Does Health Insurance Cover Wheelchair Ramps?
Posted on by Eric Rubel
If you’re in need of a wheelchair ramp for your home, you may be wondering if it is something covered by your health insurance. After all, if you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, a ramp may be essential for getting in and out of your home.
In today’s post, we’ll discuss whether a wheelchair ramp would be covered by your health insurance plan, and outline other funding sources that may assist with the cost.
Is a Wheelchair Ramp the Best Choice for Me?
If you or a loved one can no longer safely navigate the stairs outside your home, it’s time to consider home accessibility solutions. A wheelchair ramp can be installed quickly and is typically a more economical alternative to a stair lift or wheelchair lift, depending on the rise that needs to be accommodated.
ADA guidelines recommend that for every inch of rise, there should be one foot of ramp length (a 1:12 ratio). More steps require a longer ramp that will require more space. This means that aluminum modular ramps are typically best for entrances with 3-4 steps.
My Ramp is Medically Necessary. Will My Health Insurance Pay for It?
Unfortunately, most health insurance policies do not cover the cost of a wheelchair ramp.
Most private health insurance plans follow Medicare coverage guidelines, and Medicare considers ramps to be home modifications (attached to the home) rather than durable medical equipment (items used within the home). A wheelchair would be considered durable medical equipment, but a ramp would not.
Residential aluminum ramp pricing generally begins at around $1,000, and increases depending on ramp length, configuration, and customizations. (At Lifeway Mobility, this includes professional wheelchair ramp installation by our trained & certified professional technicians.) If this is out of your budget, there are other funding options below you can explore.
Other Funding Sources for Your Wheelchair Ramp
Medicaid Waivers for Wheelchair Ramps
Many states offer Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs that will often cover the cost of home accessibility modifications.
To qualify for these waivers, you typically need to meet your state’s Medicaid income criteria. Additional criteria will vary by state. To find out what’s available, contact your state’s Medicaid agency or Department of Health and Human Services.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities can apply for housing grants including the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant and the Special Home Adaptations (SHA) Grant to make their homes accessible. Check with your local VA office to see if you qualify.
Read More: Will the VA Pay for My Wheelchair Ramp?
Area Agencies on Aging
Some Area Agencies on Aging may offer home modifications as part of the services they provide. Depending on where you live, your local program may offer home repair and modification services on a sliding scale or free of charge. Use the Eldercare Locator to find the office near you.
Affordable Ramp Options
Used Ramps
With a used wheelchair ramp, you can save up to 15% over the cost of a new ramp. Lifeway Mobility’s certified pre-owned ramps are inspected to ensure they are in good shape.
Ramp Financing
Lifeway Mobility provides financing options for aluminum ramps starting around $29.99/month. In many cases, we can help you get the ramp you need quickly, while offering affordable monthly installments.
Final Thoughts
Although health insurance policies do not typically cover wheelchair ramps, it’s still a good idea to review your plan details and speak to your provider.
If you are unable to pay out of pocket for your wheelchair ramp, these alternative funding sources might provide the assistance you need. When researching funding sources, be sure to look for endorsements or recommendations from reputable organizations such as a state housing agency, area agency on aging, or advocacy group.
A great way to get started is with a free home accessibility consultation. A Lifeway Mobility expert can visit your home, recommend the best solutions, and help you explore options that fit your needs and your budget.
