A lift chair can greatly improve the quality of life of people with mobility problems by offering qualitatively different sitting and standing options. They are most suitable for the elderly people, as well as anyone who has a severe mobility impairing condition. Nevertheless, the cost of purchasing a lift chair might be an issue a a challenge for most individuals. Fortunately, there is something known as Medicare and it does pay for something in consideration with the medical condition of the person in question. If you are here thinking of how to get a stair lift chair through Medicare, then, this article will offer all that you need to know details about this process, needs as well as tips.
Lift Chairs And Medicare
Medicare does not pay for lift chairs in full but does seem to supplement the motorized version as part of the motorized Durable Medical Equipment under Part B Medicare. Sometimes Medicare may cover the lift mechanism but the remaining cost of the chair maybe born by the patient depending on the special characteristics of the chair. It is then important to know the finer print as far as Medicare is concerned so that you can have an understanding of what you stand to gaining when it comes to the financial aspect of acquiring a lift chair.
Step 1: Is Your Income or Resource Limited?
Before applying for Medicare coverage for a lift chair, ensure that you meet the basic requirements:
- Medicare Part B Enrollment: For example, you must be a Medicare Part B beneficiary, which means that lifts and other types of reclining assisting chairs constitute a DMER (Durable Medical Equipment benefit).
-Medical Necessity: You have to have a medical condition that renders one unable to sit or stand on one’s own.capable of helping one sit or stand beside him/her. Imminent conditions generally consist of major arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases or related surgery rehabilitation.
-Physician’s Prescription: The medical need for a lift chair has to be substantiated for treatment by the doctor for the movements and overall improvement of the patient’s lifestyle. Ensure that your doctor accepts Medicare and has a certification because only Medicare certified doctors are able to give a valid prescription for any amount of reimbursement through Medicare.
Step 2: Complete a Doctor’s Prescription
When you are sure that you are eligible to use Medicare, the next step is to get prescription from a physician who is duly certified by Medicare. The prescription must indicate that a lift chair is needed for daily use especially when a user develops challenges when standing up from a sitting position. The longer and more elaborate the doctor’s note, the better are the chances that Medicare will provide coverage for payment.
Step 3: Do a search for a supplier who is approved by Medicare.
The second step comes after securing a prescription to look for an accredited Medicare supplier for the lift chair. Medicare has a list of qualified suppliers that provides durable medical equipment. Some of these suppliers will deal with the billing to Medicare themselves and that will be convenient for you. To get a list of Medicare recognised suppliers you can go to the Medicare website or call Medicare helpline. Additional, almost every medical supply store accepts Medicare, so it important to ask around for the store in your area.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
In this case, once you encrypt with a particular supplier, they advance the claim themselves through Medicare for the lift mechanism. Remember, however, that Medicare will consider reimbursement only for a lift mechanism, not the entire chair. Sometimes you will have to cough up the balance and this may go up depending on the cost of the chair and your insurance. For instance, if Medicare reimburses $320 towards the lift mechanism, you probably have to pay $80 out of pocket.
More Recommendations Of How To Procure Lift Chair Through Medicare
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: This part of Medicare usually picks up to 80% of the cost of the lift mechanism leaving you to pay the balance 20%. If you have a second medical insurance or have Medicare Advantage, this may result in lessening of your co-pay costs. Please refer to your insurance company for further Information.
- Consider Rental Options: If the lift chair is required only for a short period Medicare can cover the rental of the DME depending on the state and other circumstances. Consult with your supplier about the possibility of renting a lift chair as this may well cost less than buying right off the bat.
- Explore Other Assistance Programs: If you find that Medicare does not cover your lift chair expenses entirely, turn to local nongovernmental organizations or shelters for senior citizens and disabled people. Sometimes senior centers or medical aid programs give certain percentages of discount or grant on medical equipment.
Conclusion
A lift chair may be a real life-saver for those who have some problems with movement. Unlike the arm of the chair, Medicare may not fully cater for the chair but can contribute to the lift if some requirements will be met. By following the steps indicated above on how to get a prescription to how to look for Medicare-approved supplier, any user of Medicare can get the best bang of the buck without having to spend too much money on the lift chairs. Do not wait to speak to your doctor about any mobility issues and start now to enhance your home comfort and freedom.
