Medicare Part B covers only the lift mechanism of a power lift chair — not the chair itself. If your doctor certifies that a lift chair is medically necessary, Medicare may reimburse approximately $100–$200 toward the motorized lifting mechanism only. You are responsible for the cost of the chair, which typically ranges from $600 to $1,800 depending on the model.
What Exactly Does Medicare Cover?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at our La Palma showroom — and unfortunately, the answer surprises most people. Medicare does not cover the full cost of a lift chair. It covers only the seat lift mechanism — the motor that helps push you from a seated to a standing position.
Under Medicare Part B, a lift chair may qualify as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) — but only the lift mechanism portion. The chair itself, the fabric, the reclining features, and any other comfort functions are considered personal comfort items and are not covered.
Important: Medicare Supplier Requirements
To receive Medicare reimbursement, you must purchase from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Wellness Medical Equipment and Supplies is not currently a Medicare-accredited supplier. We sell lift chairs at competitive out-of-pocket prices and provide detailed itemized receipts to support any personal reimbursement requests you may submit.
Medicare Lift Chair Coverage — What's Covered and What's Not
| Item | Medicare Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lift mechanism (motor) | Partial — approx. $100–$200 | Included in chair price |
| Chair frame and body | Not covered | $600–$1,800+ |
| Fabric and upholstery | Not covered | Included in chair price |
| Reclining features | Not covered | Included in chair price |
| Delivery and setup | Not covered | Included at Wellness Medical |
| Repair and service | Not covered | Available at Wellness Medical |
What Are the Requirements to Get Medicare Coverage?
Even getting the partial reimbursement for the lift mechanism requires meeting several conditions:
- A doctor's prescription — Your physician must write a letter of medical necessity stating that a lift chair is required due to a severe arthritic, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal condition.
- The condition must affect your ability to stand — Medicare requires documentation that you cannot stand from a regular chair without assistance.
- Purchase from an enrolled Medicare supplier — The supplier must be Medicare-enrolled and bill Medicare directly on your behalf.
- The chair must be for home use — Medicare only covers DME for use in the home, not in a nursing facility or hospital.
Tip: Get Your Doctor Involved Early
If you plan to pursue Medicare reimbursement, ask your doctor to document your mobility limitations at your next visit. A strong letter of medical necessity makes a significant difference in whether your claim is approved.
How Much Will I Actually Pay Out of Pocket?
Even if Medicare approves the lift mechanism reimbursement, most people pay the majority of the cost themselves:
- A quality Golden Technologies lift chair at our La Palma showroom ranges from $800 to $1,800 depending on the model and fabric
- Medicare may reimburse approximately $100 to $200 after your Part B deductible is met
- Your out-of-pocket cost will likely be $600 to $1,600+ depending on the chair you choose
For many Orange County families, the most practical approach is to purchase the chair directly and submit the itemized receipt to Medicare for the mechanism portion, or apply the cost toward a supplemental insurance claim.
Does Medi-Cal Cover Lift Chairs in California?
Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) coverage for lift chairs is limited and generally follows similar guidelines to Medicare. Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether a lift chair is deemed medically necessary. We recommend contacting your Medi-Cal plan directly to confirm your benefits before purchasing.
What About Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies and some plans provide broader DME coverage than Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans in California may cover a larger portion of the cost. Check with your plan directly — coverage varies significantly by carrier and plan type.
Should I Rent or Buy a Lift Chair?
If you're recovering from surgery and only need a lift chair temporarily, renting is often the smarter financial decision. At Wellness Medical, we offer short-term and long-term lift chair rentals delivered and set up in your home. If you later decide to buy, we can credit your rental payments toward a purchase.
If you need a lift chair permanently due to a chronic condition, buying makes more sense. Golden Technologies lift chairs are built to last 10+ years with proper care.
Try Before You Buy at Our La Palma Showroom
We keep 10+ Golden Technologies lift chairs on the showroom floor at all times. Come in and sit in multiple models before you decide. Petite, standard, tall, and bariatric sizes available. No pressure, ever. View our lift chair lineup
Which Lift Chair Is Right for Me?
Golden Technologies makes 9 different lift chair models. Here are the most popular options at our La Palma store:
Golden Technologies PR510 — Cloud MaxiComfort
Our most popular model. Infinite positioning with zero gravity recline. Available in petite and standard sizes. 400 lb weight capacity. Ideal for people who spend several hours a day in their chair.
Golden Technologies PR535 — MaxiComforter (4 Sizes)
Available in Small, Medium, Large, and Tall — the best choice for people who need a precise fit. Pocketed coil seat for exceptional support. 400 lb weight capacity.
