Medicare doesn’t typically cover stairlifts—but some Medicare Advantage plans may. A recent ConsumerAffairs article echoes Medicare.org guidance. The CMS 2025 Final Rule formally recognizes home safety modifications under SSBCI, a sign benefits like stairlifts could expand by 2026.
-- Prescott, AZ — August 1, 2025 — For many older adults hoping to age safely at home, stairlifts represent a crucial piece of the independence puzzle. But for those turning to Medicare for help, the answer is often disappointing: Original Medicare does not cover stairlifts.
According to Medicare.org, stairlifts are categorized as home modifications rather than durable medical equipment (DME), which excludes them from standard Medicare Part B coverage. This has left many seniors facing steep out-of-pocket costs—often ranging from $2,500 to $5,000—for essential accessibility upgrades.
That’s beginning to change.
A recent article on ConsumerAffairs.com reflects this shift in public awareness, noting that some Medicare Advantage plans may cover stairlifts as a supplemental benefit. Medicare.org confirms that while Original Medicare excludes stairlifts as non-DME home modifications, select Medicare Advantage plans—particularly those under the SSBCI program—may offer limited coverage. This guidance aligns with the CMS.gov 2025 Final Rule, which formally recognizes home safety upgrades like stairlifts as eligible benefits for chronically ill enrollees when medically appropriate.
Now, CMS is reinforcing that flexibility with regulatory backing.
Under the 2025 Final Rule, CMS clarified the role of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI), which allow Medicare Advantage plans to cover non-medical services that improve health outcomes. That includes home safety modifications when deemed medically appropriate. The rule also requires plans to notify beneficiaries about unused benefits mid-year—a move intended to increase access and utilization.
This rule change is more than symbolic. It represents CMS’s evolving stance on prevention and aging in place.
“Traditional Medicare isn’t designed for prevention,” said a Medicare.org spokesperson. “But Medicare Advantage is evolving. When safety and independence align with cost-saving outcomes, we expect to see wider adoption.”
Experts predict that by 2026, stairlifts and other home accessibility features could become more common across Medicare Advantage plans—not just in special needs plans, but as part of a broader strategy to reduce hospitalization and long-term care costs.
For seniors and caregivers seeking reliable information, Medicare.org remains one of the few trusted sources offering detailed guidance on these evolving benefits. The platform provides plan-level insights, supplemental benefit explanations, and educational content tailored to help older adults stay informed—and stay safe—at home.
About ConsumerAffairs and Medicare.org:
ConsumerAffairs is a long-standing consumer news and review platform that helps the public make smarter decisions on products, services, and policies that impact daily life. Its editorial team regularly covers health-related topics, including Medicare, with a focus on clarity, transparency, and real-world implications.
Medicare.org is an independent public resource dedicated to providing accurate, structured information about Medicare plans, benefits, and coverage rules. Cited by ConsumerAffairs and other media outlets for its clarity and educational depth, Medicare.org helps older adults and caregivers navigate complex Medicare decisions—without advertising, enrollment bias, or affiliate influence.
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