[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
As Mom gets older, and weaker, I know that there will most likely come a time when I may need a patient lift to move her, and in my case it will be sooner rather than later, due to back injury. So I was wondering about assistance from Medicare with the cost, and I have done a little digging…<\/p>\n
Original Medicare Part B will likely cover 80% of a full-body or stand-assist patient lift, if they are prescribed for you by a Medicare-enrolled physician as medically necessary, and bought from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Contents Overview & Quicklinks” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#005bdb” icon_color=”#005bdb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#005bdb” body_ul_font=”||||||||” body_ul_text_color=”#59bdd6″ background_color=”rgba(190,229,247,0.47)” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0b00ea” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n What are patient lifts ?<\/a> What are Medicare’s qualifying guidelines for a patient lift ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n What patient lifts does Medicare cover ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Does Medicare cover Hoyer lifts ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Does Medicare cover electric Hoyer lifts ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Medicare face-to-face encounter for a Hoyer lift<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n Hoyer lift Medicare documentation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Patient lift rentals<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How much does it cost to rent a patient lift ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How much does it cost to buy a patient lift ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Don’t confuse bathroom lifts with patient lifts<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Does Medicare cover lift chairs ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Medicare lift chair suppliers <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Does Medicare cover bathroom equipment ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong>What equipment does Medicare cover ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How do you get coverage from Medicare Part B for DME ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Now you have your signed prescription, what do you do with it ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Locate a Medicare-enrolled DME Supplier near you<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Do Medicare Advantage Plans cover patient lifts ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n List of durable medical equipment typically covered by Medicare <\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Get free assistance with understanding Medicare<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Does Medicaid cover patient lifts ?<\/a> Some programs and waivers which offer greater breadth in their interpretation of DME for care in the home ?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>How to find the HCBS programs, waivers and 1915 waivers in your state ?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n What is the procedure for applying to Medicaid, state waivers and HCBS programs for DME coverage ?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>If your income is a bit too high to qualify for Medicaid<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n State Funding Assistance for the elderly<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftwhat” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Patient lifts are devices which are used to transfer a disabled individual who cannot walk, to a chair, a wheelchair, a bedside commode or another location.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can use a patient to lower a disabled person onto a toilet, or into a bathtub, but they are not to be confused with a bath lift, or a toilet lift,<\/strong> which are separate devices which are attached to the toilet, or placed in the bath, but cannot lift and transport an individual who cannot walk, from one location to another.<\/p>\n Seat lifts<\/strong> are also a different category of lift, and these are for people who are unable to stand up without a lift, but who can walk with, or without, an assistive device.<\/p>\n Patient lifts are either manual or electric.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftqualifying” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You will typically qualify for Original Medicare Part B’s partial coverage of a patient lift<\/strong>\u00a0for use in the home –<\/strong><\/p>\n If you cannot get from your bed to a chair, wheelchair or a commode without the use of a lift, and would otherwise be confined to the bed.<\/p>\n You will typically qualify for Original Medicare Part B coverage for a\u00a0multi-positional patient transfer system in the home –<\/strong><\/p>\n If you meet the criteria above, and also need to be transferred in a supine position, which simply means lying horizontally and face up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftpatientlifts” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you qualify for a patient lift with Original Medicare, it will be for a manual patient lift.<\/strong><\/p>\n Original Medicare Part B does not cover electric patient lifts<\/span> – they are listed as convenience items and won’t be covered.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Hoyer lift is a very popular manual full body patient lift which is covered by Medicare.<\/p>\n The manual patient lifts are hydraulic<\/strong>, and are operated by manually pumping a hydraulic cylinder<\/strong> prior to performing the lift.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medlifthoyer” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Original Medicare Part B typically cover 80% of the cost of a manual full-body, or stand-assist Hoyer lift, if prescribed for you by a Medicare-enrolled physician, and bought from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. <\/strong><\/p>\n Medicare will, as with most large items, usually rent the Hoyer lift, rather than buy it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medlifthoyerelectric” _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Original Medicare Part B does not cover electric patient lifts of any brand, it only covers a manual patient lift<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Medicare lists electric lifts as being convenience items<\/strong> which are to be “denied”.