Medicaid Pay for a Lift Chair

By Maurice

Will Medicaid Pay for a Lift Chair

Senior Americans often ask: Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair?

The answer depends mainly on the state you live in since all 50 states manage their own Medicaid programs. Medicaid’s eligibility requirements including age and income must first be met. A doctor’s confirmation of the patient’s medical need for a lift chair due to physical disability or disease is required in all states.

Beyond that, state policies differ widely on whether Medicaid will provide partial or complete coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) like lift chairs. It’s also necessary to ask state Medicaid contacts directly about lift chair coverage for you. These chairs tend to be generally lumped in with other DME rather than specifically mentioned on covered equipment lists.

We’ve provided contact information and as much detail as possible on whether each state’s Medicaid is likely to pay for a lift chair.

List of Medicaid Programs

Alabama Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

If medical necessity is shown, Alabama Medicaid often covers the total price of a lift chair. The chair must be the lowest cost product that still adequately meets your medical needs. Also, if you’re over your maximum benefit limit, Medicaid won’t cover the cost.

In Alabama, DME providers must undergo annual licensing by the Board of Home Medical Equipment (HME). The DME Alabama providers approved by Medicaid are subject to change but include major retailers such as CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Winn Dixie, and many independent pharmacies and local suppliers.

To ask Alabama Medicaid DME questions about coverage for a lift chair in your situation or about applications relating to elderly and disability programs you may qualify for, you can phone your district county Medicaid office to learn more:

Auburn – (866) 371-4072(Chambers, Clay, Coosa, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, Talladega, Tallapoosa)
Birmingham – (866) 371-4073(Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair)
Decatur – (866) 371-4074(Cullman, Morgan)
Dothan – (866) 371-4075(Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Pike)
Florence – (866) 371-4076(Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, Winston)
Gadsden – (866) 371-4077(Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall)
Huntsville – (855) 733-3160(Jackson, Limestone, Madison)
Mobile – (866) 371-4078(Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile, Washington)
Montgomery – (866) 621-6509(Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Chilton, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery)
Selma – (866) 371-4079(Choctaw, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Wilcox)
Tuscaloosa – (866) 371-4080(Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Walker)

Alaska Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Medicaid in Alaska is administered by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) under Home Health Services. You can use your Medicaid benefits for necessary home medical equipment for your residence.

Medicaid expects that you get the least expensive equipment that still meets the needs of your disability. For example, this means Medicaid recipients won’t be reimbursed for a heat and massage lift chair unless a doctor confirms explicitly that those features are needed for the patient’s medical condition.

To learn if Alaska Medicaid will pay fully for your lift chair, you can ask questions as well as request a list of approved DME providers at:

Alaska Medicaid Recipient Helpline(800) 780-9972

Arizona Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) manages the state’s Medicaid program. Depending on your situation, a lift chair may be paid for in whole or part by Arizona Medicaid. You can ask: Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? at:

1-855-432-7587

A possible related source or information resource for a lift chair is Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS). This agency works with home care services and needs that may include Durable Medical Equipment. You can call ALTCS toll-free at:

888-621-6880

The completed ALTCS Application Form can be emailed to:

altcsregistration@azahcccs.gov

ALTCS office locations are:

Casa Grande, Chinle, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Kingman, Phoenix, Prescott, Tucson, and Yuma

Arkansas Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

If the medical need is proven, Arkansas Medicaid or a related agency may pay fully for a lift chair. The Division of Medical Services manages the state’s Medicaid. You can contact them for further information and direction at:

(501) 682-8292

The government Money Follows the Person Program (MFP) might be a source of a free lift chair in Arkansas if you’re a low-income senior 65+ at risk of needing institutional care who instead can live independently with community services. The MFP program encourages home and community living for seniors as it’s less costly for the state than nursing facility care. Phone MFP at:

(501) 682-8292

California Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. Low-income seniors 65+ typically qualify for Medicaid, but the amount of coverage for a lift chair will depend on your situation and if there is a determined medical need for the equipment.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll be automatically eligible for Medi-Cal Medicaid. Lift chairs are Durable Medical Equipment (DME) as part of Assistive Technology (AT). Medi-Cal Medicaid will often pay for the part of the lift chair that Medicare doesn’t cover, as Medicare only pays for 80% of just the lifting mechanism part.

A prescription for the DME is necessary – from a doctor or another type of health care professional approved by Medi-Cal.

You can check for Medicaid program updates by scrolling down at the above link or ask about specific lift chair coverage for your case at:

(800) 541-5555 or (916) 636-1980

Colorado Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Colorado’s Medicaid program is Health First Colorado. A lift chair as DME may be fully or partially covered and must be prescribed by a doctor, doctor’s assistant, or physical therapist. The chair must be medically necessary and can be rented or purchased with certain conditions.

