As you might know, Medicare covers a wide range of medical equipment, supplies, and services. But does it cover the cost of lift chairs? Luckily, Medicare will cover a certain percentage of the costs of buying a lift chair only if your doctor prescribes it.
If you have mobility issues, the best lift chairs covered by Medicare will help you to easily lift yourself from any sitting position to a comfortable standing position. Also, some lift chairs allow you to sleep in various elevated positions for a sound good night’s sleep.
Choosing the right lift chair for your condition isn’t an easy job since you need to know which features to look for. But don’t you worry at all as here we will walk you through the details of the finest lift chairs covered by Medicare. Let’s hop in for the ride.
Does Medicare Cover Lift Chairs?
Yes, the motorized mechanism of a lift chair falls into the category of Medicare-covered items. Here’s something you need to know about Medicare costs and reimbursement criteria. Medicare will only cover DME or durable medical equipment for you. And the equipment has to meet some criteria including-
- It should be required for medical purposes
- Durability so that you can use it repeatedly
- Used at home only
- The equipment should be for an ill or injured person
- Should last for 3 years
As the chair, cover, fabric, cushions, and other parts of a lift chair aren’t considered medically necessary, Medicare won’t owe the costs of these items.
It will only cover around 80 percent cost of the motor of a lift chair. So, you need to take care of the remaining 20 percent along with the copays, deductibles, and assembly costs.
Now, How Do You Qualify for Medicare Lift Chair Benefits?
First of all, you need to enroll in Medicare Part B to qualify for lift chair coverage. Secondly, you must have a qualifying medical condition or you have to be 65 years old.
The qualifying medical conditions include neuromuscular diseases, end-stage renal diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or other severe disabilities. Your doctor has to certify the medical necessity and determine that you’ll be confined to a chair or bed if you don’t get the lift chair.
Here are a few requirements that determine Medicare eligibility-
- You got severe arthritis in the hips or knees. Or, you’re suffering from a neuromuscular disease
- You don’t have the ability to stand up from a chair on your own
- You can operate a lift chair
- After standing up with the help of a lift chair, you can walk independently. You’ll also qualify if you take assistance from a cane or walker
- You don’t live in a nursing home, hospice, or any other skilled nursing facility
- You have taken other treatments like physical therapy, but all of them failed
Apart from these factors, you need to keep in mind that you must purchase the chair from a supplier who participates in Medicare. Otherwise, your expenses won’t be considered for Medicare reimbursement.
7 Best Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare- Reviews
Now, it’s time to introduce you to our top picks. For our list, we went through the top brands of the market and picked the most comfortable chairs for you with tons of handy features. So, check out the details carefully and choose one as per your needs.
1. Irene House- Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare
For our first pick, we have an incredibly comfortable lift chair with infinite recline positions. This lift chair by Irene House is covered by Medicare and has a humanistic design with sturdy construction that lasts for decades.
Without a doubt, the main highlight of this lift chair is the infinite-position lock. It allows you to position the backrest at any angle between 105°to 180°. For a sound sleep, the chair can be reclined in an almost flat position.
Moreover, the backrest and footrest function separately. That means you can change the position of the backrest without lifting the footrest. So, you’ll be able to stretch your body and set the backrest in your preferred reclining position to read, sleep, or watch TV.
Talking of the backrest, this lift chair has an adjustable backrest. You can easily lift or lower the back and seat rest to adjust them as per your height. The chair has a sturdy frame of wood and metal capable of carrying up to 300 pounds.
A high-quality faux leather cover is used to provide a comfortable touching and sitting experience. As for the motor, the chair uses two highly efficient and quiet motors. The motor allows the lift chair to smoothly recline at a nearly standing position.
This way, you can stand up without straining your back muscles. There are 4 buttons on the side of the chair and a remote to control the lifting positions. Altogether, this chair is an absolute all-rounder.
Pros:
- Infinite recline positions for sitting, resting, and sleeping.
- Adjustable seat rest and retractable footrest support various heights and body types.
- The Dual OKIN motor smoothly pushes the entire chair up.
- 4 vibrating nodes offer heat and massage.
Cons:
- The remote-control functions are slightly difficult to comprehend.