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medlifthoyerface” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” tbl_rhead_text_font_size_phone=”14px” tbl_rhead_text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” tbl_rhead_text_font_size_tablet=”12px” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You are required to have had a “face-to-face encounter” with the prescribing Medicare-enrolled physician, for your Medicare Part B claim for a patient lift, within six months prior to the sending of the written order for the item.<\/p>\n During this face-to-face encounter, the physician has to examine you and to evaluate your health and your medical condition, to be able to determine the “medical necessity” of the patient lift. The encounter must be documented, and must show that you are being treated for a condition which supports the items being ordered.<\/p>\n This is not the case with all Durable Medical Equipment, but it is necessary for patient lifts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The “Policy Article “, on patient lifts, states –<\/p>\n REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC DMEPOS ITEMS PURSUANT TO Final Rule 1713 (84 Fed. Reg Vol 217) <\/em><\/p>\n Final Rule 1713 (84 Fed. Reg Vol 217) requires a face-to-face encounter and a Written Order Prior to Delivery (WOPD) for specified HCPCS codes. <\/p>\n The source for the above text is on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website here, to see the page on Patient Lifts click – here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medlifthoyerdocument” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To see the exact Medicare guidelines by which they will grant coverage for a patient lift, you can go here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftrentals” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Patient lifts are part of Medicare’s\u00a0 “Capped Rental” category.<\/p>\n In this category you can choose to purchase, or to rent your item, from a Medicare-approved supplier.<\/p>\n If you choose to rent –<\/p>\n You will pay your annual deductible (if you haven’t already) at the outset.<\/p>\n Each month, you will pay your 20% co-insurance of the Medicare-approved monthly rental price and maintenance (if you used a Medicare-enrolled equipment supplier who accepts assignment). Medicare Part B will pay the other 80% of the Medicare-approved price.<\/p>\n If your supplier does not accept assignment, you may pay up to 15% more.<\/p>\n After Medicare has made 10 monthly rental payments for your patient lift<\/strong>, you will be asked if you wish to purchase your equipment.<\/p>\n In the 9th month you will be notified of the “purchasing option” you need to reply within 30 days.<\/p>\n When you select to buy the lift<\/strong>, Medicare makes 3 final payments and the lift is yours.<\/p>\n Medicare continues to cover 80% of the maintenance costs for your patient lift, and you have to find a supplier for that.<\/p>\n When you select to continue renting<\/strong>, Medicare continues to pay until it has reached 15 monthly payments, and you can continue to use the lift as long as you wish.<\/p>\n The patient lift will belong to the supplier, and they are also going to be responsible for its maintenance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftrent” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The patient lifts that Medicare covers cost between roughly $900 – $1600.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftbuy” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you buy a patient lift from a Medicare-enrolled Participating supplier (the supplier accepts assignment, meaning they agree to sell the product at the Medicare-approved price only) the cost of a patient lift is between roughly $900 – $1,600.<\/strong><\/p>\n If the Medicare-enrolled supplier from whom you buy your patient lift, is not a Participating supplier (does not accept assignment), the supplier can charge up to 15% more for the patient lift.<\/p>\n How much do you pay –<\/strong><\/p>\n With Medicare Part B coverage, you will have your deductible to pay (unless you have already paid that)\u00a0 and your co-insurance of 20% of the price.<\/p>\n Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved price.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftconfuse” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”696px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don’t confuse bathroom lifts<\/strong>, such as bath lifts<\/strong> and toilet lifts,<\/strong> with patient lifts.<\/strong><\/p>\n Patient lifts are for disabled individuals who cannot even get out of bed on their own<\/strong>, whereas bath lifts and toilet lifts are for those who have issues with mobility<\/strong>, but who can still walk, even if it is with the aid of some kind of device.<\/p>\n Bath lifts and toilet lifts are not covered by Original Medicare<\/strong>\u00a0Part B,<\/strong> as they are considered to be convenience devices and not primarily medical in nature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n You can find the coverage determination for all the devices at CMS.gov – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services – in the National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Durable Medical Equipment Reference List (280.1), <\/strong>which you can read here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftliftchairs” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lift chairs come under the category\u00a0 “seat lifts” for Original Medicare.<\/p>\n Electric “seat lifts” are not covered<\/strong>, but mechanical\/hydraulic seat lifts may be considered<\/strong> if all the criteria are met.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lift chairs are only partially covered by Original Medicare – they will typically give 80% coverage for the mechanical element of a lift chair <\/strong>for “use in the home”, so long as it has been prescribed as “medically necessary” by a Medicare-enrolled physician.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Original Medicare does not cover <\/strong>seat lift mechanisms which have a spring release mechanism<\/strong>, and jolt you up to a standing position, and which do not have a recliner<\/strong> to return you gently to a seated position.