Patient lifts
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare may cover patient lifts as durable medical equipment (DME) when they are deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. Coverage typically requires a doctor's prescription and must meet specific medical need criteria.
- Patient lifts are considered durable medical equipment (DME)
- Requires a doctor's prescription documenting medical necessity
- Covered under Medicare Part B
- Must be used in the patient's home
- Requires documentation of medical need for mobility assistance
- Medicare Part B beneficiaries
- Patients with documented mobility limitations
- Must have a qualifying medical condition requiring assistance with transfers
- Beneficiary typically pays 20% of Medicare-approved amount after meeting Part B deductible
- Medicare covers 80% of the approved cost for qualifying patient lifts
- May require rental or purchase depending on medical necessity
- Must be prescribed as medically necessary by a healthcare provider
- Limited to specific types of patient lifts that meet Medicare guidelines
- Requires documentation of medical need
- Not covered if primarily for convenience or comfort
- Consult with your doctor about medical necessity
- Get a detailed prescription documenting medical need
- Contact Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan for specific coverage details
- Verify coverage with a Medicare-approved medical equipment supplier
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicare patient liftsdurable medical equipmentmobility assistanceMedicare DME coveragehome medical equipment
Related Coverage Topics
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