What Are the Options for Covering the Cost of a Stairlift

Anyone affected by a physical injury and requires a wheelchair or motorized scooter to get around may also need a stairlift. These mechanical devices are designed to lift people up and down the stairs at home or work so that they can continue with their daily life with minimal disruptions. Although the benefits of such additions are clear, many people wonder about options that could help to cover the costs of stairlifts in New Orleans, LA. If you or someone you love has suffered a debilitating injury or disability and you’re looking for stairlifts, you need to know about potential payment options and how to cover the cost.

Health Insurance and Medicare Coverage

There are many reasons why an injured person or their family member may decide it’s time for a stairlift, including personal comfort, safety, and peace of mind. If you’re in this situation, then one of the first things you should realize is that, unfortunately, most standard health insurance policies or Medicare won’t cover the costs associated with purchasing or installing a stairlift. This is true even if you have a doctor’s order. You could need, on average, anywhere from $2000 -$5000 just for a straight rail stairlift, with installation costs added on according to the make and model. A custom stairlift for curved rails may very well take you over the $10,000 mark. For many, these prices simply aren’t realistic to pay out-of-pocket, but there are several funding options available to make up the difference if your normal health insurance policy doesn’t help.

Additional Insurance Coverage

While health insurance may not give you the answers you’re looking for, you may be able to rely on alternative insurance instead. Depending on the situation, your home modifications may be covered by auto insurance, workers’ compensation, medical trust funds, and accident insurance plans. If your disability was the direct result of an accident or injury, then it’s possible you could receive payment from these other insurance policies. It all depends on what policies you had in place at the time of the incident and whether or not there are others in a similar situation from the same incident. Other options to keep in mind are long-term care policies that may cover home modifications for seniors if it allows the beneficiary to stay at home and out of an assisted living center or nursing home.

Medicaid Waivers

In situations where an additional insurance policy isn’t available or more assistance is needed to cover the costs of a new stairlift, Medicaid waivers could help. Many states have Medicaid community waiver programs in place, and Louisiana is no exception. The Louisiana Community Choices Waiver helps seniors with limited financial capacity to stay in their homes and maintain a sense of independence. It’s worth a try to see if you meet the criteria for your local Medicaid waivers, or at least if the health department can point you in the right direction of other programs that may help you. As with any financial assistance waivers, remember to be prepared to fill out the proper paperwork and answer questions about your mobility and health concerns to the best of your ability.

If you’re ready to move forward and explore options for mobility assistance, it’s a good idea to contact Stairlifts of Louisiana, one of the best stairlift companies in New Orleans, LA. We can help you find the right stairlift solution for your situation, keeping you safe and healthy in the comfort of your own home.