Stairlifts can restore independence, but traditional Medicare typically won’t pay for them. This article explains why Medicare excludes stairlifts, what other public and private programs may help, and step-by-step funding strategies — from Medicaid waivers and VA benefits to grants, tax deductions, loans, manufacturer financing, and Medicare Advantage options — so you can plan and appeal effectively.
Why Medicare Doesn’t Cover Stairlifts
Understanding why Medicare refuses to pay for stairlifts requires a look at how the federal government defines medical equipment. Most people assume that if a doctor says you need a device to stay safe at home, Medicare will cover it. This is not how the system works. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment, which is often called DME. For any item to fall under this category, it must meet a very strict set of five criteria. The equipment must be durable, meaning it can withstand repeated use for at least three years. It must be used for a medical reason. It must not be useful to someone who is not sick or injured. It must be used inside the home. Finally, a physician must prescribe it as part of a treatment plan. While a stairlift is durable and prescribed by doctors, it fails the other tests in the eyes of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS.
The Legal Distinction Between DME and Home Modifications
The primary reason for denial is that Medicare classifies stairlifts as home modifications or structural alterations. This is a critical legal distinction found in the CMS Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, specifically in Chapter 15, Section 110.1. This policy states that items that are physical attachments to the home or that change the structure of the building do not count as durable medical equipment. Because a stairlift requires a rail system bolted to the stair treads, it becomes a permanent part of the house. Medicare views this the same way it views a walk-in tub or a wheelchair ramp. These items improve the environment, but they are not considered primarily medical in nature. According to GoodRx, current policy treats these devices as home improvements rather than medical necessities, which effectively blocks standard reimbursement paths.
National and Local Coverage Determinations
CMS uses National Coverage Determinations, or NCDs, to set rules for the entire country. Currently, there is no NCD that approves stairlifts as a covered benefit. In the absence of a national rule, Medicare Administrative Contractors, known as MACs, create Local Coverage Determinations, or LCDs. These regional contractors handle the actual processing of claims. Even at the local level, contractors consistently exclude stairlifts. For example, the Novitas local policy for the Northeast and the CGS policy for the Midwest both explicitly state that elevators or stairway chairlifts are not covered because they are considered “convenience items” or “environmental control equipment.” They argue that these devices do not treat a specific illness or injury in the same way a ventilator or a hospital bed does. This interpretation remains a major hurdle for seniors in 2025.
HCPCS Codes and Billing Realities
Every piece of medical equipment has a specific code used for billing. This is called a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code, or HCPCS code. A significant issue for stairlifts is the lack of a valid, reimbursable code in the Durable Medical Equipment fee schedule. While some suppliers may attempt to use miscellaneous codes or incorrect codes (such as E0160, which is actually for a portable sitz bath), these claims trigger automatic denials. There is no price listed in the Medicare fee schedule for stairlifts because they are marked as a non-covered service. Some people try to use codes for “patient lifts,” such as E0630 or E0635, to get coverage. However, these codes are reserved for portable hydraulic lifts or ceiling lifts that move a person from a bed to a chair. They are not intended for moving a person between floors. If a supplier tries to bill a stairlift under a patient lift code, it is often flagged as fraud or improper billing during an audit.
| Equipment Type | Medicare Classification | Coverage Status (Part B) | Typical HCPCS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stairlift | Home Modification | Not Covered | N/A (Excluded) |
| Portable Patient Lift | Durable Medical Equipment | 80% Covered | E0630 |
| Wheelchair | Durable Medical Equipment | 80% Covered | K0001 |
| Ceiling Lift (Fixed) | Structural Alteration | Not Covered | E0635 |
| Lift Chair (Mechanism Only) | Durable Medical Equipment | Partial Coverage | E0627 |
The Narrow Exception of Patient Lifts
There are very rare cases where a lift might be covered, but it is almost never a traditional stairlift. Medicare sometimes pays for ceiling lifts or “Hoyer” lifts if they are free-standing and not bolted to the walls. These devices are used to transfer a patient who is completely non-ambulatory. To qualify, the medical records must show that the patient is bed-confined and cannot be moved by any other means. Even then, Medicare only pays for the lifting mechanism. It does not pay for the installation or any tracks that are permanently attached to the ceiling. This distinction is why Lifeway Mobility and other experts note that the short answer for stairlift coverage remains a firm no.
Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Benefits in 2025
While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is rigid, Medicare Advantage plans offer a different path. As of late 2025, about 54 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in these private plans. Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything that Original Medicare covers, but they are allowed to offer “extra” benefits. Some plans now include Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill, or SSBCI. These benefits can include non-medical home modifications if the item has a reasonable expectation of improving the health or function of a person with a chronic condition. A plan might offer a one-time allowance of $2,000 for home safety. This could be applied toward a stairlift. You must check your specific Evidence of Coverage document to see if your plan includes these “primarily health-related” supplemental benefits. These rules vary by state and by the specific insurance company.
Real-World Denial Rationales
Insurance companies look for any reason to classify a device as a luxury or a convenience rather than a necessity. Consider the case of a 75-year-old woman in New York with severe osteoarthritis in both knees. Her doctor prescribed a stairlift because she could no longer reach her bedroom on the second floor. Medicare denied the claim. The rationale was that a stairlift is a “convenience” because the patient could theoretically move her bed to the first floor. The insurer argued that the structure of the home is a personal choice, not a medical requirement. In another case, a veteran was denied because he could still use a walker on flat surfaces. The insurer claimed that since he was not “non-ambulatory,” the stairlift was not the “least costly alternative.” They suggested he purchase a second walker for the upstairs instead of installing a lift.
Evidence Required for Any Potential Appeal
If you are attempting to get a Medicare Advantage plan to pay for a lift, the documentation must be perfect. Insurers look for a functional assessment from an occupational therapist. This assessment often includes a Timed Up and Go test, or TUG test. If the score shows a high risk of falls, it strengthens the case. The physician’s order must be specific. It should state that the patient is at risk of institutionalization without the device. It should also explain why other mobility aids, such as canes or walkers, have failed to provide safety on stairs. Photos of the staircase and a detailed quote from a certified installer are also necessary. Even with this evidence, many initial claims are denied on the grounds that the device is a structural change to the property. This is why many families look toward the alternative funding options discussed in the next section of this guide.
How to Verify Coverage for Your Situation
To be certain about your specific situation, you should visit the official Medicare.gov DME coverage page. You can also look at the CMS Medicare Benefit Policy Manual online. If you have a private Medicare Advantage plan, call the member services number on the back of your card. Ask specifically about “supplemental home safety benefits” or “SSBCI.” Do not just ask if they cover stairlifts, as the answer will likely be no. Ask if there is a “flex account” or a “home modification allowance” that can be used for mobility equipment. Since it is now December 2025, many plans have updated their 2026 benefit packages. Checking the Plan Finder tool on the Medicare website can show which plans in your zip code offer the most robust support for aging in place.
How to Pay for a Stairlift Without Medicare
Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Benefits
Checking Your Plan for Extra Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies. These plans must cover everything that original Medicare covers. Many of them now offer extra benefits that go beyond the basics. About 54 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in these plans as of late 2025. Some plans include a benefit called Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill. This is often referred to as SSBCI. These benefits are designed for people with complex health needs. They can pay for non-medical items like home safety modifications. This includes stairlifts if they help you stay in your home safely. You should look at your Evidence of Coverage document to see if this is included. Look for sections labeled home environmental modifications or over the counter allowances. Some plans provide a one-time allowance of up to 2,000 dollars for these projects. You must request a formal benefit determination before you buy the equipment. The plan will usually require a prior authorization. This process can take 5 to 30 days. If you want to compare how different plans handle these extras, you can look at resources like ConsumerAffairs for general guidance on plan differences.
Medicaid Options and State Waivers
Navigating State Specific Programs
Medicaid does not have a federal rule that requires coverage for stairlifts. However, most states offer help through Home and Community Based Services. These are known as HCBS waivers or 1915(c) waivers. These programs aim to keep seniors out of nursing homes by funding home changes. In Indiana, the Aged and Disabled Waiver is a common path. In Wisconsin, the IRIS program provides a budget that you can use for a lift. You should be aware that these programs often have strict income and asset limits. For example, the asset limit for an individual is often 2,000 dollars. There are also long waitlists in many states. National data shows about 500,000 people are waiting for waiver slots. The wait can last from 6 months to 2 years. You will need to meet with a case manager for a functional assessment. They will look at your ability to perform daily tasks. If you are approved, Medicaid might pay the full cost of the lift and the installation. You can find your state specific rules on the official Medicaid website.
