By Kate Rousey, Heartland Home Medical & Supply
Most lift chairs are designed to look like a typical recliner, but, unlike purchasing a typical recliner, there are many factors you need to consider.
You can find lift chairs in pharmacies, furniture stores, some grocery stores, online, and at medical equipment stores. The difference between these suppliers is that medical equipment providers are trained to properly fit the individual, evaluate the person’s use of the hand control, instruct on how to safely use the chair, deliver at no charge, help obtain a prescription and bill insurance on the individual’s behalf.
Important Considerations
Comfort is not the only thing to consider when trying out a lift chair. The individual should be able to sit all the way to the back of the chair and still have their feet firmly on the floor. This is to ensure they have stability when reaching a standing position. Other things to take into consideration include:
- Seat size: Consider the individual’s height and weight; very important in choosing the appropriate size.
- Seat width: Lift chairs come in many widths to accommodate the individual’s weight.
- Seat height: Lift chairs come in four heights.
- Hand control: The lift chair is operated by a hand control. The individual using the chair should be able to understand and use the control properly and safely. They should never try to stand when the chair is in the lifting process.
- Recline feature: All lift chairs are the same in that they will lift you to a standing position. They differ in how far back they recline. The three types of recliners are the two-position lift chair, which can recline from upright to about 45°; the three-position lift chair, which reclines from upright to a nearly horizontal position; and the infinite-position lift chair, which can achieve nearly any position, including raising the feet above the heart.
- Upholstery and fabric colors: Lift chairs come in different fabrics to meet every need, and a variety of colors to match anyone’s home décor. However, the fabric you choose may increase the price of the chair if it is not considered the standard upholstery and colors. An explanation of the price of each fabric category should be explained at the time of purchase.
- Styles: Lift chairs come in a variety of back styles. The backs are removable from the chair making it easier for delivery or moving to a different location in the home.
- Reimbursement: Medicare and most insurance companies require a special form to be completed by your physician. If purchasing through a Medicare-approved supplier, a written prescription must be obtained before the lift chair can be delivered. Medicare and insurance only pay for the motorized portion of the lift chair. Copays and deductibles are the responsibility of the individual. If it is determined that the individual does not qualify for reimbursement, they may be asked to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice informing them that due to their diagnosis they will not qualify for reimbursement.
- Qualifications for reimbursement: The seat lift mechanism must be part of your doctor’s treatment plan to help either improve your condition or to slow down or stop the progression of your condition. You must be unable to stand up from a regular armchair or any chair in your home. Once standing, you must be able to walk, even if you use a cane or walker to do so.
Questions to Ask
Some of the questions to ask your supplier are:
- Do you bill my insurance?
- Do you deliver and is there a delivery charge?
- Is there a warranty?
- If there is a problem or a repair is needed, who do I call?
- Do you have a return policy?
- Do you remove or move the chair I am replacing?
Cost
Prices may vary, but can range from $500 to $1500 depending on size, features, style, fabric, and type of business purchased from. In all cases ,you will be asked to pay for the chair prior to delivery. If a provider is billing insurance on your behalf, then you will be refunded the amount that is paid for the lift mechanism. The chair frame is not reimbursable. Most insurance will pay 80 percent of the approved mechanism amount.
One final tip, a seat lift chair is not designed to be soft and comfy. In order for an individual to reap any benefits from the chair it is meant to have a firm seat to assist in ambulation once the chair is in the standing position. There are additional features that may be special ordered, such as heat and massage therapy.
For a demonstration, information, or to purchase a seat lift chair, stop by Heartland Home Medical Supply, Inc. at 716 E. Empire St., Suite 2, Bloomington or call 309-829-8122.