{"id":204,"date":"2021-07-20T15:46:59","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T15:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisonmedicalrental.com\/blog\/?p=204"},"modified":"2021-07-20T15:47:00","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T15:47:00","slug":"will-medicare-cover-the-cost-of-a-lift-chair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/madisonmedicalrental.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/20\/will-medicare-cover-the-cost-of-a-lift-chair\/","title":{"rendered":"WILL MEDICARE COVER THE COST OF A LIFT CHAIR?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Having a lift chair<\/a> is highly important for people that require support and assistance to get into their chair on a daily basis as a result of life changes like aging, surgery linked to mobility, and arthritis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly,\nlift chairs don\u2019t come that cheap. They cost so much (between hundreds and\nthousands of dollars). As a result of this high cost, a lot of Medicare\nbeneficiaries are left to wonder if their health insurance plan can cover all\nor part of the total cost of their chair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntruth is that it varies. Typically, it is unusual for Medicare to pay for a\nlift chair in full but the seat-lift mechanism may be covered by Medicare Part\nB (Medical Insurance) or Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) if the doctor\nadjudge that it is if medical importance to you or help improve your condition.\nUnder such circumstances, it is usually covered as durable medical equipment\n(DME). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is a lift chair?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start with, it is important to establish the difference between a lift chair and a stair lift which is a type of chair for moving people across the staircase. A lift chair is also very much different from a patient lift<\/a> which is a device that provides assistance for lifting sick people from one place to another (like from a bed to wheelchair<\/a>) by their caregivers. A lift chair is comparable to a large comfortable leather or fabric recliner that could be positioned in the living room. The major dichotomy between a lift chair and regular chair is the fact that it features a seat-lift mechanism that alters the back and base of the chair forward so that you can alternate between a standing position or seating position without a need for extra support or assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the cost of a wheelchair?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically,\nMedicare insurance usually caters for the cost of the seat-lifting mechanism if\nit is proven that you qualify for a lift chair. Medicare will likely not cover\nfor the entire cost of the chair. Usually, the reimbursement amount varies\nacross states but it is usually around the $300 mark and you\u2019d have to complete\nthe payment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just\nlike other Part B items covered by Medicare, you\u2019d have to make payment for\ntwenty percent of the total cost of the lift chair as approved by Medicare if\npurchase is made from a supplier that accepts assignment (after paying for the\nannual deductions). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I purchase a lift chair?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\nis important to check the Medicare website, Medicare.gov before selecting a\nsupplier. This will help you identify a supplier that accepts assignment, or\nthe amount approved by Medicare as complete payment for the services offered.\nThe website is easy to navigate and identifying a supplier is not difficult.\nYou only have to enter your zip code, choose a category for the seat lift, and\nusing an M symbol, search through the supplier\u2019s directory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If\nyou have an existing Medicare coverage through the Medicare Advantage Plan,\nadhere to the instructions and guidelines for your plan for approval and\npurchase. Your plan\u2019s customer service representative will also be on standby\nto answer any questions or clear any doubts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I qualify for a lift chair?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 A lift chair\u2019s seat-lift mechanism will only\nbe paid for by Medicare if the following conditions are met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicare\nCoverage: To be eligible, you must possess Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)\nor a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Your private insurance provider should\nbe able to guide you and run you through coverage rules, costs, and suppliers\nto make use of when getting a lift chair (if you are under the Medicare\nAdvantage Plan). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certificate of medical necessity: A prescription for the lift chair from your physician is needed and it is a requirement. This prescription proves that the lift chair is medically necessary and it helps you complete the Medicare form CMS-849 which is also called the \u201cCertificate of Medical Necessity for Seat Lift Mechanism<\/a> form.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical\nnecessity is determined by a host of factors such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n