If you or family senior member is facing mobility challenges, living in a multi-story home becomes inconvenient. Install a home elevator seems a perfect solution for aging in place. However, this will cost about $10,000 to $50,000.

So, Does U.S. Medicare pay for a home elevator cost?

Let‘s check how Medicare defines home elevator and what it actually covers:

  Quick conclusion: Does Medicare cover home elevators cost? — No, it don’t.  

Basic Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn‘t cover the cost of purchasing or installing a home elevator.

Even if your doctor can write a prescription stating that a home elevator or stairlift is essential for your safety, Medicare will almost deny the claim.

  Why doesn’t Medicare cover the home elevator cost?  

To understand why Medicare denies coverage, you must understand its classification standard for medical equipment. Under Medicare Part B regulations, coverage is strictly limited to Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

To be classified as DME, a device must meet following points:

● It must have a clear medical purpose.

● It must be useful only to individuals who are ill, injured, or disabled.

● It must be durable enough for support long time use (at least 3 years).

Clearly, home elevators do not meet the first point.

Medicare classifies home elevators, vertical platform lifts, and stairlifts as home modifications rather than medical equipment. Because these device enhance its access mobility and resale value, Medicare views them as home improvements—not strictly“medically necessary”equipment.  That is the point.

  What should we do?  

While home elevators are not covered, get a  budget friendly elevator ( lower elevator cost + lower installation cost ) is becoming necessary.   

Following some popular elevators with budget for your reference:

Elevator type	Average cost ( installed )	Min Space Requirements	Best For
Shaftless/Pitless Elevator	$10,000 – $15,000	31 x 40 inches	Tight spaces, 2-3 floor travel.
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator	$35,000–$50,000+	35×35 inches.	Retrofit exist homes quickly
Traction Elevator	$25,000 – $45,000	47×55 inches.	Luxury modern house

The home elevators we make is in pitless, shaftless design, normal skilled handyman can finished installation within 2-3 days, significantly reducing structural modify cost and installation costs. Minimum installation space 31 x 40 inches, it can be a ideal as a most cost-effective home elevator solution.

  Interested install a home elevator below $10k ? Contact us for a details quote!