Medicare’s Stair Lift Solutions For Aging Americans

While most seniors cannot afford to buy a stair lift out of pocket, there are some options for help. This article will discuss these solutions, including Medicare and Medicaid assistance programs.

In many states, Medicaid can cover a stair lift. This is done through Medicaid non-entitlement programs called Waivers. They allow individuals to remain in their homes by paying for necessary home modifications, like stair lifts.

Medicare

Stair lifts are an essential mobility aid for over 30 million Americans who struggle with difficulty walking or climbing stairs. A stair lift can prevent potential falls and allow individuals to stay in their homes.

Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts. Although Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME), a stair lift is not considered DME since it is more of a home modification than a medical device. Medicare Advantage Plans, however, may cover stair lifts.

Medicaid policies vary from state to state, but in general if a stair lift is necessary for an individual’s safety and ability to remain living at home it will be covered by the state’s Home and Community Based Services waiver programs. Check your state’s Medicaid website for a list of waiver programs. Many of these waivers include home modification coverage. Additionally, some states have assistance programs that offer grants to help with the cost of a stair lift.

Medicaid

In general, original Medicare does not pay for stair lifts. They do not qualify as durable medical equipment because they require permanent modifications to the home’s superstructure. However, this can change with Medicare Advantage plans. These are the newer evolutions of regular Medicare offered by private-sector health insurers and they must adhere to strict guidelines.

As of now, Medicare Advantage plans will cover the cost of a stair lift if it is deemed medically necessary by your doctor and prescribed by him or her. Those same plans are also allowed to offer supplemental benefits that can be tailored to specific chronic illness needs.

As such, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it is worth contacting your healthcare provider to see what your options are for obtaining stair lift costs coverage. You can also look into your state Medicaid programs as well as other private assistance programs, like those through the Veterans Administration and non-profit associations.

Veterans Administration

Many seniors who struggle with mobility issues choose to age in place rather than move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. Stair lifts can be an ideal solution for people who want to stay in their homes but find stairs a real barrier.

Unfortunately, traditional Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) do not cover the cost of stair lifts. They are viewed by Medicare as home improvements and not durable medical equipment.

Fortunately, there are other options for helping seniors pay for a stair lift. Many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) provide coverage for stair lifts. These plans are managed by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

Additionally, some states have Medicaid waiver programs that provide assistance with home modifications like a stair lift. Check with your state’s Medicaid office to learn more. Also, if you purchase a Medicare stair lift through an authorized dealer, there may be financing available that can help with the costs.

State Assistance Programs

If you have difficulty navigating stairs, a stair lift may help. While original Medicare does not cover stair lifts, some Medicare Advantage plans and private insurance policies do. Also, some state-funded home improvement/modification grants for seniors and individuals with disabilities provide low interest or conditional loans to pay for stair lifts.

Medicaid policies vary from state to state, but if your doctor can certify that a stair lift is medically necessary and will enable you to remain at home and avoid nursing home placement, then it’s likely your local plan will cover the cost. Another option is to apply for a waiver through your state’s Home and Community Based Services program. This is similar to the Medicaid waivers for equipment and home modifications but is more flexible in terms of eligibility requirements and financial constraints. To find out what waiver options are available in your area, visit your state’s Medicaid website.