Does Medicare Pay For Stair Lifts For Seniors

And since original medicare does not offer assistance with stairlifts neither will providers of supplemental or medigap insurance.

Does medicare pay for stair lifts for seniors.

Medicare s part b includes coverage for durable medical equipment dme such as wheelchairs and walkers but stair lifts are usually not included in these benefits. They see it as more of a tool for convenience instead of a medically necessary piece of equipment. But medicare advantage plans may cover the cost. It is logical to begin here as it is a common question relevant to most american seniors.

Stair lifts are considered a home modification which isn t covered under medicare guidelines. After 13 months you may get to keep the equipment with no additional rental fees. Patient lifts medicare part b medical insurance covers patient lifts as durable medical equipment dme that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Yes lift chairs are covered by part b of your medicare coverage.

Medicare may also pay a portion of the cost to maintain and or repair your lift chair. However medicare is not the only option. Under newly formulated rules for medicare advantage plans however there is a possibility that these plans could begin to help seniors with what s known as daily maintenance expenses a category which very likely include stairlift expenses. Paying for a stair lift stair lifts can cost thousands of dollars and many seniors wonder if medicare will help cover the cost.

They are considered durable medical equipment dme used to treat certain conditions like arthritis or other balance or mobility issues. These standards should be included in any medicare advantage plan too. There is one possible exception to this rule in regards to original medicare. As a general rule medicare coverage will not pay for a stairlift.

While medicare typically won t pay for a lift chair in full medicare part b medical insurance or medicare part c medicare advantage may cover the seat lift mechanism as durable medical equipment dme if your doctor determines that it s medically necessary and will help your condition. Medicare supplemental medigap insurance does not cover stairlifts. Although it s not a common occurence some private health insurance or long term care insurance plans could help pay for stairlifts. Your costs in original medicare if your supplier accepts assignment you pay 20 of the medicare approved amount and the part b deductible applies.

It may require some perseverance and negotiation but be sure to emphasize the importance of a stairlift and its ability to help you age comfortably and safely in your own home. The short uncomplicated answer is for all practical purposes original medicare does not pay for stair lifts. Medicare supplement insurance is designed to assist with deductibles and copays for goods and services that are covered by original medicare.