Can Lift Recliners Be Subsidised and What Are the Alternatives?

When it comes to a recliner lift chair, many older Aussies ask if they can receive any government assistance to help with costs such as through Medicare Australia. The short answer: it’s generally no, medicare australia doesn’t provide funding for recliner lift chairs, but there are some programs and alternative funding avenues that could potentially result in some financial help. In this article you will learn what you need to know about government subsidies on recliner lift chair for elderly and what are some of the alternative funding options. 

What Medicare Australia Covers — and What It Does not?

Medicare in Australia mainly covers the cost of medical services, visits to doctors, and treatments. Although it caters for many health-related needs, the scheme generally does not include any item which is ‘furniture’ or ‘comfort’ rather than a specific medical implement. “For example, a recent source says: “In Australia, lift chairs are not covered by Medicare.

Somewhere among medical and tax lists, a “recliner chair” is recognised as an item under certain categories when used by people with a disability. For example, the tax rules include “electrically operated therapeutic lounge / recliner chairs specifically for the use of persons with disabilities”. But tax law recognition do not imply private health insurance provider will cover the purchase automatically.

Hence you may find references in the way of assistance through Medicare Australia for recliner lift chairs for senior citizens but the chair has to meet stringent eligibility requirements (like being considered as medically necessary) and be part of a care plan under other programs—not simply a direct Medicare subsidy. 

Where Subsidies Are Available

azmed.org products includes raised/recliner chair, elderly recliner chair, recliner chair for elderly with Medicare reimbursements rather than Wonder: you get through Medicare or Medcare Australia, not Medcare 29 Living Rehabilitation Subsidies for Recliner Lift Chairs for Elderly People Subsidies for recliner lift chairs for elderly people are available through State-based Assistive Technology and/or Aged Care Equipment programs, not through Medicare Australia directly. A powered lift recliner chair in Victoria may be eligible for a subsidy of up to AU$1,000 under the (VAEP) Victorian Aids & Equipment Program.

Concurrently, in NSW, under EnableNSW, power lift chairs for positioning may be eligible, if they meet some assessment criteria (such as risk of pressure injury or leg elevation for oedema).

So, although your recliner lift chairs for elderly purchase may not be covered by Medicare Australia, you may still be able to receive a substantial subsidy from one of these state programs – as long as you qualify and the chair is deemed medically necessary. 

Alternatives to Direct Medicare Subsidy

Since direct funding from Medicare Australia is limited, here are alternative funding routes:

1. Home Care Packages (HCPs): Older adults receiving a Home Care Package may use funds from their care plan to purchase equipment such as a recliner lift chairs covered medicare Australiafor elderly, if it’s justified in the care plan as meeting assessed needs.
   
2. State assistive-technology programs: As noted, many states provide subsidies through programs (such as SWEP, EnableNSW) for suitable chairs and seating equipment when prescribed.
   
3. Private health insurance: Some private health insurers may cover part of the cost under ancillary benefits—especially if you have a premium plan and the chair is recommended by an allied health professional.
   
4. Veterans Affairs or other disability programs: If you are a veteran or person with disability, there may be specific programs supporting seating equipment and recliner lift chairs for elderly needs.
   
5. Personal purchase or second-hand / reconditioned equipment: If no subsidy applies, purchasing a chair out-of-pocket or considering a refurbished unit remains an option—though you will still want to ensure safety, functionality and suitability.
   

What You Should Do Before You Buy

Before acquiring a recliner lift chairs for elderly user, consider the following steps:

• Get a report from an occupational therapist (OT) or other allied health professional that the chair fulfils a medical or functional requirement and they are able to be involved in a subsidy program.
• Look into your state’s system for assistive technology (SWEP, EnableNSW etc.).
• If you have one, add the purchase to your Home Care Package care plan.
• Know the requirements- some programs don’t cover items that are primarily for comfort and convenience rather than medical single-use necessity. For instance many lounge-chairs & foot-stools are expressly excluded from the EnableNSW guidelines.
• Find out what features you need (lift/tilt, power recline, leg elevation etc.) and whether the grant will cover them.
• Keep your budget in mind—there may be some costs you have to pay yourself. 

Final Thoughts

Although elderly recliner lift chairs are not generally and automatically subsidised by Medicare Australia, that doesn’t mean there is never any assistance. Many state programs provide financial assistance when the chair is medically required and complies with the guidelines of the program. Other options include Home Care Packages, private insurance and veteran support to obtain these chairs. With good assessment, planning and an understanding of what makes you eligible for support, the right chair can be a realistic and worthwhile purchase to help support comfort, independence and well-being.

Looking for more Article? Check out my website for the latest content.