Does Medicare Cover The Cost Of A Stair Lift

If you re enrolled in original medicare and live in an area that s part of medicare s competitive bidding program you may need to use certain contract suppliers or medicare may not cover the cost.

Does medicare cover the cost of a stair lift.

Some medicare advantageplans may cover the cost of a stairlift. You may be asked to pay the entire bill when you pick up the patient lift. Stair lifts are considered a home modification which isn t covered under medicare guidelines. In addition there are several private foundations that may help to pay to have acorn stairway lifts installed in homes of persons needing the help a stairlift could give.

The cost of a straight rail stair lift is typically around 2 200 to 5 000 with installation based upon the make and model. Provided by medicare approved private insurance companies medicare advantage plans are required by law to offer the same coverage as original medicare. Medicare advantageplans are an additional way to receive medicare coverage. However medicare is not the only option.

Your costs in original medicare if your supplier accepts assignment you pay 20 of the medicare approved amount and the part b deductible applies. Medicare part b medical insurance covers patient lifts as durable medical equipment dme that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. The short uncomplicated answer is for all practical purposes original medicare does not pay for stair lifts. But medicare advantage plans may cover the cost.

Like all part b items covered by medicare after paying the annual deductible you will pay 20 percent of the medicare approved amounts for the lift chair if you buy from a supplier that accepts assignment. Stair lifts can cost thousands of dollars and many seniors wonder if medicare will help cover the cost. While medicare does not pay for the acorn stair lifts stairlifts are often covered for persons with veteran s benefits through the va. If you re in the market for a stair lift you may be wondering if your health insurance or medicare coverage will pay the cost.

Unfortunately medicare does not cover the cost of stair lifts. They see it as more of a tool for convenience instead of a medically necessary piece of equipment. Medicare s part b includes coverage for durable medical equipment dme such as wheelchairs and walkers but stair lifts are usually not included in these benefits. As a result medicare does not cover it.

Original medicare might pay for a small portion of the cost if the stair lift has an elevating seat which helps the rider to sit down and get up from the chair safely. Unfortunately standard health insurance policies and medicare will not typically cover the purchase or installation of a stair lift even with a doctor s order. In some cases individuals eligible for medicaid may get assistance paying for a stair lift through home and community based services.