Medicare and Stair Lifts: A Coverage Guide for Older Adults

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Key Takeaways

  • This article is a summary from National Council on Aging: Does Medicare cover stair lifts?
  • For people with mobility issues, stair lifts offer a safe and convenient way to move between a home’s levels.
  • Will Medicare pay for a stair lift? No—since they aren’t considered medically necessary, Medicare does not cover them.

  • Find out average stair lift costs, ways to save money, and alternatives that can support your mobility and independence.

Mobility Issues

For people with mobility issues, stair lifts can be life-changing. Ranging from simple to elaborate, these mechanical devices offer a safer and more practical way to move between a home’s levels. This helps older adults stay socially engaged at home by keeping all parts of the home usable.

If you’re considering installing this type of device for yourself or someone you care about, you may be wondering: Does Medicare cover stair lifts?

Read on to learn about Medicare coverage for stair lifts, average stair lift costs, and financial assistance that can help make them more affordable. We’ll also tell you about alternatives if a stair lift isn’t the right fit for your needs.

Does Medicare cover stair lifts?

No, Medicare does not typically cover stair lifts, since these devices are not classified as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B.

Medicare and many other insurers view stair lifts as more of a home modification than a medical necessity: “Because stair lifts attach to the home’s structural components, insurers categorize stair lifts—alongside ramps, widened doorways and bathroom grab bars—as home modifications designed mainly for accessibility and convenience,” occupational therapist Celina Hawthorne told Consumer Affairs.

If you have Medicare and want to install a stair lift, you’ll be paying out of your own pocket unless you’re able to get financial assistance from other program or insurance policy.

The exception? If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, check your policy. Some private Part C plans do provide limited coverage or allowances for home safety modifications that help prevent falls and other accidents. This isn’t common, though, and likely will only cover a small percentage of the cost, so contact your plan provider to get the details. See our guide on how to cover costs Medicare doesn’t cover.

Notice any of these warning signs on your stairlift?

If you see any of the issues above on your own stairlift, contact us right away, don't delay!

While there are things that you as the homeowner can do to troubleshoot your stairlift, if you ever feel that your stairlift isn’t operating as it should, make the call to Stairlift Medics and have our professional staff check out your stairlift.

We can pinpoint the issue and correct it so you can have a fully functional stairlift.

A set of hands performing a Bruno Stairlift Repair in Glen Burnie, MD