Medicare Covered Chair Lifts

Does medicare cover the cost of stair lifts.

Medicare covered chair lifts. Medicare s part b includes coverage for durable medical equipment dme such as wheelchairs and walkers but stair lifts are usually not included in these benefits. It is logical to begin here as it is a common question relevant to most american seniors. These standards should be included in any medicare advantage plan too. The short uncomplicated answer is for all practical purposes original medicare does not pay for stair lifts.

However medicare does not cover the entire cost for the chair. Medicare part b medical insurance covers patient lifts as durable medical equipment dme that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Depending on the state you live in the reimbursement amount may be around 300 and you would have to pay the rest. Medicare coverage for lift chairs part b will cover the actual seat lift mechanism only.

In order to qualify for medicare coverage your doctor must submit a certificate of medical necessity for lift chairs. You must have a face to face examination and a written prescription from a doctor or other treating provider before medicare helps pay for a power wheelchair. But medicare advantage plans may cover the cost. Yes lift chairs are covered by part b of your medicare coverage.

Medicare does provide some coverage for lift chairs provided a doctor prescribes it for a medical reason. Once the lift chair gets approval medicare covers 80 of the lifting mechanism. Medicare pays for different kinds of dme in different ways. In some cases individuals eligible for medicaid may get assistance paying for a stair lift through home and community based services.

To be considered medically necessary equipment a doctor must indicate the chair for the patient s specific health condition. They are considered durable medical equipment dme used to treat certain conditions like arthritis or other balance or mobility issues. Medicare part b medical insurance covers power operated vehicles scooters and manual wheelchairs as durable medical equipment dme that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.