Medicare Coverage for Furniture: What’s Actually Covered and What’s Not

When people think of Medicare coverage for furniture, government health program benefits that may include certain home equipment for medical needs. Also known as durable medical equipment (DME), it doesn’t mean your couch or dining set. Medicare only covers items that are medically necessary, prescribed by a doctor, and used for a health condition—not for comfort or decoration. This is a common misunderstanding. Many assume if something helps you move around or sit comfortably at home, Medicare will pay for it. But the line between medical equipment and regular furniture is strict—and knowing it can save you hundreds or even thousands.

What does qualify? hospital beds, adjustable beds designed for medical use, often with side rails and pressure-relief features. Also known as medical-grade beds, these are covered if you have conditions like severe arthritis, COPD, or bedsores that make a standard bed unsafe or ineffective. wheelchairs, manual or power chairs prescribed for mobility limitations. Also known as mobility aids, these are among the most commonly approved items under Medicare Part B. Same goes for walkers, framed assistive devices with wheels or no wheels, used to support balance and reduce fall risk. Also known as ambulation aids, they’re covered when your doctor confirms you can’t walk safely without one. None of these are ordinary furniture. A recliner? Not covered. A lift chair? Only if it meets strict DME criteria and your doctor documents why you can’t stand up from a regular chair.

What’s left out? Almost everything else. Sofas, armchairs, ottomans, even specialized cushions unless they’re part of a prescribed pressure-relief system for ulcers. You won’t get coverage for a raised toilet seat unless it’s integrated into a commode chair that’s medically necessary. And forget about aesthetic upgrades—no fancy finishes, no smart features, no color choices. Medicare only cares about function, not form.

To get approved, you need a face-to-face evaluation with your doctor, a written prescription, and the equipment must come from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. You’ll pay 20% of the approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible. Many people skip this process because they assume it’s too complicated—but if you qualify, the savings are real. A power wheelchair can cost over $5,000. Medicare might cover $4,000 of it.

The posts below don’t talk about Medicare—but they do cover the real-world stuff you’ll need once you’ve got your approved equipment: how to choose durable fabrics for high-use chairs, what makes a sofa last decades, how to match curtains and lighting to a functional space, and how to spot quality in everyday items that actually matter. If you’re managing mobility at home, these aren’t just decor tips—they’re survival guides for living well with limited mobility, chronic pain, or aging in place.