2. Best Choice Products- Power Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare
If you want a versatile lift chair with easy-to-operate features, this Medicare-covered chair will be an ideal choice for you. Best Choice Products offers you a 3-position lift chair with heat and massage to comfort your lumbar area.
Thanks to the power lift design, the chair can be pushed up entirely just by pushing a button. This way, you’ll be able to easily get up from the chair without putting any extra pressure on your knees and back. Adjusting the chair is also easy with the easy-to-reach buttons on the side of the chair.
Since it’s a 3-position chair, you can tilt it forward or recline it at three different positions. The transition between a lifted and reclined position is smooth with the help of a powerful motor. You can lift the extendable leg rest separately for a better sitting experience.
With the help of remote control, you’ll be able to select from 3 massage modes and 2 heat settings according to your needs. While the massage modes target your lumbar, back, thigh, and legs, the heat settings comfort your lumbar area only. Plus, you can use the remote control to set a timer for heat and massage.
As for the features, the chair has two side pockets and two front pockets for keeping your reading materials. The overstuffed armrests provide sufficient support and comfort for your arms and shoulder.
There are 2 cup holders on the armrests allowing you to keep your coffee cup and water bottle close. Lastly, you can charge your phone anytime using the convenient USB port.
Pros:
- 3 reclining positions are easy to control with responsive side buttons.
- 2 heat settings and 3 massage modes comfort your lumbar area and lower body.
- A sturdy construction carries up to 330 pounds.
- Features side pockets, comfortable armrests, USB ports, and cup holders.
Cons:
- Not very powerful heat settings.
3. Pulaski- Leather Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare
Do you need a simple Medicare-covered lift chair that has it all? Then you’ll love this leather lift chair from Pulaski. It’s simple, extremely comfortable, and surprisingly affordable.
To provide maximum comfort, the arm, seat, and backrest of the chair are thickly padded with a soft sponge. The drop-in pocketed coils resist sagging so that you can comfortably use the lift chair for years.
The leather-look cover has a light brown color that suits the decor of any living room. Plus, it provides the softness and comfort you’ll need for relaxation. However, the cover isn’t waterproof and you need to clean it with water-free products only.
Because of the durable construction, the lift chair has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The lift mechanism features a metal frame for maximum support. It uses a dual motor to lift you so that you can easily go from sitting to standing position.
Another advantage of the dual-motor is that it allows you to recline the backrest and footrest independently. The chair can be set in a completely flat position allowing you to have a quick nap. A remote-control device is also provided with large buttons to adjust the position of the chair.
What makes it even better is that the remote is attached to the chair with a wire so that you don’t lose it. There’s also a side pocket to keep your necessary things nearby.
Pros:
- Thickly padded chair provides unmatched comfort.
- A quiet dual motor lifts the metal frame allowing you to stand without causing pain.
- The back and footrest recline in a flat position.
- The adjustability of the chair is controlled by a wired remote.
Cons:
- The cover isn’t waterproof.
4. PUG258Y- Medical Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare
When it comes to integrating the best technology, the PUG258Y lift chair covered by Medicare is surely the most impressive one in the marketplace. This premium quality chair features an eye-catching design and highly effective massage function to take care of your back pain and injuries.
Made from heavy-duty materials, the chair is strong and highly durable with a weight capacity of 300 pounds. All the wooden boards used in this chair are non-toxic and free from Formaldehyde. The base is made of heavy stainless steel to support your body weight while lifting.
For stress-free movement, the chair is equipped with a UL-approved mute lift motor. This motor will silently lift you to easily reach a standing position. The breathable chenille fabric of the chair cover is odorless, non-toxic, and easy to clean. It will keep you cool and comfortable in any condition.
As for the reclining, the chair can be reclined in three different positions from 90° to 160° angles. Both the backrest and footrest can be extended and retracted with a remote. With this chair, you can stand up, read, relax, or take a nap whenever you want just by pressing a button.
Let’s talk about the massage modes now. There are 8 massage units at different points of the chair. You can set them in 5 different modes including Different modes: pulse, auto, normal, wave, and press. Plus, a separate remote is provided to set the timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
Pros:
- Constructed from safe, heavy-duty wooden boards and stainless steel.
- 3 reclining positions are controlled by a remote.
