Seat Cushion Reimbursement: What You Can Get Back from Medicare and Insurance

When you need a seat cushion, a specialized padding designed to reduce pressure and improve sitting comfort for people with mobility or medical conditions. Also known as pressure-relief cushion, it’s not just a luxury—it’s often a medical necessity. Many people don’t realize that if your doctor prescribes it for conditions like spinal issues, arthritis, or post-surgery recovery, you might be eligible for seat cushion reimbursement through Medicare or private insurance.

This isn’t just about comfort. A proper seat cushion can prevent pressure sores, reduce pain, and help you stay seated longer without discomfort. That’s why it’s classified as durable medical equipment, devices and supplies ordered by a healthcare provider for use in the home to treat a medical condition. Medicare Part B covers this type of equipment under specific conditions. You’ll need a written prescription from your doctor stating the medical necessity, and the cushion must be bought from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Without the right paperwork, even the best cushion won’t get you a dime back.

It’s not just seat cushions—this same rule applies to lift chairs, recliners with motorized mechanisms that help users stand up safely. Also known as power lift recliners, they’re often prescribed alongside or instead of seat cushions for people with severe mobility limits. Both fall under the same category of durable medical equipment, and both require documentation proving you can’t stand from a regular chair without assistance. The key difference? Lift chairs usually get higher reimbursement rates because they’re more complex, but seat cushions are often overlooked simply because they’re small and inexpensive.

What most people miss is that reimbursement doesn’t mean full payment. Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. The rest is your responsibility, unless you have supplemental insurance. Some private insurers cover 100%, but only if you follow their exact process—pre-authorization, specific supplier requirements, and correct coding on the claim form. It’s not magic. It’s paperwork.

And it’s not just seniors. People recovering from hip surgery, those with spinal cord injuries, or even individuals with chronic back pain from long hours at a desk may qualify. If you’re sitting in pain every day and your doctor says a cushion could help, ask: "Is this covered?" Don’t assume it’s not. Too many people pay out of pocket because they don’t know the system.

Below, you’ll find real examples of how others have navigated this process—what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the common mistakes that delay or deny reimbursement. Whether you’re looking at a simple gel cushion or a high-end memory foam model with pressure sensors, the rules are the same. Get the prescription. Pick the right supplier. Submit the right forms. It’s not complicated. It just takes the right information.