Quick Answer
Medicare Part B covers the lifting mechanism of a lift chair when it is medically necessary - but Medicare does not cover the chair itself. Your doctor must prescribe the lift chair and complete Form CMS-849 (Certification of Medical Necessity). Medicare covers 80% of the lifting mechanism, and you pay the remaining 20% plus the cost of the seat portion. You must purchase from a Medicare-approved supplier.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting mechanism | Covered | Covered at 80% under Part B when medically necessary; doctor must prescribe |
| Chair / seat portion | Not Covered | You pay the full cost of the chair itself; only the lift mechanism is covered |
| Reclining features | Not Covered | Reclining and other chair features are not covered by Medicare |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Covered | Must cover same lifting mechanism benefit as Original Medicare |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Partial | Covers the 20% Part B coinsurance for the lifting mechanism |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part B)
Covers 80% of the lifting mechanism; not the chair itselfMedicare Part B covers the seat-lift mechanism of a lift chair when it is deemed medically necessary. To qualify, your doctor must indicate the lift chair for your specific health condition and complete Form CMS-849 (Certification of Medical Necessity for Seat Lift Mechanisms). Once approved, Medicare covers 80% of the lifting mechanism, and you pay the remaining 20% plus the full cost of the seat portion of the chair.
To be considered medically necessary, you must meet specific criteria: you cannot stand on your own from a regular chair, you can operate the lift chair independently, you can walk independently or with a walker, you suffer from severe arthritis or a similar condition, or without the chair you would be confined to a bed. If you can transfer directly from the lift chair to a wheelchair, Medicare may not approve the lifting mechanism.
The lift chair mechanism is not covered if you reside in a skilled nursing facility, hospice, or nursing home. You must purchase the lift chair from a Medicare-approved supplier. If you purchase from a non-approved supplier, Medicare will not cover any portion of the cost.
What It Covers
- Seat-lift mechanism (80% of approved amount)
- Doctor visit for lift chair prescription
What It Doesn't Cover
- The chair / seat portion itself
- Reclining mechanism or other chair features
- Lift chairs purchased from non-Medicare-approved suppliers
- Lift chairs for patients in SNFs, hospice, or nursing homes
Lifting mechanism: you pay 20% coinsurance after $283 Part B deductible (2026). Typical out-of-pocket for the mechanism: ~$350. Chair/seat portion: full cost out of pocket.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covers same lifting mechanism benefit as Original MedicareMedicare Advantage plans must cover all services that Original Medicare covers, including the lifting mechanism of a lift chair when medically necessary. Cost-sharing may vary by plan. You must use an in-network Medicare-approved supplier.
What It Covers
- Seat-lift mechanism (same coverage as Original Medicare)
What It Doesn't Cover
- The chair / seat portion itself
- Out-of-network suppliers
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers the 20% Part B coinsurance for the lifting mechanismMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the 20% Part B coinsurance for the lifting mechanism, potentially leaving you with zero out-of-pocket costs for the mechanism itself. With Medigap Plan G, your only cost for the lifting mechanism is the $283 annual Part B deductible.
Medigap cannot cover the chair/seat portion of the lift chair, as Original Medicare does not cover it. You will still pay the full cost of the chair itself out of pocket.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for the lifting mechanism
What It Doesn't Cover
- The chair / seat portion (not covered by Original Medicare)
- Reclining features
With Medigap Plan G, your cost for the lifting mechanism is the $283 annual Part B deductible only. The chair/seat portion is full cost out of pocket.
Lift Chair Costs under Medicare (2026)
| Component | Medicare Coverage | Your Cost (No Supplement) | Your Cost (With Plan G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting mechanism | 80% after deductible | ~$350 (20% + $283 deductible) | $283 deductible only |
| Chair / seat portion | Not covered | $400–$2,000+ (full cost) | $400–$2,000+ (full cost - not covered) |
| Reclining features | Not covered | Included in chair cost | Included in chair cost |
| Total lift chair (mechanism + chair) | Partial | $750–$2,350+ | $657–$2,257+ |
✦ Types of Lift Chairs and How to Get Approved
Three Types of Lift Chairs
Lift chairs come in three types: (1) Two-position lift chairs recline to a 45-degree angle with legs elevated - the simplest and most affordable option. (2) Three-position lift chairs add a nearly flat reclining position for back pressure relief. (3) Infinite-position lift chairs (zero-gravity chairs) offer the most adjustability with two motors for independent back and leg positioning - the most expensive option. Medicare covers the lifting mechanism regardless of which type you choose.
Medicare covers the lifting mechanism for all three types of lift chairs. You choose and pay for the chair/seat features you prefer.
How to Get Your Lift Chair Approved by Medicare
To get Medicare approval for a lift chair: (1) Your primary care physician must provide a prescription for the lift chair. (2) Your doctor must complete Form CMS-849 (Certification of Medical Necessity for Seat Lift Mechanisms) and submit it to CMS. (3) You must purchase the lift chair from a Medicare-approved supplier. You can find approved suppliers through your healthcare provider, your local Social Security office, or the Medicare.gov supplier directory.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is a licensed Medicare expert and member of the Forbes Finance Council who has been helping beneficiaries navigate their Medicare options.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.