It is one of the first questions families ask us, so here is a plain answer, followed by the places where help may be found.
Will Original Medicare pay for a stair lift?
No. Medicare Part B pays toward durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and hospital beds. A stair lift is fastened to the house, so Medicare classes it as a home modification, and home modifications fall outside the program.
What about a Medigap policy?
No again. Supplement plans only fill gaps in services that Medicare already covers.
Could a Medicare Advantage plan help?
Possibly. Advantage plans are run by private insurers and some include extra benefits for safety at home. The benefit differs from plan to plan and county to county, so the only way to know is to call the number on your card and ask whether stair lifts or home modifications are included.
Is Medicaid different?
It can be. Both Missouri and Kansas operate home and community-based services programs intended to help eligible people remain at home. Home modifications may be covered for those who qualify. Your state Medicaid office or your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you where you stand.
Help for veterans
Veterans with a qualifying need may be able to obtain assistance with home modifications through the VA. Start with your VA care team or a veterans service officer.
Other routes worth a call
- A long-term care insurance policy, if you hold one
- Local nonprofits and community organizations that fund home repairs for older adults
- A tax professional, who can tell you whether a medically necessary lift may be claimed as a medical expense
How we can help
We cannot tell you what your plan covers, but we can give you the paperwork you need to ask. Nationwide Lifts of Missouri and Kansas provides a written, itemized quote after a free in-home assessment. Call 660-624-2411.
This article offers general information only. Programs and rules change, so confirm the details with the agency or insurer concerned.