Does Medicare cover stairlifts? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like.
To provide clarity, we’ll explore what Medicare covers, how Medicare Advantage plans may help, and a list of financing options for stair lifts.
What is a Stair Lift?
A stair lift is a mobility device that carries a person up and down the stairs in a chair. A professional installs the device on a stairway, and it uses a track to move up and down safely.
Navigating stairs can be daunting for many individuals facing mobility challenges. Stairlifts, also known as stair elevators or stair gliders, offer a practical solution by providing a safe and convenient way to move between different levels of a home.
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lift in 2025
Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals 65 and older, typically covers certain durable medical equipment (DME) deemed medically necessary. This includes items such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. However, the situation is more nuanced when it comes to stair lifts.
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of stairlifts because they are often considered to be for convenience rather than medical necessity. Representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have shared that stair lifts are typically considered home modifications rather than durable medical equipment (DME), so Medicare won’t cover it.
Since Medicare’s coverage primarily focuses on services and equipment directly related to medical needs and treatments, items like stair lifts may not meet the coverage criteria.
However, it’s essential to note that there can be exceptions and variations in coverage depending on individual circumstances and specific Medicare Advantage plans.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for certain home modifications or assistive devices that enhance mobility, including stair lifts. It’s advisable to carefully review the details of your Medicare plan or consult with your insurance provider to explore any available coverage options.
Average Stair Lift Pricing in 2025
In Kansas and Missouri, the average cost for stair lifts in 2025 is between $3,400 and $10,000 for straight stair lifts and $10,000 to $27,000 for curved stair lifts.
The cost of a stair lift depends on factors such as upgrades, stair lift models, taxes, staircase design, labor costs, and necessary permits.
Financing Options for Stair Lifts
For individuals seeking financial assistance with the cost of a stair lift, there are alternative avenues to explore. Some state Medicaid programs may offer coverage for home modifications and assistive devices, including stair lifts, for eligible individuals with demonstrated financial need.
Nonprofit organizations and foundations also provide grants or financial assistance to help individuals afford essential home modifications and mobility aids. Here are the best ways to find payment assistance for stair lifts in Kansas and Missouri.
Financing Options for Stair Lifts in 2025:
- Medicaid: Those with Medicaid coverage may have their chair lift for stairs covered through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) or HCBS grants. Find payment assistance for your stair lift with HCBS grants in Kansas with the Frail Elderly (FE) Program or HCBS in Missouri.
- National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources: This organization shares a nationwide list of various types of state-specific assistance, such as grants. To find financial support, browse the Kansas Home Modification and Repair page and the Missouri Home Modification and Repair page.
- Department of Housing and Urban Development Office (HUD): Some states provide financial help for home modifications for seniors or people with disabilities. Benefits may include installing stair lifts and other mobility aids. Contact your local HUD office to learn more about their programs: Kansas HUD and Missouri HUD.
- Veterans Health Administration: Veterans may be eligible for a stair lift grant, and veterans with a severe disability are eligible for extensive home modifications. Contact your local or state VA office to learn more.
- Private medical insurance companies: Individuals with private health insurance plans should check their policy to see if it covers stair lifts. To qualify, your insurance may require a statement from a medical professional verifying you need this medical device.
- Local Area Agencies on Aging: Local Area Agencies on Aging offer resources for those looking for funding for aging-related needs. Learn more from local Kansas Area Agencies on Aging and Missouri Area Agencies on Aging to explore financing options.
- Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization that helps older adults in need cover home modifications and home repairs.
Other Financing Options for Stair Lifts
Independent Home Solutions offers special financing options to anyone in our Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Missouri service areas.
Missouri and Kansas residents can apply for financing on Wisetack. Complete the form to see if you qualify. Different rates apply depending on your credit score, different rates apply.
Visit our financing solutions information page to learn about the offer.
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts: FAQs
What types of mobility aids will Medicare cover?
Medicare covers certain types of durable medical equipment (DME) and devices.
How much does it cost to install stairlifts?
Installation costs are typically bundled into the overall cost of stair lifts. The average cost of a standard stair lift is between $3,400 and $10,000.
Are there alternatives to stair lifts?
Yes, other mobility devices can help older adults safely get up and down stairs. Alternatives to stair lifts include home elevators or platform lifts, handrails, grab bars, stair climbing tools such as half-step stair climbing aids, and larger home modifications such as relocating a bedroom to the main floor or moving into an assisted living facility.
Does insurance cover stairlift costs?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover the cost of stair lifts. We recommend speaking to your insurance provider to learn what your insurance plan covers.
How can I find a trustworthy stairlift company in Kansas?
Stair lifts become an essential part of the home for aging adults and should always be installed by licensed professionals. Our team of experts at Independent Home Solutions can install your stair lift and make sure you understand how it works before we leave.
Get your free estimate to see how affordable it is for your house. Our service areas include Fairway, Kansas City, Leawood, Lenexa, Mission, Mission Hills, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Roeland Park, and Westwood in Kansas and Blue Springs, Belton, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Independence, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, and Waldo in Missouri.
