Molly Ayala
Stair lifts can be expensive, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the type of staircase and options selected. So, it is understandable that people would want to know if Medicare would cover this cost. Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts, but some Medicare Advantage and commercial insurance plans do.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Medicare cover the cost of stair lifts? | Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts but will pay for other types of mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and canes. |
| Does Medicare Advantage cover stair lifts? | Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost of stair lifts. |
| Does Medicare cover the cost of stair lifts with an elevating seat? | Original Medicare might pay for a small portion of the cost if the stair lift has an elevating seat, which helps the rider to sit down and get up from the chair safely. |
| Does Medicare Supplemental Insurance cover stair lifts? | No, Medicare Supplemental Insurance does not cover stair lifts. |
| Does State Plan Medicaid cover stair lifts? | State Plan Medicaid may cover stair lifts under durable medical equipment (DME). |
| Does Veterans Administration cover stair lifts? | The Veterans Administration is more generous than Medicare when it comes to covering stair lifts. Wheelchair-bound veterans and those who cannot manage the stairs in their homes due to service-connected disabilities can have stair lifts paid for by VA healthcare. |
| Are stair lifts classified as durable medical equipment (DME)? | Medicare does not consider stair lifts as DME, but some DME suppliers enrolled in Medicare may provide stair lifts. |
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What You'll Learn
Medicare Advantage plans may cover stair lifts
Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts, but some Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost. Stair lifts can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the type of staircase and other factors. For this reason, it is important to check your Medicare Advantage policy, as your doctor must certify that the stair lift is "medically necessary" for it to be covered.
Medicare Advantage plans can offer supplemental healthcare benefits in addition to the already available benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing. In 2019, a change in the law governing Medicare Advantage plans allowed increased supplemental coverage for non-skilled in-home care, and in 2020, the law further expanded coverage to include items intended for "daily maintenance."
Stair lifts can be a requirement for the health and safety of individuals at home, especially for seniors who wish to age in place and people with disabilities who want to remain in their homes. A stair lift may be covered under Medicare Advantage if it assists with a functional need due to an injury or health issue or reduces the probable need for emergency care.
Medicare Advantage plans may also cover the cost of a lift chair, which is different from a stair lift chair. A lift chair is similar to a typical recliner but with a motorized lift device in the base that raises or lowers the seat. To get payment approved, you must meet certain requirements, including a prescription from your physician stating that the lift chair is a medical necessity.
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Stair lifts are not covered by original Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans in 2020 were able to offer supplemental benefits for persons with chronic illnesses. These benefits may be tailored to the specific needs of the chronically ill MA recipient and do not necessarily have to be health-related. They only need to provide "a reasonable expectation of improving or maintaining the health or overall function" of that individual. Therefore, some Medicare Advantage plans will pay for stair lifts. For a Medicare Advantage plan to cover a stair lift, a doctor must certify that it is "medically necessary."
There is one possible exception to the rule regarding original Medicare. Original Medicare might pay for a small portion of the cost if the stair lift has an elevating seat, which helps the rider to sit down and get up from the chair safely.
If you are a veteran with a service-related disability, you may qualify for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs home-modification grant. In this case, a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant or a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant may help you cover the cost of a stair lift.
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Medicaid may cover stair lifts
Medicaid policies differ from state to state, so it is difficult to make a general statement about Medicaid’s coverage of stair lifts. However, if we limit the discussion to Medicaid’s policy for the elderly and/or disabled who are living in their homes, the probable answer is yes. Medicaid will likely cover the cost for medically necessary stair lifts, provided they enable individuals to remain living in their homes and avoid nursing home placement.
Medicaid Waivers, or non-entitlement programs, help individuals who require a nursing home level of care to remain living at home. Many of these waivers cover home modifications, and the purchase and installation of a stair lift would be considered a home modification. Therefore, it would be a covered benefit.
Another option is State Plan Medicaid, which may be thought of as regular Medicaid. Many states cover durable medical equipment (DME) under their state plan, and a stair lift could be classified as mobility-enhancing equipment. However, Medicaid would pay only for the most basic model and the program may cap the amount of assistance an individual can receive. Therefore, the state plan Medicaid program might not cover the full cost.
It is worth noting that the Veterans Administration is somewhat more generous than Medicare when it comes to stair lifts. Wheelchair-bound veterans and those who cannot manage the stairs in their homes due to a service-connected disability can have stair lifts paid for by VA healthcare.
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Veterans Affairs will cover stair lifts for wheelchair-bound veterans
Stair lifts can be a costly but necessary investment for seniors or those with disabilities. While traditional Medicare plans do not cover stair lifts, there are other options for those who need financial assistance. For instance, Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost, provided that a doctor certifies that the stair lift is "medically necessary".
Veterans Affairs is one of the options that provide coverage for stair lifts. The Department of Veterans Affairs has three programs that give cash grants to qualified veterans with disabilities for safety improvements in the home. The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant can be used for improvements such as wheelchair ramps, door widening, lowering kitchen and bathroom counters and sinks, installing elevators, and stair lifts. The maximum grant is $4,100 for veterans with a 50 to 100 percent service-connected disability, and $1,200 for veterans with disabilities that are not service-related.
Additionally, the Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS) may pay for products or services that improve a veteran's ability to live independently. All enrollees are eligible for this program. The Veteran's Administration may also pay the entire cost of a stair lift if the need for it is the result of an injury sustained while on active duty. If the need for a stair lift is not due to an active-duty injury, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit may still provide funds under certain circumstances, provided that the veteran is eligible for a pension.
For veterans with limited mobility, even a couple of steps or a high threshold can pose a fall risk, which can lead to a serious injury. Stair lifts are one of the most common accessibility solutions provided by the VA, and they can be installed on various types of staircases, both indoors and outdoors. These lifts are easy to operate and have multiple safety features to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
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Stair lift rentals are available
Original Medicare does not pay for stair lifts. However, Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost, provided a doctor certifies that the stair lift is "medically necessary". Original Medicare might also pay for a small portion of the cost if the stair lift has an elevating seat.
Straight rail stair lifts for straight staircases are typically the only types of lifts that are offered for rental as the rail can be easily cut to fit the length of the staircase. However, some companies do offer curved stair lift options for rent. A manual folding rail is the only option that can be added when renting a stair lift.
A rental stair lift is a perfect short-term solution when the stairs are going to be unsafe to use as a result of an injury or surgery and for temporary living arrangements. For example, if you have a relative with limited mobility staying with you temporarily, a stair lift can help them feel safe and independent in your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts but will pay for other types of mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and canes. However, Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost.
Medicaid policies differ in every state, but many states cover durable medical equipment (DME), and a stair lift could be classified as mobility-enhancing equipment. The Veterans Administration also provides stair lifts for wheelchair-bound veterans or those who cannot manage stairs due to a service-connected disability.
The cost of a stair lift ranges from \$2,000 to \$15,000 or more, depending on the type of staircase. The average cost of renting a stair lift is between \$200 and \$500 per month, with installation fees also applying.
