Well over 30 million Americans have difficulty walking or climbing their stairs. This is a vital issue indeed. Stairlifts offer a simple solution, comfort, and benefits to those in need of stair climbing assistance. Stairlifts are the most affordable option for anyone who needs aid in moving from one level of the home to the other.
However, it’s not so simple to own one.
A benefit of a stairlift is its affordability when compared to moving to a new place or living in a community for seniors. The only problem is, this kind of affordability is still financially bearing for many individuals. A regular stairlift for a straight staircase cost anywhere from $3000 – $5000. Those for a curved staircase cost from $9500 and above. It’s a significant investment and can have you weighing all your options. These options may include searching for something cheaper online or abandoning the whole idea altogether.
We are glad to say there is no need to abandon ship or do yourself the disservice of finding a cheaper option that may turn out to be a bad one in no time. There are ways to get funding for a stairlift without worrying or breaking the bank. Very few people know that these grants and financial help towards stairlifts exist. But today you are not in that category.
Here are some financial assistance options you have at your disposal.
Many veterans are injured in service, and this can easily involve loss of mobility or difficulty in moving. If you are a veteran and have a need for a stairlift, the good news is that the Veteran Administration can help you with the funding. There are several ways assistance from this organization can play out.
If you were injured in service, the Veteran Administration healthcare may cover your stairlift cost. This often involves a skill evaluation test and a home visit.
If you were not injured in service, you are not left out of the VA’s assistance either. You can receive funding for your needs under the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit.
You can also get this benefit for your spouse.
There are also grant opportunities available to help you pay for the lift. They include HISA Grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations), SAH Grant (Specially Adapted Housing), or SHA Grant (Special Home Adaptation).
If you require mobility assistance to help you live in your home, you might also benefit from a state program called, Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS).
Medicaid was formerly only provided to those living in nursing homes. But thanks to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, seniors can now enjoy these benefits in their home as well. Medicaid policies vary from state to state, but the chances are that you can easily obtain funding for a stairlift through Medicaid. The waivers in question usually cover the costs of ‘home modifications’. So, it’s important to understand that Medicaid can help but only as long as the aid will ‘enable individuals to remain living in their homes and avoid nursing home placement.’
State-based programs are one of the easiest ways to get coverage for your stairlift but that is if you qualify of course. Requirements or eligibility for this assistance varies across states. You would have to find out if you qualify based on the guidelines. A good example of what we mean is the state of Tennessee. In Tennessee, a senior citizen can qualify for home modification coverage. This depends on other factors such as age, income, residency, functional ability, and more.
Find out what your state has to offer you.
This is not so common, but it happens. There are private health insurance companies that cover the financial demands of stairlifts.
Some may offer to pay for everything, while others may cover the cost partially or just exclude installation. The policies for this coverage differ from company to company. It’s important to remember that NOT ALL private health insurance companies cover the cost of stairlifts but we have explained what you can expect from those that do. Contact your insurance company or family member’s insurance company to verify and save up.
A lot of people wish or even think Medicare might cover the costs to buy stairlift and maybe install. Unfortunately, Medicare does not do this. The reason for this is that Medicare does not consider a stairlift as a ‘durable medical equipment’. They see it as a ‘home modification’ and according to Medicare’s policies, they do not cover for such modifications. Sounds harsh? Confusing? Twisted? Yes, all of that and more but that is where Medicare stands seriously on the issue. Thankfully, you don’t have to fret over this with other options above.
A stairlift installation and purchase can be the best thing your ailing loved one or friend needs. If they cannot help themselves, you can check out these options on their behalf. A stairlift helps you eliminate worry and the pain of injury, falls, anxiety, lack of independence, and health decline you or your loved one might be experiencing. It’s worth making a good effort to get. Be sure to make the right choices that really help you save and eliminate stress.
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