- 8 massage units with 5 different modes.
- One additional heating function in the lumbar area.
Cons:
- This chair is relatively small.
5. Vicluke- Recliner Chairs with Lift Covered by Medicare
The brand Vicluke has gained attention in the last few years for its simple yet highly convenient products. And this Medicare-covered lift chair is extremely versatile, durable, and full of handy features.
For better relaxation, the chair features massage nodes at 8 different points. You can select from 5 effective massage modes and 2 levels of intensity to reduce your stress and tiredness. Also, the waist heating function radiates a reliving warmth and promotes blood circulation.
To control the reclining and lifting, a few push buttons are placed conveniently on the side of the chair. You can recline the chair anywhere from 110 to 150 degrees angle or lift it entirely to stand up from a sitting position.
What we love about this chair is the premium-quality PU leather cover. The cover is highly durable, breathable, and waterproof. You can easily clean it with any mild solvent. Apart from that, the high-density thickened padding on the back, head, and footrest will comfortably wrap your body and provide maximum support.
Talking of support, the all-metal lift mechanism of this chair is supported by an efficient electric motor that helps to entirely push the chair up. This makes the lift chair an ideal choice for those who have back and leg issues or balance problems.
Pros:
- 8 massage points with lumbar heat and 5 different modes.
- Offers infinite recline positions up to 150 degrees.
- PU leather cover provides comfort and extra durability.
- Equipped with a silent and efficient motor to control the all-metal lift mechanism.
Cons:
- The massage vibration isn’t very strong.
6. Merax- Electric Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare
Looking for a comfortable lift chair at an affordable price? Then this Merax lift chair is just the right one for you. It’s covered by Medicare and comes with all the necessary features to offer you the ultimate lounging experience.
With the top-grade upholstery and high backrest, the chair enhances safety and support. Plus, the overstuffed design includes thick cushioning of the head, back, and footrest to provide the most comfortable sitting experience.
You can set the chair in 3 different positions including lifting and reclining. Since there are only 2 keys to control all the operations, this chair is particularly helpful for elderly people. With these keys, you can easily adjust the lay the chair flat, tilt it, or lift it to stand.
A single silent motor along with the heavy-duty lift mechanism offers smooth transitions. The frame of the chair is made of hardwood and stainless steel to provide maximum support for you. Due to this sturdy construction, the chair can carry up to 330 pounds.
As for the cover, it features a comfortable fabric that is smooth to touch and comfortable to sit on. However, it’s not waterproof and you’ll have a hard time cleaning it. While most lift chairs are available in black and brown only, this one adds a modern touch with its red, brown, and bluish-grey color.
Pros:
- Thickly cushioned with soft foam to provide the highest comfort.
- Reclining and lifting functions are controlled by only two keys.
- The heavy-duty construction of laminated veneer lumber and metal.
- Available in 3 different colors.
Cons:
- Cleaning the cover can be a bit difficult.
7. Mega Motion- Comfort Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare
To wrap up our list, we have chosen a 3-position, Medicare-covered lift chair by Mega Motion. If you have limited space, this chair will be a perfect choice to provide head-to-toe comfort.
Let’s talk about the lift mechanism first. The lift mechanism features top-grade steel making it long-lasting and strong enough to easily carry up to 325 pounds.
What makes this mechanism truly unique is the provided hand wand that reclines the chair at 3 different positions including closed, partial, and full recline.
Moreover, this hand wand lifts the chair to a standing position so that you don’t have to strain your back or knees while getting out of the chair. A conveniently placed side pocket is provided to store necessary items like a phone, magazine, and remote.
For maximum support and comfort, the chair features a deep and padded seat, cushioned roll arms, and a button-tufted backrest. If you want more relaxation, you can extend the footrest and set the chair in a comfortable reclined position.
Pros:
- Smooth and efficient all-metal lift mechanism.
- A hand wand controls the 3 reclining positions.
- Thickly padded arm, back, and seat rest provide maximum support for your body.
- Features a retractable footrest for better relaxation.
Cons:
- No heat or massage functions.
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How to Choose the Best Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare – Buyer’s Guide
Of course, the best way to choose a lift chair is to consult with your therapist. However, we can suggest some important features that will improve your overall sitting experience and help you with your mobility issues.
