Securing mobility and safety in your home is crucial as we and our loved ones age or face temporary health challenges. But given that stair lifts can range from $2,500 to over $15,000 (and even $30,000+ for complex custom installations) (getsafe.com), it’s natural to wonder if insurance can help. Here’s a clear breakdown of who covers what—and options if they don’t.
1. Original Medicare & Medigap: No Coverage for Stair Lifts
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A & B)—and by extension Medigap supplemental plans—do not cover stair lifts. Medicare classifies them as “home modifications” instead of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which means they fall outside the scope of what’s covered (optionshme.com). While Medicare will cover items like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen, anything that permanently attaches to your home—like a stair lift—will not be paid for.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C): Possible, but Not Guaranteed
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer stair lift coverage, but it’s far from universal. Since 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have allowed MA plans to include additional “daily maintenance” benefits, which can sometimes encompass medically necessary stair lifts (payingforseniorcare.com). Coverage, however, depends on your plan and insurer. If you have MA, check your Summary of Benefits or call member services to verify eligibility.
3. Medicaid & State Home-Based Waivers
For individuals eligible for Medicaid, there’s a strong chance stair lifts can be covered. Many states include stair lift installation under Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which are designed to help people stay at home instead of moving to nursing facilities (payingforseniorcare.com). Coverage specifics vary by state, so contact Michigan Medicaid or your caseworker to see if stair lifts are eligible under your waiver program.
4. Other Insurance Sources: Veterans’ Benefits & LTC Policies
Additional funding options may come from non-traditional sources:
- Veterans Affairs (VA) offers grants such as the Specially Adapted Housing or Home Improvements and Structural Alterations programs, which can cover stair lifts for qualifying veterans (unitedaccess.com).
- Private long‑term care (LTC) insurance may include coverage for home modifications if they help beneficiaries stay independent in their homes.
- Workers’ compensation, auto accident policies, or catastrophic injury plans might offer coverage if the need stems from an injury (lifewaymobility.com).
While Original Medicare and typical health insurance won’t cover stair lifts, there are still viable routes—Medicare Advantage, Medicaid waivers, VA grants, LTC policies, or financing/rental options—to make stairs accessible and safe. At Stairlifts of Michigan, we’re happy to help you explore these paths. Contact us for a free consultation—we can review your insurance, discuss local waiver options, and help you choose a stair lift that fits your needs and budget.
