Average Cost Of Stair Lifts
The average cost of a stair lift is about $7,000. Given this cost, you can quickly see why it would be helpful to have insurance coverage for this device. The cost of stair lifts can range from just over $2,000 to nearly $20,000. Several factors affect the total cost. First, the height and configuration of the stairs in your home have a significant effect on the cost of the lift. The more stairs you have, the higher the cost is likely to be. Also, if your stairs are too narrow or if you have a curved staircase, the lift is likely to be more expensive. The installation will be more difficult on narrow steps, so the cost will increase.
The price of the lift is also affected by the number of features included with it. A simple plastic chair attached to the lift usually costs less. However, chairs that raise and lower to make getting into and out of the lift easier will cost more. Your location can also affect the cost of the lift, as the labor to install the product is more expensive in some areas than others. If you are considering a stair lift, you should find someone in your area who sells and installs the devices. They can provide you with a more exact quote of how much the total cost would be to install a stair lift in your home.
Stair Lift Installation Costs
Many stair lift manufacturers include installation costs in the overall price and contract a technician to install the stair lift in your home. Otherwise, you should expect to pay between $75 and $100 per hour to have the lift professionally installed, or between $1,000 and $5,000 in total. You may need to pay more if your stairs are particularly steep or you require additional electrical or structural work, such as rewiring.
What Will A Stair Lift Cost
The answer here will depend on the type of stair lift you choose, along with other factors, including:
- The length of the staircase Most stair lifts have enough track to handle 15 feet of steps. Longer stairways will mean buying more track.
- The shape of the staircase It costs more to install a lift on a curved staircase or one with multiple landings.
- The weight of the stair lift users Purchasing stair lifts designed for heavier people can add as much as $1,000 to the cost of the lift.
- Outdoor use If youre installing an outdoor stair lift, you might need to spend more money on weatherproofing.
Lets review: When it comes to stair lifts, Medicare isnt much help. But there are programs to assist you in paying for this home modification.
You can count on Marx Medical for advice as well. Our team is skilled at dealing with Medicare and Medicaid, so we can ensure you get the coverage you need for your new lift.
Contact us todayand our expert staff will get to work on finding a mobility solution that works for you and your home.
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Level Of Care Required
To be eligible for a waiver, the recipient must meet the Level of Care Required threshold. Level of Care Required means that an individual must be eligible to receive a specific level of care through regular Medicaid to utilize a waiver program. For instance, someone who receives Medicaid but is capable of living with their family or on their own, often does not meet the required level of care. However, a disabled individual who is unable to remain at home due to a disability or worsening health would be deemed Nursing Home Eligible or Eligible for Institutional Level of Care. If equipment such as a stair lift or skilled home care allows the individual to remain at home, they are likely eligible for a waiver.
Put This Into Perspective
The cost of a stairlift may be higher than you expected, it usually is shocking for most but thinks about the other possible outcomes. Say that you or a loved one falls down the staircase well, I hate to say it but the cost of that fall might turn your head even more. According to the National Council of Aging, On average, the hospitalization cost for a fall injury is over $35,000. Now that is expensive and just downright ridiculous for people to pay that much on average for a fall they couldve avoided with a stair lift.
Another thing to toss into perspective is that people tend to think that the best and most cost-effective solution for an aging family member is assisted living services. When in reality assisted living costs are a pretty penny, its more than you think. According to WhereYouLiveMatters.org, The national median cost for assisted living per month is $4,000, which breaks down to around $133 per day . How about that, the cost to keep someone in those establishments can cost you your annual salary, for most. When you could just invest in a stair lift, stay in your own home, and keep living independently with safe modifications.
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Medicares Policy On Stair Lifts
Does Medicare cover the cost of stair lifts? It is logical to begin here, as it is a common question relevant to most American seniors. The short, uncomplicated answer is, for all practical purposes, original Medicare does not pay for stair lifts. But Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost.
There is one possible exception to this rule in regards to original Medicare. Original Medicare might pay for a small portion of the cost if the stair lift has an elevating seat, which helps the rider to sit down and get up from the chair safely. However, such a feature would only be available in a high-end stair chair, which would cost considerably more than the amount original Medicare would reimburse the purchaser. In other words, the amount of financial assistance would be less than the extra cost for a stair lift that has that feature.
Medicare supplemental insurance policies also do not cover stair lifts. These policies are intended to help with co-payments and deductibles for goods and services covered by original Medicare. Since original Medicare does not help, neither would a Supplemental or Medigap policy.
