If you have trouble standing from a seated position, your doctor may have recommended a lift chair. A lift chair can be a lifesaver for those of us with limited mobility, but they can be expensive.
Will your lift chair be covered by Medicare?
The short answer, from the Medicare website: while Medicare won’t typically pay the entire costs of a lift chair, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) or Medicare Part C (Medical Advantage) might cover the seat lift mechanism as DME, or durable medical equipment. Your doctor will need to determine that the seat lift is medically necessary and will help with your condition.
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 won’t pay for recline functions or seat lifts that use a spring-release mechanism.
If you’re 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 915-599-1129 to find out more.