Following are examples of equipment forms to be submitted to Health First when asking Will Medicaid Pay for a Lift Chair in Colorado?

Seat Lift Form
Power Seat Lift Component Only Form

To find out more about what kind of seat lift you can get covered by Medicaid and for access to more forms, contact:

(303) 441-1000 Health First Colorado

Connecticut Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees the state’s Medicaid program. If your doctor confirms that you medically need a lift chair in your home for daily living with your disease or condition, Connecticut Medicaid may cover the total cost of the chair. After their approval, you will need to use a Medicaid network supplier for obtaining your lift chair.

If your doctor doesn’t have a list of suggested suppliers, you can ask for a DME supplier list at:

Community Health Network (CHN) – 1-800-859-9889

Senior citizens who receive Connecticut’s State Supplement Benefits, category three (AABD), or are in the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) are eligible for Medicaid. It’s important to note that, unlike some states, you don’t have automatic eligibility for Medicaid in Connecticut if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Also, if your income is over the limit to qualify for Connecticut Medicaid, but your assets are within the limit, you may be able to work with the DDS to decrease your medical costs through the Spend Down Process. Your medical expenses are deducted from your income to help you qualify for benefits.

To learn more about Medicaid lift chair coverage and seniors, call the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services office closest to you at:

Eastern, Middlesex, ShorelineSenior Resources Agency on Aging(860) 887-3561
North CentralNorth Central Area Agency on Aging(860) 724-6443
South CentralAgency on Aging of South Central CT(203) 785-8533
Southwestern CTSouthwestern CT Agency on Aging(203) 814-3698
Western CTWestern CT Area Agency on Aging(203) 757-5449

Delaware Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

ASSIST is Delaware’s medical program that includes Medicaid. The program is managed by the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medicare Assistance (DMMA).

You can phone the Medicaid Health Delaware Benefit Manager line to ask if the program will cover your lift chair at:

1-800-996-9969

Another good source to find out more about Medicaid coverage and lift chairs might be the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC). They have offices in Georgetown, Milford, New Castle, and Smyrna, and you can reach ADRC at:

1-800-223-9074

Florida Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Agency for Healthcare Administration governs the Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. The SMMC program has three main segments: Long-Term Care (LTC), Dental, and the Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) program. The MMA program manages Medicaid, and the central office may be able to direct you on where to contact regarding lift chair coverage:

Deputy Secretary for Medicaid – (850) 412-4000

In general, all medically necessary Durable Medical Equipment in Florida is either fully or partially covered, depending on each patient’s situation. The equipment can be purchased, rented, rent-to-own, or used and refurbished.

Georgia Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) operates the state’s Medicaid program. In Georgia, will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? Yes, it may cover the total cost of this DME item, or there may be a low copay. Medicaid will have to determine if you have a strong medical need for a lift chair in your home before the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) request can be approved.

The DCH welcomes comments, questions, and concerns on their DCH Contact Form.

A doctor’s prescription for DME is required, and the item must be usable in your home as medical equipment that will last for at least three years. Prior approval to purchase the lift chair from a licensed Medicaid DME supplier is also needed. Medicaid considers both purchases and rentals.

Georgia Medicaid Customer Service/Claims – (404) 657-5468
Request a Medicaid Application – (877) 423-4746

Hawaii Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Hawaiian Medicaid is operated under Med-QUEST and includes two main programs: Quest and FFS. Quest is for adults under 65, and the Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) program is the one for which most seniors 65+ qualify. Both programs cover Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and may pay for it entirely. In the FFS Medicaid version, DME providers are paid directly by Medicaid.

Your attending physician must confirm that your medical condition warrants a lift chair in your home to assist you in everyday living. The physician must order the DME, and it must be the least expensive model that will adequately meet your needs.

Med-QUEST holds the final authority on approving or denying all Medicaid requests for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices, and Medical Supplies (DMEPOS). The DME can be new or used, purchased, or rented and must not have features the patient doesn’t require – for instance, a heat and massage lift chair when your doctor didn’t specify you needed that.

For questions on lift chair coverage, phone:

Med-QUEST – 1-877-628-5076

Idaho Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare administers the state’s Medicaid program. Wheelchairs and other mobility seating may be completely covered under Medicaid, although a case-by-case basis will determine whether DME is approved or denied.

A doctor, doctor’s assistant, or physical or occupational therapist must confirm that the DME is medically needed and for what diagnosis. Any DME, including a lift chair, won’t be approved unless the user can use the power controls safely and adequately.