Veterans Benefits and Grants
Funding for Those Who Served
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several grants for home modifications. The Specially Adapted Housing grant is the largest. It is known as the SAH grant. For the 2025 fiscal year, the maximum amount is 117,014 dollars. This is for veterans with permanent service connected disabilities. The Special Home Adaptation grant is another option. It is called the SHA grant. It provides up to 23,404 dollars for 2025. This grant is for veterans with specific disabilities like blindness or the loss of use of hands. If you do not qualify for these grants, you might use the Aid and Attendance benefit. This is a monthly increase in your VA pension. It can provide up to 2,727 dollars per month. This extra income can be used to finance a stairlift. The application process for VA benefits is thorough. It usually takes about 125 days to process a claim. You will need to provide medical records and proof of your service history.
| VA Grant Type | Maximum Amount (2025) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) | $117,014 | Severe service-connected mobility loss |
| Special Home Adaptation (SHA) | $23,404 | Specific permanent disabilities |
| Aid & Attendance (Monthly) | $2,727 | General assistance with daily living |
State and Local Assistance Programs
Community Resources and Assistive Technology
Area Agencies on Aging are vital resources for local funding. They are often called AAAs. These agencies receive federal money through Title IIIB of the Older Americans Act. They use this money for home repair programs for seniors. Some local offices provide grants of up to 5,000 dollars for safety modifications. You can find your local office by calling the Eldercare Locator. Every state also operates an Assistive Technology Act program. These programs offer low interest loans for equipment like stairlifts. The interest rates are typically between 3 and 8 percent. These loans are often easier to get than traditional bank loans. Community Development Block Grants are another source. These are called CDBG funds. They are managed by local city or county governments. They are meant for low income homeowners. The eligibility is usually based on having an income below 80 percent of the area median income.
Nonprofit Grants and Charitable Resources
National and Regional Support Groups
Several nonprofit organizations help with home accessibility. Rebuilding Together is a major national group. They provide free home repairs for low income seniors and veterans. They complete about 10,000 projects every year. The average value of their repairs is around 8,500 dollars. Modest Needs is another organization that offers small grants. They focus on people who are just above the poverty line but need help with a one-time expense. Their grants are usually between 1,000 and 2,000 dollars. Habitat for Humanity has an Aging in Place program in many cities. They work with seniors to make their homes safer. This often includes installing ramps or lifts. You will need to fill out an application and provide proof of your income for these programs. The process can take several months because they rely on volunteers and donations.
Tax and Medical Account Options
Using IRS Rules to Lower Costs
You can often deduct the cost of a stairlift as a medical expense. IRS Publication 502 outlines these rules. The lift must be installed primarily for medical care. You can only deduct the portion of the cost that exceeds 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your income is 50,000 dollars, the first 3,750 dollars of medical costs are not deductible. If a lift costs 5,000 dollars, you might be able to deduct 1,250 dollars. This can result in significant tax savings. You can also use funds from a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account. These are known as HSAs and FSAs. For 2025, the HSA contribution limit for an individual over 65 is 4,300 dollars (plus catch-up contributions). You will need a letter of medical necessity from your doctor to use these funds. This letter should state that the lift is required to treat a specific medical condition like severe arthritis. For more on how Medicare views these devices, you can check GoodRx to confirm why they are usually seen as home modifications rather than medical equipment.
Financing and Purchase Strategies
Loans and Rental Agreements
Many people choose to finance their stairlift to spread out the cost. CareCredit is a popular medical credit card. They often offer 0 percent interest for 12 to 24 months on purchases up to 5,000 dollars. Many manufacturers also offer their own financing plans. For example, some companies provide 0 percent interest for the first year on units over 3,000 dollars. A Home Equity Line of Credit is another option. This is called a HELOC. The average interest rate for a HELOC is around 8.5 percent at the end of 2025. Personal loans are also available. These usually have higher rates of about 12.5 percent. If you only need the lift for a short time, you might consider a rental. Rental costs are usually between 250 and 400 dollars per month. You will likely have to pay an installation fee and a refundable deposit of 500 to 1,000 dollars.
Cost Saving Tactics
Comparing Units and Negotiating Prices
Buying a used stairlift can save you 40 to 60 percent. A used straight unit might cost between 1,000 and 3,000 dollars. You should only buy used equipment from a professional dealer. They will inspect the motor and the battery before selling it. You should always get at least three quotes from different suppliers. This allows you to compare the price of the unit and the labor. Installation labor usually accounts for 20 to 30 percent of the total cost. You can often negotiate a 5 to 10 percent discount by showing a lower quote from a competitor. Bundling the installation with other home repairs can also save money. If you have a very simple staircase, a straight lift is much cheaper than a curved one. Curved lifts are custom made and can cost up to 12,000 dollars.
Practical Funding Checklist
Use this list to organize your search for funding. Tracking your progress will help you stay on schedule.
- Contact your local SHIP counselor to discuss Medicare Advantage or Medicaid options.