Here are a few things you should look for while buying a lift chair-
Lift Mechanism
It’s easily the most important part when it comes to lift chairs. In this case, you should consider the construction of the lifting mechanism and the quality of the motor. You know the chair won’t last long if it has a flimsy construction.
Typically, an all-metal frame is the most preferable option for lift chairs. Stainless steel- or iron-made lift mechanism provides the necessary strength and durability to the chair. So, make sure the chair is equipped with a premium-grade metal frame.
As for the motor, most lift chairs come with a single or dual motor. If you want a basic chair and cut the cost a little bit, single motor lift chairs will work fine. However, with a single motor, the back and footrest of the chair will work simultaneously.
On the other hand, lift chairs with dual motors control the back and footrest separately. Dual motor lift chairs are more efficient and ideal for providing a comfortable position. Choose one that suits your needs.
Recline Positions
Since you’ll be confined to the chair for a big chunk of the day, it’s important to check out the reclining positions. We will recommend going for infinite recline positions if you find it difficult to achieve a comfortable sitting position.
This type of chair can be positioned in a wide range of reclined angles allowing you to seat, relax, watch TV, or take a nap. But, the price of infinite position lift chairs is relatively higher. If you have a tight budget, you can go for a 3-position lift chair instead.
Comfort Levels
If the chair doesn’t provide enough comfort and support for your body, it might worsen your condition. So, pick an adjustable lift chair so that you can maintain good posture and find a comfortable position. The seat, back, and headrest should be soft, durable, and thickly padded to provide sufficient support.
Apart from that, you should also consider the fabric type and ease of use. It’s best to choose medical-grade upholstery. You can go for PU leather or other leather-like fabric for breathability and longevity.
For easy operation, some lift chairs feature push buttons and some include a remote control. You should choose the one that you find the easiest.
Size and Capacity
Some people tend to buy extra-large chairs for no reason at all. You should choose the chair as per your height and body type. Check out the width and depth of the seat first. It’s better to go for adjustable lift chairs as you can easily raise or lower them according to your height.
If the lift chair has a wooden frame and metal lift mechanism, it can easily carry more than 300 pounds. You can check the specifications of the chair to know whether it’s a good match for your body weight or not.
Additional Features
The most advanced and pricey lift chairs have some truly useful features. Nowadays, even some mid-budget lift chairs offer some excellent features like cup holders, side pockets, USB charging ports, etc.
Out of all such features, we love the massage and heat function most. This will increase the price of the chair, but this little feature is highly recommended to relieve your stress and improve your overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What diagnosis will cover a lift chair?
Medicare will cover the cost of your lift chair if you have been diagnosed with severe hip or knee arthritis or any other neuromuscular disease. The condition has to be such that you will be confined to a chair or bed without a lift chair.
Your doctor has to fill out the medical necessity certificate for you to get Medicare reimbursed.
2. How much does a lift recliner cost?
The price will vary depending on the recline position and additional features. Usually, the price of a two-position lift chair starts from $600. You need to spend more than $650 to get a three-position lift chair.
As for an infinite position lift chair, the price starts at $1000 or more. If you want more advanced features, you might have to pay anywhere between $1000 to $1500.
3. What is infinite position lift chair?
An infinite position lift chair allows you to recline at various comfortable angles up to 180 degrees. You can position an infinite position lift chair completely flat. This type of chair features dual motors to adjust the back and footrest separately.
4. Can you sleep in a lift chair?
Yes, you can sleep in a lift chair. If you have conditions like GERD, sleep apnea, or back pain, you may have a sound sleep on a lift chair.
However, we don’t recommend sleeping in a lift chair every night. It might cause discomfort and affect your posture.
Final Thoughts
So there you have the best lift chairs covered by Medicare. All our picks are medical-grade and extremely high quality. Check out our buying guide to know how to choose the right lift chair. Now, it’s time to give our final verdict.
With all its excellent features, the Irene House lift chair is our best overall choice. This infinite position chair has a durable construction and it features two efficient motors.
To get some useful features, go for the PUG258Y lift chair. Lastly, Merax offers the best budget-friendly and good-looking chairs.
Writholic, Very passionate Writer, love to travel a lot