How to Get a Recliner Chair Through Medicare
Medicare may cover a lift recliner if it's medically necessary for mobility issues. Learn the exact steps to get approved, what features qualify, and what to do if you're denied coverage.
Medicare Recliner Chair: Does It Cover Adjustable Chairs for Medical Needs?
When you need help sitting or standing due to back pain, arthritis, or breathing issues, a Medicare recliner chair, a type of motorized adjustable chair designed to support medical conditions like COPD, edema, or sleep apnea. Also known as electric recliner lift chair, it’s not just a luxury item—it’s a mobility aid that can make daily life safer and less painful. Many people assume Medicare won’t touch something that looks like furniture, but if it’s prescribed as durable medical equipment (DME), part of the cost may be covered.
Medicare doesn’t cover recliners just because you want to relax. It covers them when they meet specific medical criteria. For example, if your doctor says you can’t get up from a regular chair without help, or if lying flat makes your breathing worse, an adjustable recliner with lift and tilt features might qualify. The key is documentation: a face-to-face exam, a written order from your doctor, and proof that the chair is medically necessary. Medicare typically covers the lift mechanism and motor—parts that directly help you stand or recline—not the fabric, style, or extra features like heat or massage. You’ll still pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible, and you must buy from a supplier that accepts Medicare assignment.
Related items like adjustable beds, lift cushions, and hospital beds also fall under the same rules. If your condition requires elevation to reduce swelling or improve circulation, Medicare might cover a similar device. But a recliner that’s just soft and comfy? Not covered. What makes a difference is function, not comfort. You’ll find real stories and step-by-step guides below on how others got approved, what paperwork they needed, and which brands actually work with Medicare suppliers in India. You’ll also see how to avoid scams that sell "Medicare-approved" chairs at inflated prices. This isn’t about buying fancy furniture—it’s about getting the right support so you can move without pain, safely and affordably.