|
|
|
Stair Lifts Medicare
When one's mobility is severely compromised, they lose a lot of the independence they once took for granted. If you are unable to reach the upper level of your house without assistance, or at all, you should think about buying a staircase lift. If you have Medicare, you are probably wondering if they will help cover some or all of the costs of buying a stair lift.
The Limitations of Stair Lifts Medicare
It is common knowledge that Medicare is one difficult government program to understand. In order to get information about stair lifts Medicare coverage, one must scour the Internet as the government does not make the information readily available or easy to understand. In addition, specific Medicare coverage varies according to the particular state and and coverage level. This means there are a lot of variables when it comes to stair lifts Medicare coverage. Even so, most Medicare policies share some of the same basic limitations.
First of all, the Medicare recipient needs to have a referral from their primary care physician. This referral must state the patient's need for mobility aids like wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and power chairs. There is also the "home modification" classification to consider. The lift itself is considered to be a type of home modification; therefore, Medicare will not pay for the purchase price or installation cost. However, the chair is not a modification so in some cases, Medicare will pay for the chair.
The patient's physical limitations will also determine whether or not they can get stair lifts Medicare coverage. In order to receive coverage, the patient cannot be able to walk or stand without help. Medicare will only consider a stair lift to be necessary if the patient needs it for mobility. Also, if the patient is able to get on and off a chair by themselves, they will not qualify for coverage and cannot get a stair lift prescription.
More Information About Stair Lifts Medicare Coverage
In some cases, you can get a Medigap policy in order to cover some of the expense. However, you will need to contact your insurance company to determine what is and is not covered. Although the above limitations apply to most states, it is important to contact your state's program to find out what applies to the stair lifts Medicare coverage. Medicare can be contacted either over the telephone or via their website.
To get more information about health care coverage, you can start by visiting the library in your local area. Ask the librarian for the contact information of Health or Consumer resources. It is possible that there may be an advocacy group in your area that will assist you with the expense of a stair lift. Do not forget to contact your private insurance company as well as various lift vendors. Sometimes, the vendor can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Overall, the Medicare program can be complicated to deal with and understand. But with a lot of research, you can find out if you are eligible for any type of stair lifts Medicare coverage.
↑ Top
|
|