Yes, but only partially — Medicare Part B may cover the motorized lift mechanism portion of a lift chair when a physician prescribes it for a qualifying medical condition, but Medicare does not cover the chair itself.

The reimbursement applies specifically to the seat-lift mechanism, classified by Medicare as durable medical equipment (DME). To qualify, a physician must document that the patient has a severe neuromuscular condition or severe arthritis of the hip or knee that impairs standing. The chair must also be purchased through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier — buying a lift chair on Amazon or through a standard furniture retailer does not qualify for any Medicare reimbursement.

  • Medicare Part B covers the lift mechanism only — not the full lift chair cost.
  • Medicare typically reimburses 80% of the approved amount for the mechanism; the patient pays the remaining 20% after the deductible.
  • The prescribing physician must certify the medical necessity in writing before purchase for Medicare to consider the claim.
  • Purchase must go through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier — retail and online purchases are not eligible for reimbursement.
  • Qualifying conditions include severe arthritis of the hip or knee and severe neuromuscular diseases, per Medicare guidelines.

Important Exceptions

  • Medicaid vs. Medicare: Medicaid coverage rules for lift chairs vary by state and may cover more than Medicare Part B — check your state's Medicaid DME benefit separately.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans cover a broader share of lift chair costs than original Medicare Part B; coverage terms differ by plan and must be confirmed directly with the insurer before purchase.
  • Diagnosis doesn't meet the threshold: General mobility difficulty or mild arthritis does not qualify — Medicare requires documentation of severe neuromuscular disease or severe arthritis of the hip or knee specifically.
  • Physician order placed after purchase: If the lift chair is purchased before the physician certifies medical necessity in writing, Medicare will deny the claim regardless of the qualifying diagnosis.
  • Non-enrolled DME supplier: A FUNECORP chair purchased through Amazon or any non-Medicare-enrolled retailer is ineligible for reimbursement even if every other qualifying condition is met.

Step-by-Step

  1. Confirm the qualifying diagnosis: Ask the treating physician whether the patient's documented condition — severe arthritis of the hip or knee, or a severe neuromuscular disease — meets Medicare's written medical necessity criteria.
  2. Get a written prescription before purchase: Have the physician issue a written order certifying medical necessity for the seat-lift mechanism; Medicare will not reimburse a claim submitted without this documentation in place ahead of the purchase.
  3. Locate a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier: Use the Medicare.gov Supplier Directory to find a DME supplier enrolled with Medicare in your area — purchases made through Amazon, standard retailers, or non-enrolled suppliers are ineligible for any reimbursement.
  4. Confirm the supplier accepts Medicare assignment: Ask the supplier explicitly whether they accept Medicare assignment; suppliers who do agree to Medicare's approved amount as full payment, which limits your out-of-pocket exposure to the 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible.
  5. Purchase the lift chair through the enrolled supplier: Complete the transaction through the Medicare-enrolled DME supplier — not independently — so the claim can be submitted using the correct HCPCS billing code for the seat-lift mechanism.
  6. Verify the reimbursement explanation after the claim is processed: Review the Medicare Summary Notice once the claim is processed to confirm the approved amount for the lift mechanism and calculate your remaining 20% coinsurance responsibility.