- Obtain a letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician.
- Schedule a functional evaluation with an Occupational Therapist to document your mobility needs.
- Request the Evidence of Coverage document from your insurance provider.
- Call the VA at 877-222-8387 if you are a veteran to check grant eligibility.
- Contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to find your Area Agency on Aging.
- Gather three written quotes that include the model number and installation labor.
- Take photos of your staircase to include with grant or waiver applications.
- Check your adjusted gross income to calculate potential tax deductions.
- Keep a log of every person you speak with and the date of the conversation.
Practical Documentation and Appeals Guide
Navigating the world of home mobility can feel like learning a new language. When you are trying to figure out how to stay in the home you love, the paperwork and rules often stand in the way. I have gathered the most critical documentation strategies and appeal steps based on the current 2025 regulations.
What documentation proves medical necessity?
To get any insurance or grant to pay, you need a solid paper trail. This includes a formal prescription from your doctor and a functional evaluation from an occupational therapist. The therapist should use standardized tests, such as the Timed Up and Go test, to show you are at a high risk of falling. You should also include photos of your stairs and a written statement explaining how the lack of a lift limits your daily activities like bathing or sleeping. Having a complete packet of these documents ready will speed up any application or appeal.
How do I get a physician to write the right letter?
Doctors are busy, so it helps to provide them with a draft or a list of points to include. The letter must be specific. It should mention your diagnosis, your specific physical limitations, and why other devices like walkers are not enough. Here is a sample of the wording you can use.
Patient Name: [Name] Date: December 24, 2025 The patient suffers from severe osteoarthritis and has a history of falls. Due to significant muscle weakness and joint pain, the patient is unable to safely navigate the stairs in their home. A stairlift is medically necessary to allow the patient to access their bedroom and bathroom. Alternative mobility aids, such as a walker, are insufficient for vertical transport. Signed, [Doctor Name]
What should be included in a quote and installer contract?
Never accept a verbal quote. A professional quote should list the specific model and the weight capacity. It must also break down the costs for the equipment and the labor. Ensure the contract includes a timeline for installation and a clear warranty policy. Most reputable companies offer at least a five year warranty on the track and two years on the motor. You should also look for a clause that allows you to cancel within 72 hours of signing. Getting at least three quotes is the best way to ensure you are getting a fair price.
How do I appeal an insurer denial?
If your claim is denied, do not give up. You have 120 days to file a redetermination request with Original Medicare. For Medicare Advantage, the timeline is usually 60 days. Your appeal should address the specific reason for the denial. If they say it is not medically necessary, provide more evidence from your therapist. Use direct language in your appeal letter.
I am appealing the denial of claim [Number]. The stairlift is not a standard home improvement but a medical necessity prescribed to prevent further injury. Attached is a functional assessment showing a high fall risk. I request a review of this determination based on the attached medical evidence.
Are vehicle lifts and stairlifts different for coverage purposes?
Vehicle lifts are sometimes covered under different rules. While a stairlift is for the home, a vehicle lift helps you transport a wheelchair or scooter. Some insurance plans view vehicle lifts as essential for community mobility. Medicare rarely covers them, but some Medicare Advantage plans and many vocational rehabilitation programs will pay for them. If you need a lift for your car, you should look into the manufacturer’s mobility programs. Many car companies offer rebates of up to one thousand dollars for installing adaptive equipment in a new vehicle.
Every situation is unique and depends on your health and your location. If you feel overwhelmed, your first call should be to your local SHIP office. They provide free, unbiased counseling to help you navigate these complex rules. You can also find help through the State Assistive Technology Program, which often has loan programs for equipment. Staying persistent with your documentation and exploring every grant option is the key to getting the funding you need.
Conclusions and Next Steps
Finding a way to pay for a stairlift often feels like a full time job. While Original Medicare classifies these devices as home modifications and excludes them from coverage, you have several other paths to explore. Many people find success by looking at Medicare Advantage plans, which may offer home safety modifications or Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill. Medicaid waivers, VA grants, and tax deductions also provide significant financial relief for those who qualify.
Your 8 Step Action Plan
Step 1. Get a professional assessment
Ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist. Medicare Part B usually covers this evaluation. The therapist will look at your home and your physical limits. They will write a report explaining why a stairlift is the only safe way for you to move between floors. This document is the foundation of every application or appeal you will file.
Step 2. Obtain a formal physician order
Take the therapist report to your primary care doctor. Ask them to write a formal prescription and a letter of medical necessity. The letter should state your diagnosis. It should explain that other aids like walkers or canes are not enough to keep you safe on stairs. It must be signed and dated. For 2025, make sure the date is current within the last 60 days.