Golden Technologies PR510-MXW — Bariatric Wide
29-inch wide seat with 600 lb weight capacity. Designed for larger users who need extra room and strength. Comes with built-in cup holder, USB port, and LED light.
All models are available in standard fabric or premium Brisa fabric — 100% waterproof and wipeable with a lifetime warranty. Ideal for easy cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a lift chair through Medicare after knee or hip surgery?
Post-surgical recovery is one of the most common reasons people seek lift chairs. However, Medicare requires a documented permanent or long-term condition — not just recovery from elective surgery. Your doctor can advise whether your situation qualifies.
Does Medicare cover lift chair repairs?
Medicare does not typically cover lift chair repairs. At Wellness Medical, we offer repair service for lift chairs we sold as well as chairs purchased elsewhere. Call us at (714) 868-8544 for repair pricing.
What is the Medicare HCPCS code for a lift chair?
The HCPCS code for the seat lift mechanism is E0627. This is the code a Medicare-enrolled supplier would use to bill for the lift mechanism portion of the chair.
Does Medicare cover power wheelchairs?
Medicare Part B may cover power wheelchairs when medically necessary. We carry Nova manual and transport wheelchairs — view our wheelchair selection here.
Can a doctor write a prescription for a lift chair?
Yes — a doctor can write a prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity for a lift chair. While you do not need a prescription to purchase a lift chair from our La Palma showroom, you will need written documentation from your doctor if you plan to seek Medicare reimbursement for the lift mechanism. Ask your primary care physician, orthopedist, cardiologist, or neurologist to write the prescription based on your qualifying medical condition. The letter should describe your diagnosis and explain why a power lift chair is medically necessary for you to rise from a seated position.
How do you qualify for a lift chair through Medicare?
To qualify for Medicare coverage of the lift mechanism you must meet all of these requirements: you have Medicare Part B coverage; your doctor certifies in writing that you have a medical condition making it necessary — not just helpful — to use a powered lift to rise from a seated position; the chair will be used in your primary residence; and you purchase from a Medicare-accredited DME supplier. Qualifying conditions include severe arthritis of the hip or knee, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, severe cardiac or pulmonary conditions, and similar mobility-limiting diagnoses. Note: Wellness Medical in La Palma is not currently Medicare-accredited — we can provide documentation for self-submission but cannot bill Medicare directly.
How much does Medicare pay for a lift chair in 2026?
Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the approved amount for the lift mechanism only — after your annual Part B deductible is met. The Medicare-approved amount for a lift mechanism is generally in the range of $300–$400, meaning Medicare may pay approximately $240–$320. You are responsible for the remaining 20% of the mechanism plus the full cost of the chair itself. Most patients still pay $800–$1,800 out of pocket even with Medicare assistance, which is why many families choose to purchase directly and skip the Medicare paperwork entirely.
What is the cost of a lift chair with Medicare coverage?
Even with Medicare covering the lift mechanism, the total out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,800 or more depending on the model. Medicare only covers the motorized lift component — not the chair frame, cushioning, fabric, delivery, or setup. Golden Technologies lift chairs at our La Palma showroom range from approximately $1,200 to $2,800. Call us at (714) 868-8544 for current pricing on specific models.
Does Medicare cover power lift recliners?
Medicare uses the term "power lift chair" but the coverage applies equally to power lift recliners — they are the same product. The coverage rules are the same: Medicare Part B may cover the lift mechanism only, not the reclining chair itself. A Golden Technologies MaxiComfort power lift recliner is eligible for the same limited Medicare coverage as any standard lift chair, provided you meet the qualifying requirements.
Are La-Z-Boy lift chairs covered by Medicare?
La-Z-Boy lift chairs are subject to the same Medicare rules as any other brand — Medicare may cover the lift mechanism only if you meet qualifying requirements and purchase from a Medicare-accredited supplier. However La-Z-Boy is primarily a furniture company and most of their lift chairs are not classified as medical DME. Golden Technologies lift chairs are specifically designed as medical equipment and are more commonly used in Medicare reimbursement claims. We carry the full Golden Technologies lineup at our La Palma showroom — call (714) 868-8544 to learn more.
Where to Buy a Lift Chair in Orange County
If you're in La Palma, Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, Cerritos, Fullerton, or anywhere in Orange County, Wellness Medical Equipment and Supplies has been helping families find the right lift chair since 2011.
We are an authorized Golden Technologies dealer. Every chair comes with local delivery, in-home setup, and a full demonstration so you're comfortable using it from day one.
7961 Valley View St, La Palma, CA 90623
(714) 868-8544
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Sat 10am–1pm