Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage and Funding by Pride Mobility

Benefits and Features of Lift Chairs

  • Lift chairs can provide a number of different benefits for those who suffer from mobility challenges.
  • A lift can make rising out of the chair from a sitting position much easier.
  • A lift chair can also help provide seniors with mobility issues more independence, allowing them to remain in their homes, as opposed to having to stay at a nursing home or assisted living facility.
  • Lift chairs are also beneficial to nurses, caregivers, and family members who could injure themselves while helping their charge get up from the sitting position.
  • Lift chairs are constructed similarly to traditional recliners, with the added feature of an electric motor located in the base.
  • Many lift chairs can also achieve the same positions that the best recliners do and more.

With so many benefits of a lift chair, you may be wondering: will Medicaid pay for a lift chair?

Will Medicaid Pay for a Lift Chair?

Coverage and State Variations

  • Medicaid may cover a lift chair if you meet specific requirements.
  • Policies for Medicaid lift chair coverage vary by state.
  • Some state programs may fully fund the cost, while others may offer partial payment.
  • Eligibility varies from one state to the next and criteria.
  • Please speak to your local office to learn about eligibility.

How to Determine Eligibility and Apply

  1. To determine if you are eligible, call your local office to schedule an appointment and mention that you want to apply for a lift chair.
  2. You will need to bring along proof of income, current benefits status, copies of insurance policies, and photo ID.
  3. Having a letter from the doctor stating that a lift chair will benefit your current medical condition is important as well.
  4. When you call to schedule the appointment, ask if you will need to bring anything else since procedures can vary by state.
  5. You will have to fill out paperwork and then you will be notified if your request for a lift chair covered by the program is approved or denied.

Medical Necessity and Typical Criteria

  • To help ensure you get coverage, there needs to be a documented need from your physician for a lift chair.
  • The physician needs to be an attending physician or a consulting physician for the condition or disease that results in the need for a lift chair.
  • Usually, the patient would need to be completely incapable of standing up from any regular chair in the home.
  • However, once standing, they need to be able to walk, even if using a walker or a cane.
  • This item is usually not covered if the patient has a wheelchair, power wheelchair, or scooter as well.

Community Transition and Authorized Dealers

  • Many states offer programs to help people transfer into a community rather than remain in a nursing home, hospital, or other institution, and having a lift chair is an important part of making that transition easier.
  • You need to follow the requirements to get reimbursed.
  • You must also purchase your covered lift chair from an authorized Medicaid dealer.

Does Medicaid Cover Lift Chair Repairs?

  • Since a covered lift chair is considered durable medical equipment (DME), repairs are covered under certain circumstances.
  • If the program has already paid for your lift chair, it may also cover the repairs, but you could still have to pay for a portion of the cost.
  • It's important to use a supplier that accepts Medicaid when it comes to requesting repairs.

Other Benefits of Lift Chairs Covered by Medicaid

  • Many lift chairs covered by Medicaid offer a variety of features and benefits to appeal to consumers.
  • Whether your state plan approves or denies your request for a lift chair, it's important to consider the long-term benefits one gains from owning a lift chair.
  • VivaLift!® Power Recliners, for example, offer the convenient stand assist that many people need.
    • The convenient remote with a USB charger lets you power your cell phone or tablet while you relax.
    • Choose from gorgeous fabrics and colors that are luxurious and match your style and decor.
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