What Kind Of Lift Chair Should You Get And Where Can You Get One
Now that you know what lift chairs are and the stipulations surrounding one being covered by your plan, its time to settle on which type of chair you want. As we discussed, there are three main types of chairs: two-position, three-position, and infinite-position. Obviously with Medicare in play, youre limited in the scope of lift chairs that you can get without paying too much money out of pocket. Each version comes at different price points.
It is also advised that you get a lift chair from a Medicare-approved supplier. To find out approved suppliers in your area or online, contact your local Social Security office and compile a list of who you can buy from.
Its difficult to say that one style of lift chair will cost a certain amount of money, though we can guarantee infinite-position chairs will typically cost the most and two-position chairs generally cost the least.
Its difficult to say that one style of lift chair will cost a certain amount of money, though we can guarantee infinite-position chairs will typically cost the most and two-position chairs generally cost the least.
Make sure your prescription is filled and its deemed medically necessary that you need a lift chair by a Medicare-approved doctor. Order the chair once Medicare itself approves that they will reimburse you for the chair. After you pay for the lift chair out-of-pocket and then receive it, fill out the appropriate paperwork and get your reimbursement.
State Assistive Technology Programs
These programs are in all states and are primarily for the elderly and the disabled, to increase their access to assistive devices and medical equipment.
State Assistive Technology Programs offer a number of services, usually including these
- an online exchange on where a member can post assistive devices and medical equipment for sale, donating or exchanging you can simply register to become a member on your state exchange website and participate
- a central website where you can inquire about eligibility and how to gain access to free or low cost medical equipment and assistive devices
- reuse, recycling and refurbishment programs run by the state project, or by community partners providing free, or low cost medical equipment and assistive devices for the disabled, the elderly and other financially disadvantaged individuals
- loan closets these can be short or long term loans where an eligible individual can borrow medical equipment and assistive devices that they otherwise cannot afford
Assistive Technology Programs will also help to find equipment for those individuals who register with them.
You can research all of this on your state assistive technology program website.
To see what projects are in your state, click here and follow the instructions below.
Will My Medicare Pay For A Lift Chair
Yes, Medicare Part B covers lift chairs. These chairs are considered Durable Medical Equipment and can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis, balance issues, or mobility problems. These standards should also be included in any Medicare Advantage plan. If you are currently residing in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or nursing home facility, you wont be eligible for a lift wheelchair. If Medicare has paid for a wheelchair, scooter, or another motorized device, you wont be eligible.
Medicare pays the piece of equipment that lifts you from the seat. Chairs that have a spring device lifting you out of the chair are not covered by Medicare. Even though the device is embedded in the chair, it doesnt cover the fabric, cushion, or other accessories.
Medicare will cover approximately 80 percent of motorized devices. You will be responsible for the remaining 20% and the cost of the rest of your chair. Supplemental Medigap plans can also cover the cost of all Medicare-inexpensive items. After you have chosen the chair that you like, youll purchase it and your provider will submit a Medicare claim.
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Massachusetts Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
Senior Care Options in Massachusetts, operated through MassHealth, is for those 65+, and Medicaid and Medicare benefits are combined. This partnership between the two health programs offers no copays plus support services. Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? As part of the program combined with Medicare in Massachusetts, SCO likely could cover the lift chair in total if you medically require it. For questions, call:
- SCO Boston Medical Center 1-855-833-8124
According to MassHealth DME guidelines for coverage for assistive technology such as lift chairs, the first step is to get a prescription for the item from your doctor. They must note that you cant use a regular chair due to a specific diagnosis such as severe arthritis in the knees or hip or neuromuscular disease. You must then source an approved supplier, fill out the required paperwork, and wait for approval or denial of your DME request. For questions:
- MassHealth questions – 841-2900
Prosthetic And Orthotic Items
Orthopedic shoes only when theyre a necessary part of a leg braceArm, leg, back, and neck braces , as long as you go to a supplier thats enrolled in MedicareArtificial limbs and eyesBreast prostheses after a mastectomyOstomy bags and certain related suppliesUrological suppliesTherapeutic shoes or inserts for people with diabetes who have severe diabetic foot disease.
Cataract glassesConventional glasses or contact lenses after surgery with insertion of an intraocular lensIntraocular lenses
Important: Only standard frames are covered. Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses provided by a supplier enrolled in Medicare, no matter who submits the claim .
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What Is A Part B Deductible
Many individuals feel confused at this concept, but your Part B deductible is the amount you first need to pay out of your own pocket before your Medicare insurance coverage begins. In 2019, this figure rose to $185, up $2 from previous years.