For questions on Medicaid lift care coverage in Idaho, contact:

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – (877) 456-1233
Or Email – MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov

Illinois Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Medicaid in Illinois is operated by the Department of Health and Family Services (HFS). There are services focused on seniors 65+ and those 60+ with disabilities. The Aging Community Care Program (CCP) promotes in-home, safe care for seniors as it’s also less costly for the state than nursing facilities.

Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair in Illinois? If you medically need a lift chair in your home for daily living, it might be paid for by Medicaid and seniors’ programs in Illinois.

You can ask for direction on getting a DME lift chair at:

The Medicaid Agency for Home and Community – (217) 557-1868
The Department of Aging (DOA) Senior Help Line – 1-800-252-8966

Another possibility for getting a lift chair paid for in Illinois is through the Department of Human Services AABD Cash Program if you’re age 65 or older and either receive the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or don’t qualify for SSI because of your income level. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) is cash help for needed items.

You’ll have to show proof of income, your birth certificate, and other items requested by a DHS caseworker. To find out if you’re eligible for a cash amount that will be enough at least to pay for a gently used or rental lift chair, call:

AABD Cash Program – 1-800-843-6154

Indiana Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Indiana Medicaid for Seniors involves the managed care program Hoosier Care Connect. You may need to take an asset test to qualify, and if you pass that, the DME you need, which might include a lift chair if it’s considered necessary for your medical health, could be fully covered. You must first have a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) form filled out by a doctor or other approved health care professional.

To find out more about Indiana Medicaid coverage for a lift chair, contact:

(800) 457-8283

Iowa Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Iowa Medicaid is managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Medicaid may pay for equipment such as a lift chair in full or with a small copay if the patient’s health provider confirms the medical need for the item.

If you’re applying for Iowa Medicaid as a senior, you must be 65 or older, meet the low-income requirements, and take an asset test. To contact the DHS office closest to you, you can click on your region of Iowa on this DHS Offices Map for contact information. Or phone:

1-800-972-2017 or 1-855-889-7985

Kansas Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Kancare is the Medicaid program for Kansas. The program is administered mainly by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) for senior Medicaid members.

Approval for coverage of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is on a case-by-case basis, but there are several numbers you can call to find out more information. To see if you can get coverage for a lift chair, phone:

Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (800) 432-3535
Kancare Eligibility Elderly & Persons with Disabilities (800) 792-4884

Kentucky Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Cabinet regulates Kentucky Medicaid for Health and Family Services, and it does cover Durable Medical Equipment (DME) if the patient has a Certificate of Medical Necessity from an accepted health care professional.

This official paperwork must also include the diagnosis for which the medical device is prescribed and be signed by the attending physician. In the case of the medical need for a lift chair, the diagnosis may be severe arthritis of the knee or hip or another condition or disease that affects movement and mobility. Getting up from a regular chair must be impossible for the patient.. An onsite home evaluation might be done before you are approved for a lift chair.

The Home and Community Based Waiver (HCB) programs overseen by The Cabinet can help the elderly stay in their homes. Since a medically prescribed lift chair can assist in independent daily living, Kentucky Medicaid may cover the cost entirely. To find out if that may be a possibility in your case, contact HCB at:

(502) 564-5560

Louisiana Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the state’s Medicaid program. Some Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is covered if prescribed by a physician, deemed medically necessary, and the lowest cost alternative is chosen.

But will Medicaid pay for a lift chair in Louisiana? Not all DME is covered and reimbursed by Louisiana Medicaid, and seat lifts and recliner chairs are not usually covered. (See Section 18.1, Page 12 of 125/Page 4 of 8, item 23 – seat lifts and recliner lifts)

Electric lifts of all kinds aren’t typically covered either, along with van lifts, scooters, and home modifications. Since lift chairs are considered “Non-Covered DME Items” by Louisiana Medicaid, you may want to use Medicare which covers 80% of the seat mechanism part of the chair only.

Or another option may be to search for gently used, donated lift chairs in your part of the state. These chairs may be available free or at a meager cost to purchase or rent through charity groups such as medical equipment loan closets often run by church or community groups.

Seniors’ independent living centers and groups that help the elderly may be a source or at least offer direction on where to locate a low-cost lift chair. You can double-check on any updates in DME Medicaid lift chair coverage or maybe learn of other sources for these chairs through:

Louisiana Aging and Adult Services
Medicaid Customer Service toll-free – 1-888-342-6207

Maine Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

MaineCare, operated by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is the state’s Medicaid program. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) must be supplied at the lowest possible price that treats a specific injury or impairment. DME, including a lift chair, must be ordered by a physician after a face-to-face appointment with the patient. If all conditions are met, DME such as a lift chair may be covered entirely by MaineCare.

