Here at Lifton Home Elevators, we often receive enquires as to whether Medicare will cover the cost of their chosen home elevator, given perhaps they require one to address a mobility concern caused by illness or injury.

However, since Medicare is intended to fund treatments, services and equipment that are considered ‘medically necessary’, (usually prescribed by a physician) unfortunately a home elevator does not fall into this category.

Medicare Part B is available to cover items classed as durable medical equipment (DME) but usually this would not include any items such as home elevators (otherwise known as residential elevators) or even stair lifts.

DME includes items such as wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters, which can be claimed for through Medicare if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your home elevator however would be classed as a home modification that, despite enhancing accessibility and increasing safety, would not be considered to be similar to medical equipment in this way.

That is not to say that there is not a way in which you might be able to get some financial assistance. For many of our customers this is a crucial factor in deciding whether a home elevator is a suitable solution for them, so the below options are certainly worth investigating against your individual circumstances.

Medicaid

Depending on your state, some state Medicaid programs will offer waivers or specific benefits which may in fact cover the cost of certain home modifications, potentially including elevators If you are eligible.

Veterans Affairs Benefits

If you served in the military, as a veteran you might be eligible for a grant through Veterans Affairs. At the time of writing there are two different types of grant, which may be relevant depending on your situation. The Specially Adapted Housing grant (SAH) or the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant. If this applies to you, your local Veterans Office will be able to give you more information and help you make an application.

State Assistance programs

Assistance programs which will help to fund home modifications differ by state in terms of those which will provide financial support for those with disabilities or for Senior Citizens. Look out for local, state, or federal grants specifically designed for home modifications. For information about the assistance programs relevant in your state you should check with your state’s department of ageing or similar agency.

Non-profit organizations

Across the US there are various non-profit and charitable foundations that are willing to provide financial assistance for amends to the home required by people with disabilities. If there is a charity that relates to your circumstances be sure to check out their website to find out if any such grants exist for which you may be eligible. In some cases, a financial contribution or low interest loan via a charity is found to be an option.

Private insurance

Finally, check the small print of your insurance policies, it is just possible that as per some private long-term care insurance policies, yours may have a clause which relates to cover for necessary home modifications, though this would be unusual.

In summary, if you are considering a home elevator, Medicare will not directly cover the expenses. However, it is certainly worth exploring other funding options as outlined in this post or discussing it further with your health care provider to help you make the best decision.