Frequently Asked Stair Lift Questions
They are many misconceptions when it comes to stair lifts so below we have some frequently ask questions. I hope this comes in handy. Feel free to share.
Frequently Asked Stair Lift Questions:
Does Medicare pay for stair lifts?
Answer: NO, Medicare does not cover stair lifts. If you have VA benefits you can reach out to them as they will cover them in certain situations.
How does the stiar lift mount to my stairs?
Answer: They are attached to the tread of the steps with a bracket. The bracket has 4 screws in it and easily mount to most any steps.
What type of electrical work is required to install a stair lift?
Answer: All of the electrical wires are inside the track with one wire that comes out and plugs into a regular wall outlet.
What if you have a obstruction or doorway at the bottom of the steps, Can you still get a stair lift installed?
Answer: Yes, Most stair lifts have an hinge on the track that can be raised up or down so you can have a clear walkway or open a door fully when needed.
Are my stairs wide enough for a stair lift?
Answer: Your stairs can be as small as 26 inches wide and still work. In most cases it no problem if your stairs are 32 inches or wider. Thats why its a good idea for us to come out on one of our free home estimate to see what we can do make your like easier.
What if my stair have a curve or angle in them?
Can you install stair lifts out side?
Answer: yes we can.
What is the weight capacity of a stair lift?
Thanks
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How To Find A Medicare
Medicare.gov has a DME directory so you can find a Medicare-approved electric scooter supplier. to get started. Enter your zip code in the search bar. We used our home offices zip code in Nashville, TN for demonstration purposes. Then click Go beside the green arrow.
The next page you reach allows you to select which DME you need. Since youre looking for a scooter, check Power Operated Vehicles . Then click Search.
Then you can see a list of local DME suppliers complete with contact information. You may have to call multiple suppliers to find the right one.
Buying Vs Renting A Stair Lift
Some companies also offer rental and leasing options, which can be a more budget-friendly option for those who only need a stair lift on a short-term basis.
Renting a stair lift: This may be more affordable, however, youll have to keep up with monthly payments if you want to keep the stair lift in your home.
Buying a stair lift: You will be able to keep your stair lift for as long as you want and if you buy it outright, you wont have to pay monthly fees to keep it.
Some companies also offer financing so that you can buy your stair lift and you can pay it off over an extended period.
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Window Test For Vision Loss
Our eyes take a lot of abuse these days from the onslaught of screens and artificial lighting. Its even more severe as we get older and the natural, age-related loss of vision begins to take effect. If you experience some trouble reading, give yourself this informal at-home eye exam to judge whether or not you should seek an eye care professional.
First, sit across the room from a large window or door so that you can see all the lines of the frame around it. Cover one eye and focus on the window or door frame with your open one for 30 seconds. Then repeat with the opposite eye. The horizontal and vertical lines of the frame should be clearly visible with no missing or hazy areas. If the edges of the frame seem distorted or warped, this may indicate macular degeneration, a disease that is currently the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 60.
How To Find Medicare
According to the University of Californias Disability Statistics Center, about 6.8 million people rely on mobility scooters to get around their homes. Electric scooters may help give people independence and freedom who might otherwise be left in bed. If youre looking for a Medicare-approved mobility scooter, first you have to qualify to receive one.
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Alternatives To Stair Lifts
Stair lifts, without financial assistance, can be beyond the reach of many families. Unfortunately, there are very few less expensive alternatives. One option is to install handrails on both sides of the staircase. This narrows the staircase considerably, allowing stair climbers to stabilize themselves from both sides simultaneously. The handrails should extend one foot beyond the top and bottom of the stairway. Though obviously not perfect, this solution should cost less than $200 installed.
A second option is sliding stair rails. These are grab bars, which slide and lock into position in front of the stair climber and move along as they climb or descend. One manufacturer of these products is called StairAid. StairAids, though still fairly expensive, cost approximately 50 percent less than an electric stair lift.
A third option is Stair Blocks. These are blocks approximately one-foot-wide, the width of a stair and one-half the height of a stair. A block is placed on each step and when a user climbs, they alternate between the regular stair and the block. Stair blocks make climbing easier, but the individual still must climb and may still experience a fall. See a video.
Lastly, there are vertical or inclined platform lifts, perhaps better thought of as elevator lifts. Typically, these cost more than stair lifts but can accommodate persons confined to wheelchairs. Learn more.