Step 3. Collect multiple written quotes
Contact at least three local installers. Ask for itemized quotes that include the price of the lift and the cost of labor. Ensure the quotes specify the model and the warranty terms. Having multiple quotes helps you negotiate. It also proves to grant organizations that you are looking for a fair price. Most quotes are valid for 30 to 60 days.
Step 4. Verify insurance and government benefits
Call your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid case manager. Ask specifically about environmental accessibility benefits. If you are a veteran, contact your regional VA office. Do not assume you are ineligible. Rules change every year. The 2025 benefit guides may have options that were not available when you last checked.
Step 5. Contact local support agencies
Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. They often have small grants or sliding scale programs for home repairs. You should also find your State Assistive Technology Program. These programs often offer low interest loans. Some even have equipment loan closets where you might find a used lift for a fraction of the price.
Step 6. Apply for nonprofit grants
Look into organizations like Rebuilding Together or Modest Needs. These groups help seniors with home modifications to prevent falls. Be ready to provide your financial records and the medical letters you gathered in steps one and two. These applications take time. Start them as soon as you have your quotes.
Step 7. File for benefit determinations
Submit your claims to your insurance or the VA. If they deny the request, do not give up. Many initial denials are based on simple paperwork errors. You have the right to appeal. Use the language from your therapist report to argue your case. Mention that a stairlift is a cost effective way to prevent a hospital stay from a fall.
Step 8. Schedule the installation
Once your funding is secured, choose your installer. Make sure they are certified. A straight stairlift usually takes one day to install. A curved lift might take longer. Do not pay the full amount upfront. A standard practice is to pay a deposit and then the balance once the work is finished and you have been trained on how to use the lift.
Resources and Contacts
Medicare and Insurance Help
You can visit GoodRx for a breakdown of why Original Medicare excludes these devices. For personalized help, call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-MEDICARE. They provide free counseling to help you understand your specific plan benefits.
Aging and Disability Services
The Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 will connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also find your State Assistive Technology Program through the AT3 Center website. These offices are the best place to find local grants and equipment loan programs.
Veteran Benefits
Veterans should call the VA Benefits line at 1-877-222-8387. You can also go to the VA website to learn about the Specially Adapted Housing program. They have staff members who can walk you through the application process for home modifications.
Technical Information
If you want to see how stairlifts are categorized, you can check resources like DME Elevators and Lifts. They explain the difference between durable medical equipment and home alterations. This information is useful when you are writing an appeal letter.
Persistence is the most important part of this process. You will likely hear the word no several times before you get a yes. Keep every piece of paper. Save every email. Document every phone call with names and dates. If a program denies you, ask for the specific reason in writing. Often, a small change in the wording of your doctor’s letter can turn a denial into an approval. Local nonprofits and community groups are often more flexible than big insurance companies. Reach out to them and explain your situation clearly. You are not just buying a piece of equipment. You are investing in your ability to stay in your own home safely.
Sources
- Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? No – GoodRx — No. Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts. Under current Medicare policy, stair lifts are viewed as home modifications and not durable medical equipment.
- Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts in 2025? – DME Elevators & Lifts — Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of stair lifts. This is because stair lifts are not considered to be durable medical equipment according to …
- Are Stair Lifts Covered by Medicare? — Stair lifts, unfortunately, are not covered by Medicare (Part A or Part B) because they aren't considered durable medical equipment (DME).
- Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? Your Guide for 2025 – Mair Agency — What Medicare covers: The lifting mechanism (usually around $300-400); What you pay for: The chair itself, fabric, cushions, massage features, and any other …
- Does Medicare Cover Stairlifts? – United Access — Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts. Medicare considers stair lifts as home modifications rather than durable medical equipment.
- Are Stair Lifts Covered by Medicare? – Options HME — The short answer is no. Stair lifts are not covered by Medicare because Medicare identifies a stair lift as a home modification rather than Durable Medical …
- Does Medicare Cover Stairlifts? – Lifeway Mobility — Unfortunately, the short & quick answer is no, Medicare does not cover the installation of a stairlift. Why Doesn't Medicare Pay for Stairlifts?
- Medicare coverage for stair lifts – Medical News Today — Medicare coverage does not include stair lifts, as they are considered home modifications or assistive devices rather than durable medical equipment (DME).
- Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? | ConsumerAffairs® — Medicare doesn't cover stair lifts because they don't qualify as durable medical equipment (DME). · If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you …
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