Will Medicare pay for chair lifts for stairs?

As you get older, or experience an injury or illness, it may become difficult to climb stairs. Chair lifts for stairs can offer assistance to those with limited mobility, helping them getting up and down the stairs. However, chair lifts can be expensive. 

Will Medicare cover a stair chair lift? This depends on your Medicare plan, but it may be difficult to get coverage. Read more about how you may be able to get Medicare coverage and other financing options for a chair lift. 

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Does Medicare cover chair lifts for stairs?

Will Medicare pay for a lift chair? Unfortunately, Original Medicare plans do not pay for chair lifts for stairs. This is because chair lifts do not typically fall under Medicare’s definition of durable medical equipment (DME).

DME medical supplies may include wheelchairs, walkers, or even patient lifts, which help someone move from a bed to a chair or other location. However, a chair lift is considered a home modification rather than DME equipment.

With that in mind, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be able to get coverage for a stairlift from Medicare. Providers have expanded their benefits since 2019, so getting in touch with your Advantage provider is the best way to find out if you can get lift chairs covered by Medicare.

How much does a chair lift for stairs cost?

The cost of a chair lift can vary depending on your stair setup, the chair lift model you choose, and more.

If you’re buying a basic chair lift, you may end up paying between $2,000 and $5,000, including the cost of installation. If your stairs are curved, you may end up paying as high as $10,000 for a custom chair lift track.

Another option would be to rent a chair lift, which can be helpful for people recovering from a temporary injury or someone who plans to move into a home without stairs. However, renting a chair lift may cost between $300 and $500 per month.

Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to find any Medicare-approved lift chair dealers, but some popular companies that install chair lifts for stairs include Harmar, Handicare, Stannah, AmeriGlide, and more.

Can I get help paying for a chair lift?

If you need a stairlift but can’t afford to pay for it out-of-pocket, and your Medicare plan will definitely not cover the expenses, you may need to search for other ways to get financial assistance for your chair lift.

If you’re a veteran, you may be able to get in touch with the VA or other organizations that help veterans. If you need a chair lift for a health reason related to military service, the VA may provide healthcare coverage after a home visit and skills evaluation test.

If you are a veteran that needs a chair lift for a health reason not related to military service, you may be able to receive the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit or get help from Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services.

Other grants for veterans include the HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) Grant, SHA (Special Home Adaptation) Grant, and SAH (Specially Adapted Housing) Grant. 

Most states also have programs that can provide financial assistance for non-veterans. The best place to begin looking for help is to contact your local Agency on Aging or a similar organization. 

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1. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage

Case Studies: Medicare Coverage for Chair Lifts for Stairs

Case Study 1: John’s Mobility Needs

John, an elderly Medicare beneficiary with mobility issues, was denied coverage for a chair lift recommended by his healthcare provider, prompting the exploration of alternative coverage or financial assistance options in this case study.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Safety Concerns

This case study examines the eligibility of Medicare coverage for a chair lift recommended to Sarah, a Medicare beneficiary with mobility issues, to prevent falls and ensure her safety in her multi-level home. It explores the implications and considerations regarding coverage eligibility in light of the safety aspect.

Case Study 3: Michael’s Home Accessibility Needs

Michael, a Medicare beneficiary with a mobility impairment, requires a chair lift to access the upper level of his home. His physician certifies the medical necessity of the equipment, but Michael is uncertain whether Medicare will cover the costs. This case study examines the criteria set by Medicare for determining medical necessity and whether Michael’s situation aligns with those requirements.

Case Study 4: Jane’s Financial Constraints

In this case study, the focus is on Jane, a Medicare beneficiary with financial concerns, who requires a chair lift for her home’s stairs. It explores the limitations of Medicare coverage and investigates potential financial assistance options, including Medicaid waivers and state-specific programs, to help individuals like Jane afford the necessary equipment.

Case Study 5: David’s Home Modifications

This case study examines the coverage considerations of Medicare for home modifications, specifically the installation of a chair lift, to enhance accessibility for individuals like David who have disabilities. It explores the challenges they may encounter when seeking coverage for chair lifts within the broader context of accessibility modifications.