Lift Chair Lab

Looking for a budget-conscious Lift Chair that safely allows you or your loved one to independently sit, stand, and relax

LIFT CHAIR LAB

Best all around Power Recliner with Simple Controls

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Power Lift Recliner

This Ashley Furniture Ernestine Power Lift Recliner is a top choice for lift chairs.  It is an all around comfortable chair that maybe a good lift chair for Medicare reimbursement. It comes in a good size that fits a large number of users and reclines nearly flat, allowing for multiple uses. The dual motors allow high position customization and are easy to use for those who may be tired mentally and/or have signs of dementia.  Massage, heat, and zero-gravity positioning are lacking, but this chair comes with many features at an economical price.   The process of qualifying and obtaining lift chair for medicare reimbursement is easy.

Sizing and Appearance: 

This power recliner has a seat height of 20.75 inches, a width of 22.75 inches, and a weight limit of 300 pounds. These dimensions make this chair ideal for most users between 5’4” and 6’2” tall. It is neutral in color so that it can fit in with any room style and comes available in soft, slate gray polyester fabric.

Reclining Positions: 

This Ashley Furniture lift chair is a three position model, allowing it to recline to a nearly flat position. The functionality makes this ideal for users that spend a large amount of time in their chair, as it can adjust to seated, relaxing, and napping positions. The dual motors control the footrest and backrest independently.  So you your position is  customized for optimal comfort. This chair does not recline to flat or into the zero-gravity position, making it less ideal for users with heart conditions.

Ease of Use: 

This chair includes a simple remote that utilizes only four buttons. Two buttons control the backrest.  While the other two control the footrest. Each of these sets includes an up and down button. This simple design makes this chair ideal for users with dementia or any mental challenges.

Comfort: 

These lift recliners  are covered in polyester fabric for a soft feel for the users. The chair utilizes a single chaise design.  This eliminates gaps in the fabric and padding that can cause discomfort. It is also very comfortable with high-quality foam padding.   This chair lacks heat and massage capabilities, which makes this stand up chair less than desirable for those with diabetes, edema, or with poor circulation.

Setup and Cleaning: 

The backrest cover of this chair is easy to remove.  Cleaning is easy.   This chair also only weighs 150 pounds and can fit through a 30-inch doorway for easy setup. Only 16 inches of space is needed between the chair and the wall, making it one of the more space-efficient models available. It comes with a one-year warranty and the option for either a three- or five-year accident protection plan.

If your doctor has suggested that you get a lift chair to assist you than you will need to ask your doctor for a prescription to begin the process for medicare reimbursement.


Here is some additional information about selecting a chair for elderly.

How to get a lift chair with Medicare

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Lift Chair Lab, safe and comfortable lift chairThe Simple Process to get Lift Chair Medicare Reimbursement

  • You receive the chair with receipt
  • Your doctor has given you a prescription because the chair is a medical necessity
  • You filled out form CMS -849
  • Send Prescription, receipt and form 849 into Medicare office for reimbursement

 Steps for Medicare Payment

Our aim is to make this a simple process.   The bottom line is you will qualify for Medicare reimbursement if you meet the following:

Step 1 – Your doctor has given you a prescription because the chair is a medical necessity. Your doctor should be part of the Provider Enrollment Chain and Ownership System.  You can just ask your doctor, or you can go to the National Provider Identifier website to find out.    (most health providers are part of the program)

If you are really interested in getting some more information on the process that your health care provider had undertaken there is some information at the PECOS website.

Step 2-You filled out form 849, which is the form for medical necessity, your health care provider can help you with any details.    Down load your copy of the certificate of Medical necessity Click here for form.  Fill out this form, (once again) if you need any help answering any of the parts please discuss with your healthcare provider.  They should be able to help you.

If you are interested in further information, it can be found at Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Who Qualifies

If you fit these conditions you will qualify for rebate from the government through Medicare.

  • Severe Arthritis in your hip or knee, or a severe neuromuscular disease. (your doctor determines this when they give you a prescription)
  • The seat lift mechanism is part of the treatment plan from your doctor, in other words it will help the condition by stopping or slowing down the condition.
  • Your condition prevents you from standing up and you would be confined to a chair or bed without the lift chair equipment
  • The device operates smoothly, you can control the device and you can sit and stand without additional help.
  • You must be able to walk once you get into a standing position. You can walk with a cane, or walker.  (your doctor will determine because it is possible to still qualify if your condition has improved and you are not able to walk with a walker or cane.)

 Who doesn’t qualify

  1. Those who do not have Medicare part B
  2. If you are in a skilled nursing facility
  3. You are in the hospital
  4. Medicare paid for a manual or powered wheelchair
  5. Medicare paid for a scooter
  6. The lift chair is a spring- release mechanism (does not operate smoothly)

How much does Medicare pay

The motorized portion of the lift recliner is the part covered by Medicare.  If you qualify for the government program, Medicare, may cover up to 80% of the amount for the motor.    So, Medicare will reimburse you for up to 80% of the “seat lift mechanism”.  The seat lift mechanism is the mechanical part of the chair.   This does not include the upholstery, armrest and cushions.

To find out what portion of the lift chair you selected is considered motorized send an email question to the chair provider.

 Here is sample text  

(feel free to cut and paste this portion into your email message, PLEASE change the XXXX to actual amounts based on the stand-up chair you are interested in purchasing)
 Email Message to Lift Stand Up Chair Provider

To Name of company,

I am considering purchasing your Model XXXX lift recliner chair.  This chair sales price is $XXXXX I am qualified for Medicare reimbursement and I need to know what portion of your chair is considered “seat lift mechanism”.

Please provide this amount in dollars.  (as opposed to percentage) And within 48 hours so that I may start my purchase process.

Thank you,

XXJohn SampleXXX  

 The maximum allowable payment for Durable Medical Equipment is determined by the state.   Below is a chart which tells you the maximum for the state at the time of publishing this article.   No States below are part of the competitive bidding program for lift chairs.

Please check with the Medicare office to ensure that there are no changes.

State Abbreviations Maximum Amount Reimbursed
AK$318.59
AL, CO, CT, FL, MT, NC, ND, NH, GA, ID, IL, KY, MA, ME, MN, MO, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WY,$321.75
AZ, CA, DC, DE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, MD, MI, MS, OK, PA, TX, WA, WI, WV$315.44
AR, NE, IA, LA$314.98
NY, VI$313.82
HI$340.66
IN$303.72
KS$317.54
PR$378.51

How much time

When you have submitted your claim and it has been filed, you can expect a response within 60 days.   They will do one of three things; 1.) send you a check or 2.) ask for missing information or 3.) tell you why it was denied.  If you follow the instructions included in this article you should be well prepared to insure you receive payment.

 So, that is it, if you have any questions please drop us a note we will be looking out to see how we can help get you an answer.   Are there any other steps that we missed?   Let me know.  

If you are looking for a stand up lift recliner consider our article on selecting the perfect chair.

Here is a chair that has a motorized lift seat and is easy on the wallet.