Youll also be responsible for the 20% co-insurance, which is the amount left over from the actual cost of the chair.
North Dakota Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
Physicians in North Dakota are contracted with the states Medicaid and long-term care programs to provide medical services. Durable Medical Equipment , including lift chairs, can be fully covered when the medically needed item is prescribed to treat an injury, illness, or disease.
Both rented and purchased DME are accepted by North Dakota Medicaid. The rental costs cant exceed the purchase price unless special authorization is given. Some of the codes Medicaid uses with physicians and suppliers are:
- NR New when rented
To find out more about your lift chair coverage, call:
- North Dakota Medicaid Office 472-2622 or 328-2310
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Lift Chair Expenses Not Covered By Medicare
Medicare wont cover lift chairs that use a spring device to propel you up.
The fabric, cushion and other accessories of a lift chair also arent covered by Medicare.
Medicare will pay 80 percent of the approved cost for the motorized lifting device. You will owe the remaining 20 percent along with all other costs for the chair and assembly.
The Part B deductible also applies.
How Do I Know What Kind Of Lift Chair To Choose
Photo credit: Golden Technologies Your DME provider should have qualified customer service personnel that can walk you through choosing the right lift chair for you. If you are curious to see some of our favorite lift chairs, take a peek at some of them in our online shop.
Just like shopping for a car, lift chairs can come with a variety of bells and whistles. The reason Medicare will pick up a portion of the cost is because the lift mechanism in the chair will assist you in standing up and sitting down safely without assistance.
Coverage of seat lift mechanisms is limited to those types which operate smoothly, can be controlled by the beneficiary, and effectively assist a beneficiary in standing up and sitting down without other assistance. Excluded from coverage is the type of lift which operates by a spring release mechanism with a sudden, catapult-like motion and jolts the beneficiary from a seated to a standing position.
With that said there are a variety of options available and the Binsons staff are specifically trained to help you find the right fit and choose the right options from the industry’s leading lift chair manufacturers.
We are here to answer any questions you may have throughout the process, please feel free to contact us.
1 https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/patient-lifts
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Lift Chair And Medicare Eligibility For Coverage
Eligibility for Medicare Part B coverage of a lift chair involves several requirements:
- You must be over the age of 65 and enrolled in Medicare.
- Your doctor must provide you with a prescription for the chair.
- You and your physician must complete the government form dictating the medical necessity of a lift chair. The yes or no questions on the form help administrators determine whether your eligibility will be approved. Your doctor will also fill out a section that describes your need in a narrative form.
- Your purchase must take place through a Medicare-approved supplier.
- You must not live in a nursing home or other in-patient facility.
Also, If Medicare has previously paid for another motorized device, such as a mobility scooter or wheelchair, chances are it wont cover a lift chair.
Does Medicare Pay For Power Lift Chairs
A Lift Chair Recliner is an ideal solution for any individual who is experiencing troubles transitioning from a seated position to standing due to balance issues or limited mobility. Have you ever wanted to know the answer to the question, “Does Medicare pay for power lift chairs?” If certain coverage criteria and considerations are met, Medicare may cover a part of the cost of a lift chair for a Medicare beneficiary.
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Power Lift Chairs Medicare Considers
It is important that the unit is determined by a doctor or physician as medically necessary for health improvement or to prevent conditions from getting worse. A patient can schedule an in-person medical examination with a treating physician and receive a written prescription if the doctor feels the patients mobility issues would be resolved with a lift chair.
Once appropriate documentation is collected from a doctor, selecting the type of power lift chair Medicare will cover is the next step. Since Medicare only covers the cost of the seat lift mechanism, and the beneficiary is responsible for the furniture portion of the lift chair, an individual should choose the lift chair that bests suits their taste and style, as well as their medical needs.
Although the market for power lift chairs Medicare pays for has many manufacturers, Pride Mobility offers durable and stylish power lift chairs Medicare may cover. VivaLift!® Power Recliners offer customizable settings with ease for comfort and convenience. Adjustable features such as power headrest, power backrest, power lumbar and footrest extension provide comfort levels based on the individuals preference. The VivaLift! Voya Power Recliner includes a soft-touch remote with the USB charging port. The Sierra Power Lift Chair comes in three stonewash fabric color variations and offers infinite, lay-flat positioning for maximum comfort.
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Rhode Island Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services offers Rhode Island Medicaid for state residents 65 and older. Durable Medical Equipment , including lift chairs, is usually entirely covered.
Rhode Island Medicaid coverage guidelines specifically mention seat lift chairs with motorized mechanisms. The mechanism must operate smoothly, and the patient must be able to use the remote control and chair safely without assistance. A diagnosis of severe arthritis or neuromuscular disease that prohibits the patient from being able to use a regular chair is required for Medicaid to pay for a lift chair.
