Does Medicare cowl stair lifts?

A stair carry—a motorized chair that attaches to a rail to glide you up and down safely—would possibly appear to be an ideal resolution. However, there’s a catch: they’ll value hundreds of {dollars} and will not be coated by conventional Medicare.

That’s as a result of Medicare classifies them as a house modification, not sturdy medical tools (DME) like a walker or wheelchair, which is paid for by Half B protection. Underneath Half B, DME have to be thought of “medically mandatory” and ordered by a Medicare-participating doctor. Medicare additionally doesn’t pay for tools it considers used for “consolation or comfort” similar to lavatory seize bars, handrails, or wheelchair ramps. Equally, no Medigap supplemental plan will cowl stair lifts, since they solely pay the remaining prices of Medicare-covered bills.

Some Medicare Benefit plans or long run care insurance coverage could cowl all or a part of the price of putting in and sustaining a stair carry, however this profit varies extensively from plan to plan. Nevertheless, in case you or a beloved one is taken into account a dual-eligible—which means you obtain each Medicare and Medicaid (the joint federal/state program for low-income people)—a stair carry could also be coated by means of Dwelling and Neighborhood Based mostly Providers (HCBS) waivers. Protection varies from state to state, and you could meet the care threshold, which requires that you’re “nursing house eligible” and with out these companies, you would need to dwell in an institutional setting.

Paying out of pocket

For those who do plan to put in a stair carry, there are a number of issues to bear in mind as you store round, in response to OptionsHME, a house medical tools firm in Highland, Illinois:

• Is a stair carry the best choice? Customers should be capable of get on and off with minimal assist (similar to a cane). In any other case, a wheelchair carry or elevator could serve your wants higher.

• Do you want a straight or curved carry? Straight lifts are finest for a single flight of stairs, with no touchdown in between. In any other case, you’ll doubtless want a curved carry, which will be additional personalized to the contours of your property staircase, however which value significantly extra.

• Do you need to purchase new, purchase used, or lease? Most respected medical tools firms will provide quite a lot of choices. Used vs. new can save hundreds of {dollars}. Renting could also be a greater choice in case your state of affairs is short-term, similar to recovering from a severe fall or surgical procedure.

• How a lot is set up? That’s almost certainly an extra value, and relying on complexity, may add on one other $2,000 to the ultimate invoice. Nevertheless, due to security (and probably guarantee) considerations, it’s sensible to have an expert do the work.

• What’s the schedule and price for upkeep? Most firms provide a service contract to make sure your carry continues to function safely and easily. Funds not less than just a few hundred {dollars} yearly for this service.

• What are the choices for personalisation? Many stair carry producers provide all kinds of designs, styles and sizes—together with fashions that match slim staircases in older houses. Seats, footrests, and even chair upholstery will be modified; fold-flat rails or items with elevated weight capability will be added, in response to BraunAbility, one of many main makers of mobility gadgets within the U.S. However, bear in mind that value of customized lifts can shortly add up.

• Is there a battery backup? Most items will embody a chargeable battery as a fail-safe, in case you lose electrical energy. Ask for an indication on how and when it prompts.

• What kind of guarantee is obtainable? Be sure you perceive what’s and isn’t coated, and for a way lengthy.

• Is financing accessible? Many respected firms provide financing if you wish to pay over time, however verify phrases and charges rigorously.

Moreover, AARP means that in case you’re a veteran, verify into Division of Veterans Affairs packages that assist with house variations to see in case you qualify for monetary help. Whereas most grants are for service-related disabilities, the VA’s Dwelling Enhancements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program additionally supplies some funds to veterans for non service-related wants.

Additionally, verify together with your accountant or monetary advisor about doable tax breaks for house enhancements; a stair carry could qualify as a tax deductible as a medical expense.