Does Insurance Cover Stair Lifts?

Stair lifts give users the freedom to move safely throughout their homes, ensuring they can stay independent without major renovations. They provide an affordable, hassle-free solution for regaining access to every floor of a multi-story home.

Of course, the cost of installing a stair lift is still something that needs to be addressed, especially for those on a fixed retirement income. This raises an important question: Does insurance cover stair lifts?

While health insurance plans don’t typically cover stair lift installation, there are alternative ways to fund this important home amenity. Here’s what you need to know about stair lifts and insurance.

Are Stair Lifts Covered by Insurance?

Unfortunately, stair lifts are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare.

“But wait.” You may be thinking, “I know a friend who got a lift chair covered by Medicare!”

That’s because Medicare classifies items like lift chairs (chairs designed to help you stand up) or patient lifts differently than stair lifts. Those are categorized as medical devices, while stair lifts are considered a “home modification,” which falls outside the scope of most health insurance.

Alternative Solutions to Pay for a Stair Lift

However, insurance isn’t the only way to pay for home modifications like stair lifts or home elevators. You may be able to explore several avenues for help with this expense. Below are a few examples, but see our complete list of ways to pay for a stair lift for more.

VA Assistance

Veterans with service-related disabilities have access to a range of benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sometimes this can include helping with paying for home modifications to overcome mobility challenges. Stair lifts often qualify for aid—check with your local VA office to confirm.

Workers’ Compensation

If your mobility limitations result from a work-related injury, you may be able to get your stair lift installation covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Your doctor will need to vouch for the lift as a medical necessity, and other state-specific rules may apply.

Medicaid Waivers

While Medicare doesn’t typically cover stair lifts, Medicaid sometimes does pay for this type of equipment. Medicaid’s home and community-based services (HCBS) program covers the costs of various home services, including stair lifts. You’ll need to qualify for Medicaid based on your income—and eligibility requirements vary by state.

Financing

Even if you can’t get your stair lift paid for outright, you may be able to ease the financial burden and spread the cost over time:

• Home improvement micro-loans are a type of personal loan designed for small home improvement projects, while home equity loans let you tap into your home equity to finance your stair lift installation. Both loan types offer low interest rates and reasonable repayment terms. 

For an even easier option, Arrow Lift® can help you finance the cost of your lift through the nation’s leading consumer finance company.

Want to learn more about financing your stair lift installation?

Cost Comparisons of Stair Lift Alternatives

If the cost of a stair lift feels overwhelming, consider evaluating the price of other options.

Most new straight stair lifts cost between $3,000 and $7,000. How does that compare to alternatives you might explore?

Installing a first-floor addition with a bathroom can easily exceed $15,000. Likewise, assisted living costs about $5,676 per month, so you’d quickly surpass the expense of a stair lift if you moved into a facility. 

By comparison, stair lifts are relatively affordable. They require no construction, and you’ll be up and running quickly. And, in many cases, they’re a tax-deductible expense.

Explore Affordable Stair Lift Options

Like any home modification, stair lifts come with a cost. But that price tag is much lower than other options for restoring your mobility, and there are many ways to make stair lift installation more affordable.

While not covered by insurance, stair lifts are almost always the most cost-effective way to remain in your home and safely access multiple floors.

Arrow Lift® offers professional stair lift installation services, and our Consultants can help you find the most affordable option for your situation.