These days it’s becoming more common for people who rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs to have one or more ramps installed in their homes. Wheelchair ramps provide hope and relief for those who want to remain in their homes safely and independently.
Unfortunately, ramps aren’t free, and many residents and homeowners can’t afford to pay to have them installed.
One of the more frequent questions we get at Omicelo is, “Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps?” In this post, we’ll answer that question, as well as provide some other options for financing the installation of a wheelchair ramp in your home.
Does Medicare Cover Wheelchair Ramps?
If you’re familiar with Medicare, you know that it is a healthcare insurance program sponsored by the federal government. For U.S. residents aged 65 and older, it’s an essential service that’s divided into two main parts, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C).
Original Medicare covers durable medical goods such as wheelchairs, canes, and wheelchair ramps — but only if they’re deemed medically necessary by your doctor. However, it can be difficult to get doctor approval for a wheelchair ramp if the patient doesn’t use a wheelchair even though there are many mobility conditions that make stairs difficult or impossible to maneuver.
Medicare Advantage provides the same coverage as Medicare, with additional benefits as determined by the private insurance companies that issue that coverage. Since these policies differ from company to company, you’ll need to check with your provider to see if home modifications such as wheelchair ramps are fully covered.
Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps? Often, yes, but you’ll need to check with your doctor and/or medical insurer to confirm if they do and how much they’ll pay.
Other Wheelchair Ramp Financing Options
Medicare isn’t the only option for paying for a wheelchair ramp in your home. You have a few additional possibilities for finding financial assistance.
Medigap is supplemental health insurance you can buy in addition to your Medicare or Medicare Advantage insurance policy. Many of these policies provide coverage for home modifications for health purposes, and their low premiums provide a more affordable means of paying for a ramp.
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income residents that’s operated jointly by the federal government and state health authorities. Depending on your circumstances, Medicaid may also cover the costs (or partial costs) of installing wheelchair ramps in private homes.
Additionally, many states maintain programs that reimburse homeowners for some of the costs of wheelchair ramps so that older residents can age safely in their own homes. It’s becoming a popular alternative because the expense of paying for senior citizens to live in assisted living facilities is far more than the cost of installing a wheelchair ramp in their homes.
How to Shop for a Wheelchair Ramp
The first step to getting a wheelchair ramp installed in your home is to talk with your doctor as well as a representative from your health insurer. They can guide you through the process of getting approval, finding the right ramp solution(s) for your home, and scheduling and paying for the ramp installation.
You can find numerous wheelchair ramp manufacturers with a quick online search. Since every home is different, every ramp must be precisely measured and installed according to state and local building codes, as well as possible ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines.
It’s always best to have a contractor or insurance representative inspect your home and take measurements before ordering a ramp or having one custom made.
In Pennsylvania, you can find additional help by talking to the team at Omicelo Health. Our mission is to help you and your family age safely and independently in your home, where you can enjoy your life on your terms and remain safe and mobile.
We’re able to answer your questions and point you in the right direction, so give us a call today.
