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Q: |
Will Medicare pay for a lift chair?
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A:
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Only the seat lift mechanism of a Lift Chair could be considered medically necessary if all of the following coverage criteria are met:
- The patient must have severe arthritis of the hip or knee or have a severe neuromuscular disease.
- The seat lift mechanism must be a part of the physician's course of treatment and be prescribed to effect improvement, or arrest or retard deterioration in the patient's condition.
- The patient must be completely incapable of standing up from a regular arm-chair or any chair in their home. (The fact that a patient has difficulty or is even incapable of getting up from a chair, particularly a low chair, is not sufficient justification for a seat lift mechanism.)
- Once standing the patient must have the ability to walk.
Coverage of the seat lift mechanism is limited to those types which can operate smoothly, are controlled by the patient, and affectively assist a patient in standing up and sitting down without other assistance. Coverage is limited to the seat lift mechanism only, even if it is incorporated into a chair.
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Q: |
Does Medicare cover Wheelchair Lifts and Ramps?
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A: |
Medicare does not reimburse nor authorize the purchase of mobility lifts ramps for a wheelchair or scooter at this time. Such items are not considered a medical necessity because they can also be used by persons without a medical condition.
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Q: |
Are Patient lifts covered by Medicare?
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A: |
Patient lifts are reimbursed as a capped rental item. Medicare reimburses 80% of rental for up to 13 months. The capped rental coverage is for a standard hydraulic-manual lift and sling. Power lifts are not covered.
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Q: |
Are power wheelchairs and scooters covered by Medicare?
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A: |
Medicare will help pay for a powered wheelchair or a scooter. Powered wheelchairs and/or scooters are covered if they are medically necessary based on Medicare requirements. In order for Medicare to cover a power wheelchair or scooter, your doctor must state that you need it because of your medical condition. Medicare won't cover a power wheelchair or scooter if you only need it for convenience, or leisure or recreational activities.
In most cases, Medicare will cover a power wheelchair if:
- You can't walk on your own
- You have severe weakness in your upper body caused by a brain, spinal or muscle condition
- Your upper body weakness prevents your from using a manual wheelchair
- You spend most of your time in bed or in a chair when you are not in your wheelchair
- You are able to work the controls of a power wheelchair or scooter
Medicare will cover a scooter if:
- You are unable to to operate a manual wheelchair
- You can safely get in and out of the scooter
You will need a face-to-face examination and a written prescription from your doctor for the wheelchair or scooter to take to your medical supplier. If you qualify for coverage Medicare wil pay 80% of the Medicare allowed amount after you have met your Part B deductible.
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Q: |
Does Medicare cover power wheelchair and scooter accessories?
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A: |
Medicare will cover accessories for your power wheelchair or scooter if the accessories help you function in your home and perform activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Adjustable arm heights, headrest extensions, and leg rests are examples of accessories you may need. Medicare will not cover an accessory if it will be used only to help you with leasure or recreational activities. |
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