Prior approval by the Department of Health is always required, and it’s up to their discretion to approve any DME, including lift chairs. Only standard and not deluxe models of medical equipment are covered by MaineCare.

In the case of lift chairs, it must also be proven that a patient can’t get up from a regular chair. Also, the positioning and reclining aspects of lift chairs are essential in determining Medicaid coverage here as all features must be specified as medically necessary for the patient’s diagnosis.

In Maine, if your income is over the limit for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for reduced medical costs for DME through coverME Affordable Health Coverage. For more information, you can contact:

1-866-636-0355

Maryland Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Department of Health operates the Maryland Medicaid Administration. Medicaid Long Term Service Support (LTSS) is for those 65+ and DME prescribed for medical need for use in the patient’s home may be covered fully. Unfortunately, some DME, such as a lift chair, may be fee-based and not fully covered. Approval and coverage amount is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Lift chairs can be classified in Maryland as “complex equipment” that is still Durable Medical Equipment. It must be recommended for a specific injury or illness by a qualified doctor, physician’s assistant, or physical or occupational therapist.

A related Medicaid source, Maryland Money Follows the Person, could pay for a lift chair if Medicaid doesn’t fully cover it and if eligibility to live independently at home in the community is met. This program aims to help senior citizens avoid living in a facility as it costs the state more than providing home and community services.

Another source that may help pay for a lift chair in Maryland is the DME Re-Use program, where used medical equipment is refurbished and provided at no charge to people who need it. The equipment often includes wheelchairs and walkers, but you can ask about lift chairs at:

Maryland Office of DME Re-Use – (240) 230-8000

Massachusetts Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Senior Care Options (SCO) in Massachusetts, operated through MassHealth, is for those 65+, and Medicaid and Medicare benefits are combined. This partnership between the two health programs offers no copays plus support services. Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? As part of the program combined with Medicare in Massachusetts, SCO likely could cover the lift chair in total if you medically require it. For questions, call:

SCO Boston Medical Center – 1-855-833-8124

According to MassHealth DME guidelines for coverage for assistive technology such as lift chairs, the first step is to get a prescription for the item from your doctor. They must note that you can’t use a regular chair due to a specific diagnosis such as severe arthritis in the knees or hip or neuromuscular disease. You must then source an approved supplier, fill out the required paperwork, and wait for approval or denial of your DME request. For questions:

MassHealth questions – (800) 841-2900

Michigan Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Department of Health and Human Services manages Michigan’s Medicaid program, and DME is covered for those 65+ with a confirmed medical diagnosis suitable to the equipment.

The DME group covered by Michigan Medicaid is referred to as Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). The least costly option that still meets the patient’s medical needs is expected for all DMEPOS. In the case of lift chair coverage, that would mean the most basic model with only the features that your doctor specifies helps your condition.

Medicaid will likely pay if your medical need for a lift chair meets the requirements. Your doctor will need to specify that you’re unable to use a regular chair at home, whether due to severe arthritis or another musculoskeletal condition. Once standing from the lift chair, you also must be able to walk (either with or without a walker or other assistive advice) when exiting the chair.

For questions on Michigan Medicaid and DME phone:

1-844-239-7387

Minnesota Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Minnesota Medicaid is called Medical Assistance (MA). MA members don’t have to pay a monthly premium, and they must have a low income.

For Durable Medical Equipment (DME), MA covers the seat lift mechanism only and not the rest of the lift chair. To receive that coverage, you’ll need a medical diagnosis of arthritis or another condition or injury that doesn’t allow you to use a regular chair due to muscle strength or mobility problems. You must also use a Medicaid-approved supplier. For more details call:

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) – (651) 431-2670

Mississippi Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as lift chairs on a case-by-case basis. A Certificate of Medical Need (CMN) is required from a doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or other acceptable health care professional.

To ask questions about how much Medicaid coverage you could get for a lift chair, phone toll-free:

Mississippi Division of Medicaid – (800) 421-2408

Alternatively, you can fill out the Medicaid General Inquiry Form and send it to:

Email: RFI@Medicaid.ms.gov
Phone: (601) 359-4185

Missouri Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Operated by the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet is Missouri Medicaid for Seniors. Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? If HealthNet rules for obtaining DME are followed, a lift chair might be fully covered.

A face-to-face appointment with your doctor is needed, and their signature confirms that you require a lift chair and for what diagnosis. The most common Medicaid accepted diagnoses are arthritis and neuromuscular conditions. You must be unable to use a regular chair in your home.