For more details, phone:
- Health Source Rhode Island 1-855-840-4774
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Working With Your Doctor For A Prescription
The first step in the process in getting a lift chair covered by insurance is to work with your doctor. Medicare requires a doctor’s prescription and a copy of your medical record explaining the need for the equipment.
A seat lift mechanism is covered if all of the following criteria are met:
We suggest scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns and the need for a lift chair. Weve put together a form for your doctor to fill out to make it easier to get the ball rolling and the conversation started. You can.
Once you have your doctors prescription and chart notes its time to get the information over to a DME provider that has been enrolled in Medicare. Medicare will only cover your DME if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. If your doctors or suppliers arent enrolled, Medicare wont pay the claims submitted by them.1
If you need financial assistance with the remaining balance after the Medicare-Approved Amount you can apply for Care Credit.
New Mexico Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
Seniors 65 and older with low incomes are eligible for New Mexico Medicaid. The states Human Services Department directs Medicaid. and the Departments mission is to reduce the effects of poverty for low-income and disabled New Mexicans. Durable Medical Equipment is entirely covered in many cases if medically required.
The New Mexico Medical Assistance division of the Human Services Department will give authorization if your lift chair request is considered medically necessary by your doctor and all other requirements are met. Both purchased and rented DME are acceptable if the equipment meets safety standards.
For more information about lift chair coverage in New Mexico, contact:
- New Mexico Aging and Disability Resource Center 1-800-432-2080
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Texas Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
Texas Medicaid is administered by Health and Human Services . Seniors over 65 on Medicare may still be eligible for Medicaid. If a physician confirms medical necessity, Durable Medical Equipment such as a lift chair can be covered entirely as Texas Medicaid includes at-home nursing care needs.
The attending doctor, doctors assistant, or practitioner must prescribe the equipment medically necessary for the patients specific condition. The prescription must be dated and signed by the health care professional and explain how the prescribed DME will help the patients diagnosis. For lift chairs, the diagnosis is typically severe arthritis of the knee or hip or neuromuscular disease.
If Texas HHS approves the prescribed lift chair, a rental or purchased item is usually permitted. If the DME is rented, it cant exceed the capped rental cost limit.
For more information on lift chairs and Medicaid coverage, contact:
- Texas HSS Medicaid Hotline 252-8263
Iowa Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
Iowa Medicaid is managed by the Department of Human Services . Medicaid may pay for equipment such as a lift chair in full or with a small copay if the patients health provider confirms the medical need for the item.
If youre applying for Iowa Medicaid as a senior, you must be 65 or older, meet the low-income requirements, and take an asset test. To contact the DHS office closest to you, you can click on your region of Iowa on this DHS Offices Map for contact information. Or phone:
- 1-800-972-2017 or 1-855-889-7985
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How Much Is Medicares Lift Chair Recliner Reimbursement
Medicare will only reimburse for the lifting mechanism of the lift chair . The reimbursement is only for 80% of the lifting mechanism. The remaining 20% of the lifting mechanism and the chair itself will not be reimbursed. Reimbursement is capped at different amounts for different stated. Below is the maximum for each state .
| State |
South Carolina Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
Healthy Connections is the name of South Carolinas Medicaid program. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services , Healthy Connections includes health support for state residents 65 and older who meet eligibility requirements.
South Carolina Medicaid may cover a lift chair if you get a Medical Justification letter from your treating physician or therapist explaining why you need the Durable Medical Equipment item. A DME supplier partnered with Healthy Connections Medicaid will send the agency your lift chair request.
There may be a lengthy wait for South Carolina Medicaid to approve or deny your DME request. For more information about your specific situation, contact:
- SC DHHS Healthy Connections Medicaid 549-0820
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Idaho Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare administers the states Medicaid program. Wheelchairs and other mobility seating may be completely covered under Medicaid, although a case-by-case basis will determine whether DME is approved or denied.
A doctor, doctors assistant, or physical or occupational therapist must confirm that the DME is medically needed and for what diagnosis. Any DME, including a lift chair, wont be approved unless the user can use the power controls safely and adequately.
For questions on Medicaid lift care coverage in Idaho, contact:
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare 456-1233
- Or Email
Certificate Of Medical Necessity
In order to qualify for lift chair coverage, you have to start by making a doctors appointment. Talk to your doctor about writing a prescription for a lift chair. This is the first step in determining medical necessity. The doctor will need to complete parts B and D of Medicare form CMS-849. This form is also called the Certificate of Medical Necessity for Seat Lift Mechanisms form.
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