Will Medicare Pay For a Wheelchair Lift?

Wheelchair users and their family members are always looking for accessible, affordable coverage, especially for essential mobility equipment like wheelchair lifts. Whether you need help outside, in the car, or in your home, Medicare Coverage can help. Medicare pays for many different wheelchair mobility devices, so long as they’re classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Additionally, there are other health insurances and programs that can help you address mobility challenges. Even if your wheelchair lift isn’t considered DME, some Medicare Advantage plans, state programs, and nonprofits will cover it as medically-necessary home modifications. Read on to discover what options are available to you as an older adult.

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When Does Medicare Cover Wheelchair Lifts?

Medicare provides federal health care services that cover any wheelchair lift classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). They can also be covered as medically-necessary home modifications, though most will fall under the former category.

Not sure if an individual lift is covered? Reach out to your insurance and healthcare providers to learn about covered lifts and DME suppliers.

Can I Get Coverage Through Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private option that provides more supplemental benefits than Original Medicare. For instance, many plans include Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs and medically necessary home modifications.

Part D can help you cover certain indoor and outdoor stair lifts that aren’t considered DME. However, most wheelchair lifts are considered DME, so it’s important to check Medicare coverage before you commit to deductibles and copays.

Ultimately, funding options through Medicare Advantage largely depend on your home state, with plans varying from region to region. Visit Medicare.gov for more information.

What Type of Lift is Covered By Medicare?

Medicare covers several different types of wheelchair lifts, as wheelchair accessibility often allows them to be categorized as DME. For example, coverage generally applies when the equipment helps you safely transfer between mobility devices or access essential areas in your home. Here are some common lift types that may qualify under Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans:

• Vertical platform lifts (VPLs): Usually covered on a case-by-case basis, but generally considered DME if they allow wheelchair users to safely enter or exit their homes. Please note that insurance may only cover the lift equipment, not installation costs.
• Patient lifts (Hoyer lifts): Clearly classified as DME under Medicare Part B, these systems help wheelchair users transfer safely between beds and chairs. Coverage generally includes both manual and electric models once your doctor provides a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN).
• Vehicle lifts: While typically not covered by Original Medicare because they fall outside DME guidelines, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) or VA programs offer partial reimbursement or grants.
• Stair lifts: Some wheelchair-accessible stair lifts are covered, but most standard models are not. Medicare Advantage plans and state Medicaid waivers are more likely to cover these systems when medically justified by your doctor.
• Outdoor wheelchair lifts: Similar to stair lifts, some outdoor wheelchair lifts are considered DME, while others are categorized as home modifications. Wheelchair users can generally get coverage if the lift provides medically necessary home access.

Will Medicare Cover Power-Operated Vehicles?

While different from wheelchair lifts, power-operated vehicles like scooters or power wheelchairs can also help seniors address mobility issues. However, Medicare is unlikely to provide coverage, as they fall under the power-operated vehicle categorization, rather than DME.

Acceptance based on doctor’s notes is rare, but your DME supplier will still submit a request to Medicare for coverage after you receive a prescription.

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Will Medicaid Pay For Wheelchair Lifts?

If you’re under 65 or don’t have access to Medicare for other reasons, your state’s Medicaid program will likely help you cover the cost of a wheelchair lift. For low-income seniors who qualify, it can provide full or partial reimbursement for medically-necessary home modifications through:

• Medicaid State Plan Personal Care programs in many states include home modification benefits—such as wheelchair lifts—under their standard Medicaid plan, separate from waivers.
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers are a state-based, reliable way to cover the cost of a wheelchair lift. They provide funds for seniors who want to age in place rather than move to a nursing home. Once your doctor and insurance provider deem the wheelchair lift medically necessary, you can get it covered in most states.
• Money Follows the Person (MFP) programs provide outpatient assistance for seniors returning home from institutional care or surgery. Wheelchair lifts are usually covered, as they’re medically necessary for helping seniors transition back to living at home.
• Veteran-Directed Care programs for seniors that qualify for both Medicaid and VA benefits offer flexible budgets that can be used toward wheelchair lifts and similar mobility aids.

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Other Wheelchair Lift Funding Options

If you don’t have access to Medicare or Medicaid, there are other ways you can reduce the cost of your new wheelchair lift. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Long-Term Care Insurance may cover wheelchair lifts that fall under home modifications and equipment benefits. However, coverage still varies by policy and provider.
• Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits are a great option for wheelchair users, especially if your injury or disability is the result of your service. Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS), Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants, and Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) can all provide assistance.
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and other nonprofit organizations can connect you with resources to help you cover and install wheelchair lifts.
• Home Equity Loans or HELOCs help wheelchair-bound homeowners tap their equity to cover wheelchair lifts out of pocket.
• Financing plans through your personal bank or wheelchair lift companies can provide fast and easy funds, but be mindful of high interest rates or lengthy loan terms.
• Tax Deductions often apply to wheelchair lifts if they fall under IRS Publication 502’s list of deductible medical expenses.

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The Bottom Line

In all likelihood, Medicare will pay for your wheelchair lift as long as it falls under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) category. However, lifts that don’t fall under that classification but are considered medically necessary home modifications can also qualify under Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans. Ultimately, it’s important to discuss your ideal lift and medical needs with your healthcare and insurance providers beforehand, so you can clearly determine if the system is covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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