MO HealthNet manages reimbursement to DME providers, so you must use a provider approved by them.

Each DME coverage case is assessed separately. To find out more about Missouri Medicaid lift chair coverage for you, contact:

MO HealthNet Service Center – (855) 373-4636

Montana Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) oversees the Montana Medicaid program. If a lift chair is considered medically necessary for you by a Montana Medicaid enrolled provider and supplier, you may receive it fully covered.

To qualify for Montana Medicaid, you must be a state resident, age 65 or older, and meet low-income requirements. Montana residents who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid. In addition to ongoing health care, Montana focuses on older adults being able to keep their independence in daily living. (P. 12 of 61)

For more information on Medicaid and your lift chair coverage, phone:

Montana Medicaid Helpline – 1-800-362-8312

Nebraska Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Nebraska Medicaid program is operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. If Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is medically necessary and prescribed by a physician, it is often fully covered.

Medicaid will likely pay for a lift chair in Nebraska if the treating physician specifies it provides a medically needed, therapeutic benefit for a diagnosed disease or condition, and it’s not to be in the home for comfort or convenience. The disease or condition for which a lift chair is prescribed must be severe enough that the patient can’t get up from a regular chair, meaning that they would otherwise be confined to a bed or wheelchair for a lot of the time.

The prescribing physician’s order for the lift chair or other DME must include Certification of Medical Necessity (CMN), and the equipment order must be hand-signed by them – not stamped. The physician’s full name, address, and telephone number must also be present on the DME order.

For more information on Nebraska Medicaid eligibility for seniors, visit:

Nebraska Medicaid 65+ or call:

Nebraska Medicaid Eligibility – (855) 632-7633

Nevada Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Nevada Medicaid may pay for a medically required lift chair if you are 65 or older and meet low-income requirements. Covered Durable Medical Equipment (DME) must hold up to repeated use in the home and be used for medical reasons only. Lift chairs need to be prescribed for a specific diagnosis – usually severe arthritis in the knee or hip or neuromuscular disease.

The least costly DME option that still treats the patient’s condition effectively is what Medicaid in Nevada will cover, so lift chair models with unnecessary features such as heat and massage won’t get coverage unless specified by a doctor as required additions.

To find out more about lift chair coverage for you, contact:

Nevada Medicaid Program – (877) 638-3472
Nevada Medicaid Elder Care Help Line – 1-800-307-4444

New Hampshire Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The New Hampshire Medicaid program for seniors supports independent living at home. Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair in New Hampshire? If you meet Medicaid eligibility requirements and your doctor confirms you medically require a lift chair, yes, the cost may be entirely covered.

Approval for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as lift chairs is done case-by-case. Generally, though, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services do completely cover all medically required DME.

For more information specific to your situation, contact:

New Hampshire Medicaid – toll-free: (800) 852-3345, Ext. 9700

Or phone the closest DHHS office to you with lift chair coverage questions:

Berlin – (603) 752-7800 or (800) 972-6111
Claremont – (603) 542-9544 or (800) 982-1001
Concord – (603) 271-6200 or (800) 322-9191
Conway – (603) 447-3841 or (800) 552-4628
Keene – (603) 357-3510 or (800) 624-9700
Laconia – (603) 524-4485 or (800) 322-2121
Littleton – (603) 444-6786 or (800) 552-8959
Manchester – (603) 668-2330 or (800) 852-7493
Rochester – (603) 332-9120 or (800) 862-5300
Seacoast – (603) 433-8300 or (800) 821-0326
Southern NH – (603) 883-7726 or (800) 852-0632

New Jersey Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

New Jersey Medicaid for seniors over 65 focuses on health care services and usually offers minimal Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage. Full or partial lift care Medicaid coverage may still be possible if the equipment is medically necessary and can’t be provided under any other program.

New Jersey Medicaid may authorize renting a lift chair instead of purchasing the DME if it’s cost-effective and holds up to daily use. A lift chair might be entirely covered if you qualify for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) programs and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To learn more, call:

Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services -1-800-356-1561

New Mexico Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Seniors 65 and older with low incomes are eligible for New Mexico Medicaid. The state’s Human Services Department directs Medicaid. and the Department’s mission is to reduce the effects of poverty for low-income and disabled New Mexicans. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is entirely covered in many cases if medically required.

The New Mexico Medical Assistance (MAD) division of the Human Services Department will give authorization if your lift chair request is considered medically necessary by your doctor and all other requirements are met. Both purchased and rented DME are acceptable if the equipment meets safety standards.

