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Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
No, Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) does not cover stair lifts, but Medicaid, VA programs, and other financial assistance programs may help pay for one.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Original Medicare doesn’t cover stair lifts, and most Medicare Advantage plans don’t either. However, some Medicare Advantage plans and other financial assistance programs may help cover the costs.
- Certain state Medicaid programs and assistance programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may help cover the cost of a stair lift if eligibility requirements are met.
- If you pay out of pocket for a stair lift, you may be able to deduct some or all of the expense if it qualifies as a medical expense under IRS Publication 502.
More than 68 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data. However, Original Medicare doesn’t cover new or used stair lifts. Medicare covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME), but stair lifts aren’t included because they’re considered home modifications rather than covered medical equipment.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay the full cost yourself. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental benefits that help pay for certain home modifications, although stair lift coverage is uncommon and varies by insurer. You can also find help through long-term care insurance and Medicaid programs in certain states. Here’s what you need to know about your coverage options.
Understanding Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Will Medicare pay for a stair lift? In most cases, no. Original Medicare doesn’t cover stair lifts because they aren’t considered durable medical equipment (DME). Examples of DME include:
- Wheelchairs
- Hospital beds
- Special monitoring equipment
Because stair lifts are considered home modifications rather than durable medical equipment, they aren’t covered under Original Medicare. Medigap plans also don’t cover stair lifts because they only help pay for Medicare-covered services.
Can I Get Coverage Through Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private health insurance that sometimes includes additional coverage when compared to Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), and some may offer Medicare supplemental insurance for medically necessary home modifications. However, stair lift or chair lift coverage varies by insurer and plan.
Whether your Medicare Advantage plan helps pay for a stair lift depends on the specific insurer and plan available where you live. Before enrolling in a plan, review the plan’s Evidence of Coverage or contact the insurer directly to determine whether stair lift benefits are available.
Medicare Advantage premiums vary by plan type and location and change each year.
| Plan Type | 2026 Average Monthly Premium | 2026 Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Local PPO | $18/month | $216/year |
| Regional PPO | $89/month | $1,068/year |
| HMO | $12/month | $144/year |
| All Plans | $15/month | $180/year |
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
Will Medicaid Pay For Stair Lifts?
Medicaid might cover your stair lift in some cases, especially if a doctor deems it a medical necessity due to limited mobility. Start your search for full or partial reimbursement through:
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers may help cover medically necessary home modifications, including stair lifts, in some states. Coverage varies by state and waiver program.
- Money Follows the Person (MFP) programs help eligible individuals transition from institutional care back into their homes. Depending on your state’s program, home modifications such as stair lifts may be covered if they’re considered medically necessary.
- State Medicaid personal care programs may also help pay for home accessibility improvements in certain situations. Eligibility and available benefits vary by state.
Other Financing Options For Your Stair Lift
If you can’t get your stair lift covered through Medicare Advantage or Medicaid, there may be other options available to you. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Long-Term Care Insurance may help cover the cost of a stair lift if it’s considered medically necessary and your policy includes home modification benefits. Coverage varies, so review your policy or speak with your provider to confirm eligibility.
- Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits, including Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS), Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants, and Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants, may help eligible veterans pay for stair lifts and other home accessibility improvements. You will likely qualify if you have disabilities, illnesses, or injuries related to your service.
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and other nonprofit organizations can help fund stair lifts as a home modification or refer you to other options.
- Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit HELOCs can be an option for seniors with high home equity who want to age in place while finding an effective way to pay for their stair lift.
- Financing plans from either your personal bank or the stair lift manufacturer can be a fast and easy way to access funds. However, always compare interest rates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Tax Deductions may apply to stair lifts if they qualify as deductible medical expenses under IRS Publication 502.
Bottom Line: Financial Assistance Can Help Reduce Stair Lift Costs
Although Original Medicare doesn’t cover mobility devices like stair lifts, financial assistance may still be available. Depending on your situation, Medicaid waiver programs, certain Medicare Advantage plans, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, nonprofit organizations, and financing options may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Even if you end up paying out of pocket, tax deductions and financing plans can help make a stair lift more affordable. Before making a purchase, take time to explore all your available resources as well as a warranty or extended protection plan—your mobility and safety at home are worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Medicare Covering the Cost of Stair Lifts
No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover new stair lifts or renting a stair lift because they’re considered home modifications rather than durable medical equipment (DME).
Some insurance plans, including certain Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid programs, and long-term care insurance policies, may help cover the cost of a stair lift. Coverage varies by plan and state.
Coverage depends on your specific Medicare Advantage plan. If stair lift benefits are available, you’ll typically need documentation from your healthcare provider showing the stair lift is medically necessary.
If insurance doesn’t cover your stair lift, consider Medicaid waiver programs, VA benefits, nonprofit assistance, financing plans, home equity options, or tax deductions if you qualify. For example, veterans can benefit from Veterans Administration (VA) grants, while seniors with paid-off homes can always fall back on a Home Equity Loan.
A professionally installed stair lift typically costs between $2,500 and $15,000 or more, depending on the type of stair lift, your staircase configuration, customization, and stairlift installation requirements. For example, curved staircases often require custom, curved lifts—which are more expensive.
Help us improve our cost data! Email your latest stair lift quote to [email protected]. Rest assured, your personal details will remain completely confidential.