Desiree Montes, Medicare Insurance Agent
Desiree Montes
The Rivera Montes Group LLC
Medicare Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AZ, CO, CT, DE, GA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX and VA
Contact Details
-
Location
Orlando, FL
Desiree Can Help With:
About Me
Exclusive Sales Agent with UnitedHealthcare. My goal is to find you that right plan that fits your needs. I work with Med Sub & Medicare Advantage plans
Q&A with Desiree Montes
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when prescribed for a specific medical condition and used in your home part of a treatment plan
Home health care services: If you’re receiving Medicare-covered home health services (skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) in your home, any equipment that is considered part of that medical therapy might be covered if prescribed and provided by a Medicare-certified home health provider. This still usually does not include permanent home modifications like installing a stairlift, but it could cover temporary assistive devices used during therapy.
Are home modifications (like stairlifts) ever covered by Medicare for safety reasons?
Answer: In general, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) does not cover home modifications such as stairlifts, bathroom grab bars, ramps, or hallway lifts. These are typically considered home safety improvements or home modifications, not medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME) or services.
What is sometimes covered, or could be covered under special circumstances:
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when prescribed for a specific medical condition and used in your home part of a treatment plan. For example, Medicare covers DME like hospital beds, scooters, or chair lifts if they are prescribed by a doctor and deemed medically necessary for use in the home. The key is that the item must be considered DME and prescribed with a medical need. A stairlift, however, is rarely categorized as DME under Medicare and is not routinely covered.
Home health care services: If you’re receiving Medicare-covered home health services (skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) in your home, any equipment that is considered part of that medical therapy might be covered if prescribed and provided by a Medicare-certified home health provider. This still usually does not include permanent home modifications like installing a stairlift, but it could cover temporary assistive devices used during therapy.
Other potential avenues:
Medicaid: In some states, Medicaid may cover certain home modifications for eligible individuals, especially when they are determined medically necessary to enable the person to stay in their home. Rules vary by state.
Veterans benefits: If you’re a veteran, the VA may cover home modifications through their grant programs (e.g., Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant) or other disability benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional waivers or benefits for home safety equipment or home modifications. Coverage and requirements vary by plan, so check your specific plan detai