For more information about lift chair coverage in New Mexico, contact:

New Mexico Aging and Disability Resource Center – 1-800-432-2080

New York Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

New York Medicaid is available to eligible seniors. Only the seat lifting mechanism in a lift chair is covered by New York Medicaid, not the rest of the chair. To get the mechanical lift part of the chair covered, the treating or consulting physician must confirm that the patient can’t stand up from a regular chair and explain why other therapies haven’t worked.

The physician must explain that the seat lift mechanism is prescribed to either improve or slow the deterioration of a specific disease or condition. Confirmation that the patient can operate the lift chair’s remote control alone without assistance is also required.

For more details, contact:

New York Medicaid Helpline – 1-800-541-2831 or 1-888-692-6116

North Carolina Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

North Carolina Division of Health Benefits governs the state’s Medicaid for seniors. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that includes lift chairs, is covered under Medicaid Managed Care Programs.

The lift chair must be prescribed and ordered by a physician for a specific condition or disease that warrants the home use of the equipment. Typically, the diagnoses for a lift chair prescription are arthritis in the knee or hip and neuromuscular disorders.

Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? North Carolina Managed Care Medicaid may pay entirely for the chair or only partially, depending on your plan and situation.

To find out more about your specific case, contact:

NC Medicaid Information – 888-245-0179

North Dakota Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Physicians in North Dakota are contracted with the state’s Medicaid and long-term care programs to provide medical services. Durable Medical Equipment (DME), including lift chairs, can be fully covered when the medically needed item is prescribed to treat an injury, illness, or disease.

Both rented and purchased DME are accepted by North Dakota Medicaid. The rental costs can’t exceed the purchase price unless special authorization is given. Some of the codes Medicaid uses with physicians and suppliers are:

NR – New when rented
NU – New DME
RR – Rented DME

To find out more about your lift chair coverage, call:

North Dakota Medicaid Office – (800) 472-2622 or (701) 328-2310

Ohio Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Ohio Department of Medicaid does pay for a lift chair and other Durable Medical Equipment (DME) if authorized and prescribed by a physician. DME has zero copay if the equipment is medically necessary and prescribed for a specific condition or disease.

To get a lift chair paid for by Medicaid, a diagnosis of severe arthritis in the knee or hip or a neuromuscular condition is needed. Your physician-approved paperwork must be processed and approved before obtaining your lift chair.

For questions, you can find Ohio Medicaid contact information at this link or phone:

Ohio Department of Medicaid – 1-800-324-8680

Oklahoma Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Oklahoma’s Medicaid is called SoonerCare. SoonerCare is regulated by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. If the required steps are followed, it’s possible that Oklahoma Medicaid will completely cover a lift chair.

A face-to-face doctor’s examination is necessary to start the process of getting Durable Medical Equipment (DME), such as a lift chair paid for by SoonerCare. A letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) provided by the doctor that indicates the patient’s diagnosis and why the specific medical equipment is necessary is also required.

Medicaid won’t pay for features not mentioned as being needed. In the case of a lift chair, a model featuring heat and massage won’t be paid for unless the doctor notes why those features will improve or slow down deterioration from the patient’s disease. The least costly option that still meets the patient’s needs is always expected.

Although Medicaid in most other states expects DME to last a minimum of three years, this expectancy is five years in Oklahoma.

For more information on getting a lift chair paid for by Oklahoma Medicaid, phone:

Oklahoma Health Care Authority – 1-405-522-7300

Oregon Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is the state’s Medicaid program. Directed by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Medicaid fully covers some Durable Medical Equipment.

Unfortunately, Oregon Medicaid does not provide coverage for lift chair recliners (P.10 of 16). If you have Medicare and proper confirmation of medical need from your doctor, you can likely get 80% of just the lifting mechanism covered through Medicare.

OHP Medicaid covers other types of sit-to-stand lifts, so it might be a good idea to contact your doctor and the OHA to see if you have any fully covered seat-lifting options to assist you.

OHA Medicaid questions – (971) 673-1222

Pennsylvania Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

For Pennsylvanians 65 and older, Medical Assistance (MA) is the state’s Medicaid program that supports senior health care. Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair in Pennsylvania? Although the answer will depend on each case, MA will likely completely cover the lift chair if the proper steps are followed.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will pay for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that is medically required, serves a medical purpose, and supports daily living at home for those with mobility impairment. Patients must be able to operate a mechanical lift chair safely on their own and exit the chair independently.

For more information on MA and lift chair coverage, contact:

Pennsylvania Health Care Coverage – (866) 550-4355

Rhode Island Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services offers Rhode Island Medicaid for state residents 65 and older. Durable Medical Equipment (DME), including lift chairs, is usually entirely covered.

