Are home modifications (like stairlifts) ever covered by Medicare for safety reasons?
Answered by 18 licensed agents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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, according to optionshme.com.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.