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The qualifying guidelines\u00a0for Original Medicare to give coverage for a seat lift mechanism are the following –<\/p>\n “Indications and Limitations of Coverage<\/em><\/p>\n Reimbursement may be made for the rental or purchase of a medically necessary seat lift when prescribed by a physician for a patient with severe arthritis of the hip or knee and patients with muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular diseases when it has been determined the\u00a0patient can benefit therapeutically from use of the device. In establishing medical necessity for the seat lift, the evidence must show that the item is included in the physician’s course of treatment, that it is likely to effect improvement, or arrest or retard deterioration in the patient’s condition, and the severity of the condition is such that the alternative would be bed or chair confinement.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Source: National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Seat Lift (280.4) – <\/strong>which you can find here<\/a>, <\/strong>on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, CMS.gov.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Simply put, the criteria for qualifying for coverage for a Seat Lift are –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once your physician has arrived at a diagnosis for your condition, he or she, will be required to submit\u00a0 what is called a Certificate of Medical Necessity for Seat Lift Mechanisms.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can see the form here on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/cms-forms\/cms-forms\/downloads\/cms849.pdf<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n Your physician will doubtless be able to point you in the right direction for equipment suppliers who are approved by Medicare.<\/p>\n But you can also find out by simply clicking here<\/strong><\/a> to go to the Medicare.gov website to use their Medicare-enrolled supplier locator.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just enter your zip code, and you will get a list of suppliers in your area that you can see on the screenshot of their web page below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Screen-Shot-2020-05-20-at-8.50.52-PM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2020-05-20 at 8.50.52 PM” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftbath” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A lot of safety equipment which is designed to help the elderly maintain independence in their homes,\u00a0 is not going to be covered by Original Medicare Part B.<\/p>\n A lot of bathroom safety equipment, for example, is not “medically necessary” according to Medicare, but rather, is either “primarily not medical in nature” and “for convenience”, or “for comfort”.<\/p>\n As a result, Medicare doesn’t really give coverage to that many items of bathroom safety equipment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The following safety items for the bathroom are not covered by Medicare –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n For those with serious mobility issues, Original Medicare Part B does give coverage to the following assistive equipment, and it can be used in the bathroom to make it a safer place –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The bedside commodes can be used in at least three situations –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n And if the bedside commode is a waterproof model, as a shower chair.<\/strong><\/p>\n Walkers which are waterproof can also be used in the shower as an aid to standing<\/strong>, as well as an aid for getting into a shower which has a step-up, something which my mom does.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Part C,<\/strong> you possibly already have your bathroom safety equipment covered, if you are suffering from a chronic illness.<\/p>\n In 2020 the first Medicare Advantage Plans were rolled out which were allowed to offer new benefits for individuals with chronic illnesses, and bathroom safety equipment was offered as a benefit by some for certain illnesses.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftequipment” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In general, Original Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of\u00a0durable medical equipment, or DME,<\/strong> for use in the home<\/strong>, so long as it is medically necessary, prescribed by a physician who is Medicare-enrolled, and it is bought from a Medicare approved supplier.<\/strong><\/p>\n I have a long list of\u00a0qualifying durable medical equipment covered by Original Medicare Part B <\/strong>which you can jump down to see\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a>.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n For equipment to be considered as Durable Medical Equipment<\/strong> by Medicare, it needs to qualify under the following criteria<\/strong> :-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat are patient lifts ?<\/h2>\n
What are Medicare’s qualifying guidelines for a patient lift ?<\/h2>\n
What patient lifts does Medicare cover ?<\/h2>\n
Does Medicare cover Hoyer lifts ?<\/h2>\n
Does Medicare cover electric Hoyer lifts ?<\/h2>\n
Medicare face-to-face encounter for a Hoyer lift<\/h2>\n
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<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nHoyer Lift Medicare documentation<\/h2>\n
Patient lift rentals<\/h2>\n
How much does it cost to rent a patient lift ?<\/h2>\n
How much does it cost to buy a patient lift ?<\/h2>\n
Don’t confuse bathroom lifts with patient lifts<\/h2>\n
Does Medicare cover lift chairs ?<\/h2>\n
Medicare qualifying diagnosis for a lift chair ?<\/h2>\n
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Medicare Certificate of Medical Necessity for a lift chair ?<\/h2>\n
\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”medliftsupplier” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\nHow to find a lift chair supplier ?<\/h2>\n
Does Medicare cover bathroom equipment\u00a0 ?<\/h2>\n
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What equipment does Medicare cover ?<\/h2>\n
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