Medicare Lift Chair Coverage: What’s Really Covered and How to Get It

When you need help getting up from a chair, a lift chair, a specialized recliner with a motorized lifting mechanism to assist users in standing. Also known as power lift recliner, it’s not just a luxury—it’s a medical necessity for many with mobility issues from arthritis, nerve damage, or muscle weakness. But does Medicare, the U.S. federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities pay for it? The answer isn’t simple, and most people get it wrong.

Medicare Part B covers lift chairs only if they’re classified as durable medical equipment (DME), medical devices designed for repeated use in the home to support a medical condition. That means the chair must be prescribed by a doctor, deemed medically necessary, and only the lifting mechanism qualifies—not the entire chair. You’re not getting a new living room centerpiece covered. Medicare pays for the motorized lift component, which is typically around $300 to $500. The rest—frame, fabric, cushioning—is on you. And yes, you still pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible.

Here’s what actually gets you approved: a face-to-face exam with your doctor, a written order stating the chair is needed for daily mobility at home, and proof that you can’t stand from a regular chair without assistance. If you use a walker or cane to get up, or have severe knee or hip pain that makes standing impossible, you’re more likely to qualify. But if you just want comfort? Medicare won’t cover it. Many people get denied because they didn’t document their mobility limits properly. Keep a log of how often you struggle to stand, and bring it to your appointment.

Some suppliers try to sell you a "Medicare-approved lift chair" as if it’s a brand. That’s misleading. Medicare doesn’t approve brands—it approves the function. Stick with DME suppliers who accept Medicare assignment. That way, they bill Medicare directly, and you only pay your share. Avoid big-box stores or online retailers that claim they "handle Medicare" unless they’re registered with Medicare as a DME provider. You’ll end up paying full price and chasing a refund that never comes.

And don’t confuse this with Medicaid. If you’re low-income, Medicaid in your state might cover the full cost. Some private insurance plans do too, but only if your policy includes DME benefits. Always check with your provider before buying. And remember: if you rent a lift chair instead of buying, Medicare might cover it under a rental agreement—but only for up to 13 months. After that, you own it.

The bottom line? Medicare doesn’t cover lift chairs for comfort. It covers them for safety. If standing up is a daily struggle, and your doctor backs that up, you’ve got a real shot at coverage. But if you’re shopping for a recliner with a massage feature and heated seats? That’s not medical equipment. That’s a gift. And Medicare doesn’t gift-wrap things.

Below, you’ll find real posts that help you navigate furniture choices, durability, and storage—because even if Medicare covers part of your lift chair, you still need to know how to care for it, where to place it, and how to make sure it lasts. These aren’t just tips. They’re the kind of details that keep you safe, comfortable, and out of the hospital.