Lift Chair Reimbursement: How to Get Covered by Insurance or Medicare

When you need a lift chair, a motorized recliner that helps users stand up safely. Also known as power lift recliner, it’s not just a luxury—it’s a medical necessity for people with arthritis, joint pain, or mobility issues. Many people assume these chairs are out of pocket, but under certain conditions, Medicare Part B, a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or private insurance plans, private health coverage that may include durable medical equipment can help cover part or all of the cost. The key isn’t just owning one—it’s proving you need it.

Medicare doesn’t cover the whole chair, only the lifting mechanism. That means if you buy a $2,000 lift chair, Medicare might reimburse you for the motor and lift system—usually around $300 to $800—once you meet your deductible. You’ll need a doctor’s note saying you have severe arthritis or neuromuscular disease, can’t stand from a regular chair, and the lift chair is essential for daily function. You also need to buy from a Medicare-approved supplier. Most people don’t know this, and end up paying full price because they didn’t ask the right questions.

Private insurance works differently. Some plans, especially those from employers or Medicaid supplemental policies, cover more of the cost. But you’ll still need documentation: a prescription, a certificate of medical necessity, and proof of purchase. Don’t just assume your insurer will pay—call them first, ask for the DME (durable medical equipment) department, and get the exact form number. A lot of claims get denied because people submit the wrong paperwork.

It’s not just about Medicare or insurance. Some veterans qualify through the VA. Long-term care insurance might cover it too. And in rare cases, local nonprofits or charities offer grants for mobility equipment. The real trick? Start the process before you buy. Get your doctor involved early. Don’t buy online and hope for reimbursement later—that’s how people lose hundreds.

What you’ll find below are real guides from people who’ve been through this. How one man got his lift chair covered after three denials. Why some fabrics make a difference in approval. What forms Medicare actually requires—and which ones they ignore. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the mistakes most people make when trying to get help paying for a chair that lets them stand up on their own.