Are Stair Lifts Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover stair lifts; however, Medicaid, Veterans Assistance Programs, and State-based programs might.
Updated: June 25, 2025
At a glance:
- Medicare and most private health insurance plans will not cover the cost of a new stair lift, but you may be able to cover at least part of the cost through certain programs.
- Medicaid and some long-term private insurance companies may help cover the cost of a stair lift.
- The average out-of-pocket cost for a stair lift is $8,450, ranging between $2,900 to $14,000 depending on configuration, length, model, safety features, and more.
Finding insurance coverage for your new stair lift can be a challenge, especially when Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage Plans don’t cover the cost. However, there are ways you can get covered. From state-based Medicaid programs to Veterans Administration grants, read on to discover the best funding options for your stair lift.
Are Stair Lifts Covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Stair lifts are not usually covered by either Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage Plans, as they are not considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
Medicaid, on the other hand, may cover the cost of a stair lift. However, as a federal-state assistance program, whether you’re covered depends on which state you live in. For instance, Illinois and Missouri both offer extensive coverage options, while the lack of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers in Arizona, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont may make it more challenging to get financial assistance.
That’s because HCBS waivers are the easiest way to get coverage. They enable seniors to access long-term care services and support for assistive technologies in their own homes so that they don’t have to move to nursing homes. Stair lifts are usually included in the home modifications covered by these waivers.
However, enrollment can be limited, so we recommend visiting medicaid.gov and your state’s specific website for more information.
State-Based Assistance Programs for Stair Lifts
As mentioned, coverage for stair lifts largely depends on your home state. Aside from HCBS waivers, 27 states have programs that help prevent seniors from having to live in nursing homes, with stair lifts often included in the list of covered home modifications.
However, every state is different, so here’s a guide on different programs and how you can get the best stair lift for your needs:
| Program Type | Description | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| State Assistive Technology (AT) Programs | May provide low-interest loans for mobility aids like stair lifts. | Visit AT3Center.net to find your state’s program. |
| Home Modification Grants | State-based grants for accessibility-related home changes. | Visit your state’s Department of Health, Aging, or Housing. |
| Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) | Offer programs that help seniors fund home modifications and other services. | Find your local ADRC through n4a.org or your state’s health department. |
| State Housing Financing Agencies | May offer deferred or low-interest loans for stair lifts. | Research what’s offered by your state’s housing agency through NCSHA.org. |
Understanding Veterans’ Benefits For Stair Lifts
If you’re a veteran or are married to one, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide funding for stair lifts all over the nation. Assistance varies based on your needs and whether you’ve been injured or disabled in combat, but here are some common programs:
Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS)
This program combines veterans assistance with HCBS waivers to help veterans pay for healthcare services. Like typical HCBS programs, VD-HCBS includes stair lifts on its list of covered home modifications, giving easy access to older veterans who qualify.
HISA Grants (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations)
These grants help veterans who need home modifications as a medical necessity by providing money for buying, building, adapting, or modifying your home. Eligibility for the grant will depend on if the stair lift is deemed necessary for access and mobility.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants
These grants can also be used for home modifications, but specifically for service-connected disabilities, illnesses, or injuries you incurred or that worsened during your active military service. If your injury can benefit from a lift chair, you are more likely to get coverage.
Are There Other Financing Options For Stair Lifts?
Yes, there are other financing options for stair lifts, even if most insurance providers are unlikely to cover them. Here are some additional options you can look into:
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is a nonprofit organization that may help fund stair lifts as a home modification or refer you to other local resources.
- Other Nonprofits or Charities can provide financial assistance for seniors or may have affordable, donated equipment.
- Home Equity Loans or HELOCs allow seniors with homes to borrow against the value of the property, which is especially useful if the home is already paid off.
- Personal Loans or Medical Financing through banks or senior assistance programs can provide fast access to funds.
- Manufacturer Financing Plans offered by the stair lift company are often competitive, including low- or no-interest monthly payment options.
Rebates or Tax Deductions are available to seniors whose stair lifts are deemed medically necessary by a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most insurances don’t cover the cost of a stair lift, but some forms of Medicaid, Veterans Administration programs, and state-based programs can help.
No, Medicare does not typically pay for stair lifts, as it is not considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
The best way to cover the cost of a stair lift without insurance depends on your circumstances. For example, if you are a veteran, you may be able to receive special benefits, whereas seniors who own their homes can always fall back on a Home Equity Loan. It’s important to understand your unique situation before you invest.
The cost to install a stair lift out of pocket is between $2,500 to $14,000, depending on several factors. Installation alone can add another $2,000 to the cost.
Yes, many manufacturers offer free quotes for stair lifts tailored to your personal needs and home layout. This then allows you to choose the most cost-effective models and companies.
Help us improve our cost data! Email your latest stair lift quote to [email protected]. Rest assured, your personal details will remain completely confidential.