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

Question

Steve 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 Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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.

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

Dana Dane · Answer

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

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.

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, 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.

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

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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