Stairlifts can be a quite expensive addition to a household because most of the costs would be paid by you. Insurance and programs like Medicare will not cover the installation of stair lifts. Medicare does not pay for home modifications but does pay for some medical equipment. Due to these costs, you must be fully informed about a stairlift purchase and all the possible alternatives and options.
Medicare does not cover stair lifts, but programs like Medicaid do if you find a participating dealer. Outside of these programs, you can find grants, loans, or financing from dealers.
The doctor has to be able to justify your purchase or you will not be able to get insurance to pay for any of the stair lifts. It is important to keep this documentation just in case of any claim denials.
Straight stairlifts will always be more affordable than curved stairlifts. The reason is mainly due to specific manufacturing and customizations. Standard models will be readily available for installation while custom ones can take a few weeks to acquire after all the measurements are taken. Stair lifts can be adjusted to fit most stairways even if you think they are too narrow or too lengthy.
Stair lift dealers will usually always give you a payment plan or offer financing. Since a stair lift is considered a home improvement modification, you can take out a home loan to purchase and then deduct the interest costs on your taxes. If purchasing a new stairlift is outside of your range, you can instead opt for a rental.
Stair lift rentals are also great for anyone with a temporary disability. Stair lifts can be removed fairly quickly and easily but a professional technician should be consulted.
Used stairlifts are also considerably cheaper than new stair lifts. Only purchase a used stairlift from a reputable dealer because older stair lifts that have a lot of wear on them can lose their function and may make loud noises.
This may be a last option but moving out of a multi-story building into a single floor home can be a reasonable alternative, if you are unable to afford a stair lift or not allowed to install a stairlift. It also reduces the chances of injuries from walking up and down the stairs. Climbing the stairs is a substantial health risk for the elderly and disabled.
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