Rhode Island Medicaid coverage guidelines specifically mention seat lift chairs with motorized mechanisms. The mechanism must operate smoothly, and the patient must be able to use the remote control and chair safely without assistance. A diagnosis of severe arthritis or neuromuscular disease that prohibits the patient from being able to use a regular chair is required for Medicaid to pay for a lift chair.

For more details, phone:

Health Source Rhode Island – 1-855-840-4774

South Carolina Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Healthy Connections is the name of South Carolina’s Medicaid program. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Healthy Connections includes health support for state residents 65 and older who meet eligibility requirements.

South Carolina Medicaid may cover a lift chair if you get a Medical Justification letter from your treating physician or therapist explaining why you need the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) item. A DME supplier partnered with Healthy Connections Medicaid will send the agency your lift chair request.

There may be a lengthy wait for South Carolina Medicaid to approve or deny your DME request. For more information about your specific situation, contact:

SC DHHS Healthy Connections Medicaid – (888) 549-0820

South Dakota Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

South Dakota Medicaid is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and helps low-income South Dakotans 65 and over. The health care includes coverage of long-term needs either in a facility or at home.

Medicaid in South Dakota covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that is reusable and prescribed by a doctor. The prescription must include a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) and explain why the equipment is required for the specific diagnosis.

To ask whether a lift chair could be entirely paid for you, contact:

South Dakota Medicaid – 1-800-597-1603

Tennessee Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program. State residents 65 and over with low income who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are one of the main groups covered by TennCare.

Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair in Tennessee? Medical equipment is covered on a case-by-case basis and may be paid for partially or entirely by Tennessee Medicaid. Assistive equipment necessary for a specific diagnosis confirmed by a doctor will typically be covered. This full-coverage may apply to a lift chair if a TennCare-approved supplier obtains it.

To find out more about lift chair coverage for you, phone:

TennCare Main Line – 1-800-342-3145

Texas Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Texas Medicaid is administered by Health and Human Services (HHS). Seniors over 65 on Medicare may still be eligible for Medicaid. If a physician confirms medical necessity, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as a lift chair can be covered entirely as Texas Medicaid includes at-home nursing care needs.

The attending doctor, doctor’s assistant, or practitioner must prescribe the equipment medically necessary for the patient’s specific condition. The prescription must be dated and signed by the health care professional and explain how the prescribed DME will help the patient’s diagnosis. For lift chairs, the diagnosis is typically severe arthritis of the knee or hip or neuromuscular disease.

If Texas HHS approves the prescribed lift chair, a rental or purchased item is usually permitted. If the DME is rented, it can’t exceed the capped rental cost limit.

For more information on lift chairs and Medicaid coverage, contact:

Texas HSS Medicaid Hotline – (800) 252-8263

Utah Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Utah Department of Health Medicaid program provides medical support, including long-term care, for low-income seniors aged 65 and older. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) approval for items such as a lift chair is done case-by-case and may be fully covered.

The DME must serve a reusable medical purpose that can be used in a home setting. A physician must prescribe the DME and describe why the item is necessary for the patient’s diagnosis after a face-to-face examination. The date and doctor’s signature must be on the prescription.

For Utah Medicaid, the DME usually must be purchased new and not be a rental, used, or refurbished, although these conditions may change. These restrictions also may or may not apply to a lift chair, so it’s best to learn more about current lift chair coverage by contacting:

UT Medicaid Information – 1-801-538-6155

Vermont Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Under MABD – Medicaid for the Aged, Blind or Disabled, seniors 65 and older who meet low-income requirements may receive Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as a lift chair wholly covered.

There are specific steps for getting DME on Vermont Medicaid:

A doctor or physical therapist will examine the patient and prescribe the DME
A Medicaid vendor/supplier will seek Prior Authorization (PA) from MABD for the patient’s DME
A Medicaid critical reviewer will determine the medical necessity of the DME
The patient will receive a Notice of Decision
If the DME is approved, the vendor/supplier will order and give the item to the patient
If the DME is denied, the patient may appeal the decision by calling:
Vermont Medicaid – 1-800-250-8427

You can also phone the same number for more information on possible lift chair coverage.

Virginia Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) manages Virginia Medicaid. Eligibility for Medicaid, including for those 65 and older, is determined by local Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) offices.

Will Medicaid pay for a lift chair in Virginia? It’s not likely that Virginia Medicaid will pay for a lift chair since these chairs are currently not covered by Virginia Medicaid. You may want to contact your local DSS office to see if this has changed or if a prescription for a chair from your treating physician will make a difference.

You can find the contact information for your nearest DSS office here.

If you have Medicare, you may be able to get 80% of the lifting mechanism part of a lift chair covered through that program. A medical equipment loan closet or seniors center help group in your area may be a source to help you locate a gently used lift chair.

