Are home modifications (like stairlifts) ever covered by Medicare for safety reasons?

Question

Steve and Sue Brauer · Accepted Answer

That's an interesting question. I just had this come up recently. With typical DME, Durable Medicare Equipment, like wheelchairs, hospital beds, etc., is usually covered under Medicare Part B. Stair lifts, in particular, would fall under Part A coverage and are generally not covered under Medicare. There is an actual exclusion for that type of Home Modification need.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 8, 2025

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Larry Dalton · Answer

No! Medicare does not consider items like these to be medically necessary. Having worked in the medical Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry for many years, I understand that it can be extremely challenging to obtain insurance coverage for these products. However, in Oklahoma, if you have a medical prescription that states a diagnosis justifying the need for this device, you can purchase it without paying sales tax, provided it is used in your home.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Because they are modifications, not DME (Durable Medical Equipment) they would not be covered under Original Medicare. 
Plan C may in a very rare, highly dependent plan, but with the consistency of pushing the financial responsibility back to the consumer, I wouldn’t count on it.
However there are some important things you may consider:
- Medicaid via certain states, may have a waiver or program through HCBS to cover some or all of the stairlift expense. Check with your individual state.
- The VA has grants, you may want to consider if you have served and qualify.
- You can check with Non-Profit programs to see what assistance they could provide.
- Stairlifts could be tax deductible or have some tax advantages based on your structure.
- Consider used or refurbished units to cut costs

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

Medicare covers DME, durable medical equipment, but  does not cover stairlifts. The stairlifts are considered home modifications rather than DME.

Steven Graves · Answer

In most cases, Medicare does not cover home modifications like stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, or bathroom grab bars—even if they’re recommended for safety. These items are typically considered non-medical or home improvement expenses, and therefore fall outside Medicare’s standard coverage.

That said, there are a few exceptions and alternatives to explore:

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer limited coverage for certain home safety modifications as part of their supplemental benefits, especially for individuals with chronic conditions. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to check the details.

Medicaid programs, VA benefits, or local and state assistance programs may help cover home modifications for those who qualify.

Some nonprofits and community organizations also offer grants or financial aid for aging-in-place upgrades.

If safety at home is a concern, it’s worth reviewing your Medicare Advantage plan or speaking with a benefits advisor to explore available resources.

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Joseph Mullen · Answer

Stair lifts are not covered by Medicare because they aren't considered durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare considers stair lifts home modifications rather than DME.

Susan Kainrath · Answer

Hello, usually modifications such as this are not covered, but you should check your plan for details.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Yes, if you can prove that the modifications were needed as a direct result of a health issue, it would be covered. You just need your doctor to corroborate your "story". They can widen a door opening to accommodate a wheel chair, as well.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

Some plans do have coverage for things along that line although it may not cover the complete cost. You would need to shop plans and find the best options available

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

Durable medical equipment or home modifications are covered, just NOT at 100%. Most durable medical equipment has a copay or coinsurance of 20% associated if I'm not mistaken.

Dana Dane · Answer

Stairlifts, wheelchair ramps and other home modifications are not covered by Medicare.  Please contact your agent for assistance.

Cleo Martin · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover these items. Some Medicare advantage plans have some coverage for safety items but is limited.

Fred Manas · Answer

No, Medicare does not cover stairlifts or most other home modifications, even if they are needed for safety reasons. Medicare generally considers these items as non-covered modifications, not durable medical equipment. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental benefits that could cover stairlifts, and there are other potential funding sources like Medicaid waivers or veterans' benefits. 
Elaboration:
Medicare's Coverage:
Medicare Part B, which covers durable medical equipment, generally does not cover stairlifts or other home modifications, as they are not considered durable medical equipment. 
Medicare Advantage Plans:.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (private plans that contract with Medicare) may offer supplemental benefits that could include coverage for stairlifts or other home modifications. However, coverage varies significantly from plan to plan, so it's essential to check with your specific provider to see if they offer this benefit.
Medicaid and Waivers:
Medicaid, a state-run program for low-income individuals, may provide funding for home modifications through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers allow states to tailor programs to their specific needs and may cover items like stairlifts if they help individuals stay in their homes. 
Veterans' Benefits:
Veterans may be eligible for financial assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for home modifications through programs like the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. 
Other Funding Sources:
In addition to Medicaid and VA benefits, other funding sources for home modifications may include state and local programs, nonprofit organizations, or private financing options.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

No, unfortunately Medicare doesn't cover home modifications.  It's mot considered  a medical issue.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

Home modifications are not covered by original Medicare! You need to look into speaking with your Medicare Advantage plan to see if they will cover this expense. 99% of the time, this will not be covered.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on August 8, 2025

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Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Shahwali Hotaki · Answer

Medicare does not cover home modifications such as stairlifts, even if they’re recommended by a doctor. Stairlifts are classified as home modifications, not Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and so are excluded from Original Medicare coverage (Part A, Part B) and Medigap Supplement plans

Answered by Shahwali Hotaki on August 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, GA & VA

Answered by Shahwali Hotaki Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Stinson · Answer

No, Medicare generally does not cover stairlifts, even for safety reasons, as they are considered home modifications rather than durable medical equipment. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs and walkers, but stairlifts are categorized as home modifications and are not typically reimbursed. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer some coverage for stairlifts as a supplemental benefit.

Answered by Patrick Stinson on July 12, 2025

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Alexander Lehn · Answer

Home modifications, like stairlifts, are not covered by Medicare. There are Medicare advantage plans that may include some coverage or money that can be used for DME like home-safety improvements. These funds are pretty limited and not every Advantage plan has that type of supplemental benefit. The important factor is that original Medicare does not pay for these things and therefore any benefits provided by an Advantage plan or not guaranteed and are subject to many factors like location and possibly event company approval.

Answered by Alexander Lehn on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, CA, FL & TX

Answered by Alexander Lehn Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Vitale · Answer

Stairlifts are considered home modifications, not Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Medicare Part B covers DME that is medically necessary and used in the home, such as wheelchairs and walkers. However, stairlifts are classified as home modifications because they are attached to the structure of the house, not as medical equipment. Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer supplemental benefits that could help cover the cost of stairlifts or other home modifications, but this is not standard and varies significantly between plans.

Answered by Robert Vitale on May 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & OH

Answered by Robert Vitale Medicare Insurance Agent

Are home modifications (like stairlifts) ever covered by Medicare for safety reasons?

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Are home modifications (like stairlifts) ever covered by Medicare for safety reasons?

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