase, carrying a person up and down when they are unable to go up or down stairs on their own.
At this time, Medicare does not cover the cost of stair lifts as they are considered a home modification, not durable medical equipment.
You May Like: Does Medicare Pay For Tens Unit
List Of Minor Home Modifications
Revision 19-1 Effective June 3, 2019
The following minor home modifications include the installation, maintenance and repair of approved items not covered by warranty:
- Purchase of wheelchair ramps
What You Pay For A Lift Chair
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for mobility equipment after you pay your Part B deductible, which in 2022 is $233. Medicare pays the rest. But the chair itself, which you must pay for, likely carries a higher price than the seat lift mechanism.
If you have Medicare Advantage, you might pay less. Contact the plan to learn about costs and which equipment suppliers you are authorized to use.
Depending on the seat lift mechanism, you may be required to rent it or to buy it, or you may have a choice.
Read Also: How Do I Get Free Diabetic Supplies From Medicare
Lift Chairs And Tax Deductions
If you dont have a Medicare Supplemental Plan, youre not entirely at a disadvantage. The excess charges for features like heat and massage or zero-gravity reclining, or the 20% co-insurance you have to pay may be tax-deductible.
Its best to consult a tax specialist, but in general the IRS says that you can deduct a number of qualified medical expenses and a lift chair comes under capital expenses. If you want to claim your lift chair as a tax-deductible expense, make sure to have a prescription from your physician proving medical necessity.
How Do I Qualify For A Lift Chair
Medicare will only cover the seat lifting mechanism part, but not the entire chair itself. The reimbursement amount is around $300, depending on the state. The patient would be responsible for paying the rest of the cost. In some cases, it may be cheaper to purchase the lift chair without using Medicare assistance.
In order for Medicare to pay for a seat lift mechanism, you must have one of the following:
- The patient must be suffering from severe arthritis of the hip or knee, or have a severe neuromuscular disease.
- The patient must be completely incapable of standing up from any chair.
- Once up, the patient can walk either independently or with the aid of a walker or cane.
Lifts require a Certificate of Medical Necessity. Your doctor and the Medicare-approved lift chair dealer will know when that documentation is required.
Recommended Reading: What Is Medical Vs Medicare
What Patient Lifts Does Medicare Cover
If you qualify for a patient lift with Original Medicare, it will be for a manual patient lift.
Original Medicare Part B does not cover electric patient lifts they are listed as convenience items and wont be covered.
The Hoyer lift is a very popular manual full body patient lift which is covered by Medicare.
The manual patient lifts are hydraulic, and are operated by manually pumping a hydraulic cylinder prior to performing the lift.
Medicare Coverage For Lift Chairs
What does the Medicare plan have to say about Lift Chairs? Lift chairs are categorized as Durable Medical Equipment in Part B of Medicares policies. To summarize Medicares Lift Chairs policies:
- The lift mechanism of the Lift Chair is the only part of the chair that is covered by the plan.
- Your Lift Chair Medicare claim can only be accepted if it is recommended by a doctor. Therefore, the patient must be affected by specific illnesses, such as mobility issues, arthritis, among other conditions.
- Medicare will cover 80% of the lift mechanisms cost, while the patients will cover 20% of the cost.
Also Check: Is Suboxone Covered By Medicare
Medicare Guidelines For Durable Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment may be covered under Original Medicare, which comprises of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Common examples of durable medical equipment include:
- Wheelchair
- Ventilators
- Heart rate monitor
Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facilities and inpatient care. So, inpatient devices are covered by Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B will cover Durable Medical Equipment you use at your home if your doctor decides it is medically necessary for you. The durable medical equipment must come with a prescription from a licensed health professional to be covered.
Medicare wont cover all durable medical equipment, but it does include several items.
Get A Free Quote
Find the most affordable Medicare Plan in your area
Youll be able to use durable medical equipment in your home or a long-term care facility. If you must stay in a skilled nursing facility, the facility will provide you with your equipment. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facilities, so inpatient devices are covered.
Qualifying For A Medicare
Prior to 1986, Medicare coverage for lift chairs was restricted to patients suffering from muscular dystrophy, severe arthritis of the knee or hip, or other neuromuscular diseases. In 1986, the Health Care Financing Administration amended its policy to cover lift chairs based on medical necessity instead of diagnostic categories.
The requirements to qualify as a medical necessity are as follows:
- A physician must determine you can benefit therapeutically from its use.
- The lift chair is part of the doctors course of treatment and will likely support the improvement or slow down the deterioration of your condition.
- The condition is so severe that the only alternative is confinement in bed or a chair.
Both your doctor and lift chair supplier must be accepted by Medicare. Otherwise, Medicare wont pay your submitted claim. Medicare-participating suppliers can only charge you the coinsurance and Part B deductible for the DME-approved amount.
Theres no limit to the amount you can pay for durable medical equipment provided by a non-participating supplier. So make sure your doctor and supplier are accepted in Medicare.
You May Like: How To Determine Medicare Eligibility
What Are Lift Chairs
Lift chairs have a motorized lift device that raises and lowers the seat of the chair to help you move from a sitting to a standing position more easily.
A lift chair is not the same as a stair lift chair, which moves up and down a staircase. It also differs from a patient lift, which helps caregivers move a patient from bed to chair.
Medicares Competitive Bidding Program
If youre planning to use Medicare to offset the cost of a lift chair, you should be aware that the Medicare Competitive Bidding program may apply to your purchase.
It changes the amount of money Medicare pays for DME items according to location. Through this program, suppliers submit bids for DMEs and Medicare then uses these bids to set the amount theyre willing to pay for each item.
You May Like: What Is The Best Medicare Supplement Company
Eligibility Criteria For Medicare To Cover Durable Medical Equipment
To qualify for Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment, there is specific criteria Medicare requires you to meet in addition to being ordered by a Medicare-approved doctor and using a Medicare accepting supplier.
To be covered by Medicare Part B, a durable medical equipment device must be:
- Used because of illness or injury
- Used at home
The list above is not all-encompassing. So, it is important to speak with your doctor before purchasing a device.