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Whats The Cost Of A Stairlift
Did you try to find the price of a stairlift on a manufacturers website? Its hard to find, isnt it? This is due to the fact that each stairlift must be custom-built. But in my opinion, these websites also hide the cost to mask the sticker shockstairlifts run around $2000 to $7000 dollars! Thats the same price as a power wheelchair and you only move a few dozen feet. A stairlift is as expensive as the first trip to the moon in terms of dollars spent per distance traveled! Ouch!
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How Much Do Stair Lifts Cost Out Of Pocket
If youre not eligible for coverage for a stair lift, you may have to pay out of pocket. On the whole, stair lifts are a hefty investment. However, the final cost will depend on your home needs.
For example, a straight stair lift can go as low as $1,500, while a curved stair lift starts at about $6,000. Depending on your staircase and extra features, they can range even higher, from $8,000-$14,000. This is especially true if you need a custom-made solution for your stairs.
Will Medicare Pay For A Lift Chair
Yes, Medicare Part B does cover some of the costs of a lift chair. However, there are 2 important factors to consider:
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, might pay for lift chairs as well. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your provider.
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Will Medicare Cover A Stairlift Or Wheelchair Ramp
The first thing many people think is that they can use Medicare to cover stairlift and wheelchair ramp costs.
Unfortunately, Medicare cannot be depended upon to cover the cost of stairlifts or wheelchair ramps.
Why wouldnt Medicare cover stairlift or wheelchair ramp costs?
Medicare says stairlifts and wheelchair ramps arent durable medical equipment. Rather, they are considered home modifications.
Whether or not you agree with that is a whole other matter, but Medicare makes the final call.
Not to worry, just because you cannot get Medicare coverage for stair lifts and wheelchair ramps doesnt mean youre out of luck. There are several other funding options available.
If Medicare Wont Pay For My Stair Lift Who Will
Its a question we hear quite frequently: Will Medicare pay for my stair lift?
And the quick, short answer is No.
However, wed rather be helpful than just offer a quick yes or no.
And although Medicare does pay for durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, when it comes to stair lifts, Medicare says No. Thats because it counts stair lifts as home modifications, which arent covered under the program.
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Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Stair Lifts
Medicare Advantage Plans provide the same benefits as original Medicare, and you can purchase them through a Medicare-approved private provider. However, insurers can also offer extra benefits not available through Medicare. For example, Medicare Advantage Plans may include dental and hearing coverage and pay for additional services to improve your health and well-being. Medicare Advantage insurers are also allowed to tailor benefits packages to meet the specific needs of people with chronic conditions.
Whether you’re eligible for assistance with the cost of a stair lift depends on your provider and plan terms. Many providers don’t cover services and goods unless they’re medically necessary. You may qualify for stair lift funding through your Medicare Advantage Plan if your doctor says it’s necessary, but you’ll need to contact your insurer to determine eligibility.
Will Medicaid Pay For A Lift Chair
Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps eligible people receive healthcare coverage. Your states Medicaid program may help pay for a lift chair if you qualify.
If youre eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for a Dual Special Needs Plan , which is a special type of Medicare Advantage plan that may have discounted premiums, copays, and/or coinsurance.
A DSNP qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to make one change per quarter for the first three quarters of the year . You can make a change in your coverage during the fourth quarter , but only during the Annual Enrollment Period , which is from October 15 December 7. The change you make during AEP will take effect on January 1 of the following year.
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Are Stairlifts Covered By Medicare
Many seniors look to Medicare, the popular national health insurance program, to fund their stairlift purchases. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of stairlifts. While Medicare includes provisions for Durable Medical Equipment , typically stairlifts are not included in this category. So, if Medicare doesnt cover stairlifts, what funding options are available?
Cushion Test For Peripheral Arterial Disease
The cushion test can be performed without even getting out of bed! It can help detect blocked arteries in your legs and feet, a condition known as PAD, or peripheral arterial disease. Those with high blood pressure or diabetes, both common among seniors, are especially at-risk for this disease.
To perform this test, lie on a bed and elevate your legs with pillows or cushions until they are resting at a comfortable 45-degree angle. Keep them there for one minute, then sit up and swing your legs over the side of the bed so that they hang at an angle of 90 degrees. If either or both of your legs turn pale when elevated and take several minutes to return to their normal shade after sitting up, you may need to consult your physician with the results from this peripheral artery disease test.
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