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Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts
In the United States, more than 40 million people are covered by some type of Medicare plan. Medicare is a government-ran health insurance program that is meant to help those over 65 years of age or who have a disability get medical care. Each category of Medicare offers certain benefits. Some people who have mobility problems want to know does Medicare cover stair lifts. Part B Medicare plans may cover durable home equipment like stair lifts.
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts: Durable Home Equipment
For those who want to know does Medicare cover stair lifts, Part B's durable home equipment coverage includes reusable medical equipment like stair lifts, wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. However, a doctor must deem them necessary for the patient. If so, then the answer to the question does Medicare cover stair lifts is yes. Depending on the rules of the particular state, the patient's physician will either need to submit a Certificate of Medical Necessity or simply write a prescription.
More specifically, stair lifts are partially covered by Part B Medicare plans. Because stair lifts can be categorized as durable home equipment, the answer to the question does Medicare cover stair lifts is yes, up to a point. Most states require the physician to submit a Certificate of Medical Necessity instead of just write a prescription. However, if the patient can stand completely without assistance, the answer to does Medicare cover stair lifts will be no. In the event that Medicare does partially pay for a stair lift, they will only cover the lift mechanism, which totals to approximately $300 USD.
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts: The Deductible Matters
The answer to does Medicare cover stair lifts is yes if the patient first meets the yearly deductible. For several states, the deductible is about $138. Although Medicare does not cover much of the cost of a stair lift, they will cover approximately 80 percent of other durable medical equipment. The patient must pay out-of-pocket for the other 20 percent. In addition, Medicare will pay for durable medical equipment that is rented. However, rental fee coverage may only be limited to smaller items. Therefore, it is usually best to purchase the equipment instead of rent it.
People who decide to rent large items, such as stair lifts, hospital beds and oxygen tanks, Medicare may cover the rental fees for a limited time period. In most states, the time period will max out at anywhere from 13-36 months. In the event the equipment needs to be repaired, Medicare will cover about 80 percent of the repair costs.
Other Information About Medicare's Equipment Coverage Rules
Besides stair lifts, Medicare covers other products. Some of these items include pneumatic compression devices, eyeglasses and prosthetics. Usually, people covered by Part B Medicare will be able to buy a stair lift and then, they have to give Medicare the receipt, the doctor's order and Certificate of Medical Necessity. Once received and approved, Medicare will send the patient a partial reimbursement check. Check with your state in order to find out the specific coverage rules that apply to you.
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