Washington Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Apple Health is Washington state’s Medicaid program. Residents 65 and older eligible for Medicare are usually suitable for Apple Health coverage.

Medicare will typically cover 80% of the cost of the lifting mechanism part of a lift chair. Apple Health Medicaid does not pay for the mechanism or lift chair (Page 46 of 127, Item E0627). For more information, contact:

Apple Health Medicaid – 1-855-923-4633

West Virginia Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Medicaid for Long Term Care is included for low-income seniors 65 or older who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicare is also combined with these programs.

As mentioned here, lift chairs are types of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid. West Virginia Medicaid assesses DME requests case-by-case, and it may cover a physician-prescribed lift chair partially for the portion Medicare doesn’t cover. Medicare usually pays 80% of the lift mechanism part only.

To find out more about the lift chair coverage possible for you, contact:

WV Medicaid Customer Service Center – 1-877-716-1212

Wisconsin Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) includes Medicaid for the Blind, Elderly or Disabled and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid.

Each case of requested Durable Medical Equipment (DME), such as a lift chair, is assessed by DHS separately for approval or denial. Only the lifting mechanism might be approved for Medicare’s coverage of 80%, with Medicaid paying for the rest of the chair or a portion of it.

If a lift chair is approved for any coverage amount, the prescribing physician will have to first provide reasons why this item is needed for the patient’s diagnosis. Lift chairs or other DME with features not specified by the physician won’t be covered.

For questions on lift chair coverage for you, call:

Wisconsin Medical Assistance Office – (800) 362-3002

Wyoming Medicaid Lift Chair Coverage

Wyoming Medicaid is operated by the Department of Health and it covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) used at home. The equipment must be physician-ordered and prescribed after a face-to-face medical exam.

Many DME items requested may only need a verbal confirmation from the treating physician and supplier. In the case of seat lift mechanisms and lift chairs though, any coverage from Wyoming Medicaid requires a written order from a doctor. DME also must be standard, not deluxe, models that meet patients’ medical needs.

To learn whether Medicaid will pay fully for a lift chair in your case, contact:

Wyoming Medicaid – (307) 777-7531

Other Ways to Get a Free Lift Chair

Medicare

medicare logo

When asking, will Medicaid pay for a lift chair? it’s also common to wonder if Medicare will pay for one. As we’ve seen in this article, Medicaid coverage for lift chairs differs widely by state. Yet, Medicare is a federal program, so its coverage is quite consistent for all U.S. states. Medicare generally pays for about 80% of the lifting mechanism of the lift chair only. Both the prescribing doctor and equipment supplier must be Medicare-enrolled.

Veterans Administration

For Americans who served in the United States military, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may be a good source to get a free lift chair as they often cover Durable Medical Equipment (DME) completely. Keep in mind though that recliner type lift chairs are not usually covered, and the focus will be on a standard model, not deluxe.

Charities

It’s often worth doing a Google search for charities and community help groups in your state and region that accept donations of medical equipment to give away or rent affordably.

Even if they don’t have a donated, gently used lift chair when you contact them, they may know of another charity group near you that may be able to help you out with a free or low-cost lift chair.

Here are some medical loan closet charities to do a Google search for in your area:

ALS Foundation
Goodwill and Easterseals programs
Knights of Columbus
Lions Clubs International
Muscular Dystrophy Association
United Cerebral Palsy
Assistive technology medical equipment programs – often at university medical schools or research facilities
Church and community medical loan closets
Independent living organizations
Reuse/Recycle medical equipment programs – your local government
Seniors’ groups

Private Insurance

There is no legal requirement for private health insurance plans to cover Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Many of them do offer coverage for DME lift chairs though, but it may just be for the lift mechanism only, so it’s important to compare insurance plans.

Another thing to watch for when choosing private health insurance to get a lift chair paid for is that some plans allow DME rentals while others don’t. Of course, just as with Medicaid and Medicare, you’ll need to have confirmation from a health professional that the lift chair is medically necessary for you.

Government Disability Programs

America’s two main disability programs for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) are Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These federal government programs may pay for a lift chair in part or in full if the item is confirmed as being medically necessary.

Social Security and SSI assess each lift chair request case-by-case and refer to this equipment as elevating seat chairs or seat lift recliners.

Wrapping Up

Well, that wraps up a lot of the ins and outs of what coverage Medicaid offers for lift chairs in every state, plus some additional sources of free or low-cost lifting recliners. The main thing to remember is that no matter the source, medical need and cost-effectiveness are important to keep in mind when seeking funding for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as lift chairs.