Can't Stand Up from the Sofa? Medicare Pays for 'Lift Chairs' (But Only the Motor). Here Is the Exact Code You Need

🛋️ The "Free Chair" Myth

You’ve likely seen TV commercials promising a "Medicare-covered Lift Chair" for seniors with arthritis. It looks like a luxury recliner. You order one, expecting Medicare to foot the entire $1,600 bill.

The Shock: Medicare sends you a reimbursement check for only roughly $315 (2026 est.). You are stuck paying the remaining ~$1,285 out of pocket. Why?

Because Medicare Part B classifies the Chair itself as "Furniture" (Not Covered), while only the Motor/Lift Mechanism is considered "Durable Medical Equipment" (Covered).

Can't Stand Up from the Sofa?

Don't get scammed by aggressive marketing. To get Medicare to pay for the Seat Lift Mechanism (Patient Lift), you must navigate a strict "Certificate of Medical Necessity" process.

E0627

When your doctor writes the prescription, simply scribbling "Lift Chair" is insufficient. It will be rejected. The prescription must explicitly align with the following criteria:

📝 The Prescription Checklist:

• HCPCS Code E0627: Seat lift mechanism, electric, any type.
• Diagnosis: Severe Arthritis of the hip or knee, or a severe neuromuscular disease.
• The "Stand Up" Test: The doctor must certify that you are completely unable to stand up from a regular chair independently, but you can walk once you are standing.

Who Pays What? (The Cost Breakdown)

Let's break down the math for 2026 so you are not blindsided by the bill.

Item Component	Coverage Status	Who Pays?
The Fabric, Cushion, Frame	Not Covered (Comfort Item)	You pay 100% (Out of pocket).
The Electric Motor & Mechanism	Covered (DME)	Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount (after you meet your annual Part B deductible).

Reality Check: Medicare's approved amount for the motor (Code E0627) hovers around $380 - $420 in most states (2026 est). Medicare pays 80% of that ($300+). Since a quality lift chair costs over $1,000, you will inevitably bear the majority of the cost.

Chief Editor’s Verdict

This is where most claims fail. If you buy the chair from a standard furniture store (like La-Z-Boy or a local showroom), Medicare will typically pay $0 because these stores are rarely Medicare-enrolled suppliers.

You MUST purchase from a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Supplier that explicitly "Accepts Assignment." This ensures they are legally capped at charging you the Medicare-approved amount for the motor component.

[Legal Disclaimer]
The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and applies to US Federal Medicare Part B guidelines as of January 2026. Coverage amounts, deductibles, and Competitive Bidding Area (CBA) rules may vary by state and specific location (ZIP code). This article does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always verify a supplier's Medicare enrollment status at Medicare.gov before purchase. Rejection of claims due to lack of "Certificate of Medical Necessity" is common; ensure your physician documents the "face-to-face" exam requirement strictly.