Is financial assistance available?
Medicaid is more comprehensive in its coverage of medical conditions than Medicare is. Medicaid is a program which might pay for stair lifts, powered Wheelchairs and other disabled aids, but you must be below the retirement age, and have private insurance.
Medicare is another possible which might pay for certain types of Assistive Technology; at least that is the hope. However, first you must pay a fee to become enrolled in part B of Medicare!
Part B of the Medicare Schedule deals with doctor’s fees and durable medical equipment. So you could construe that this also cover at least some part of Assistive Technology, including Wheelchairs, stair lifts, or other equipment which aids the disabled in their home.
Most stair lift equipment is not covered under Medicare as it is considered a non-covered item and as such, Medicare will decline your claim in most cases. As silly as it sounds, they feel Stair Lifts are a "luxury item" and are therefore not deemed a necessity to everyday living!!!
So, before buying a Stair Lift, you should research whether funding is available for them. Medicare or Medicaid may be able to provide some limited funding, but if you have private health insurance, start with them first.
9 quick tips to buying a Stair Lift…
Click here for a quick and easy stair lift buying guide
In some circumstances a Stair Lift can be installed from between $2,000 and $3,000, but it is also quite likely to cost more, especially if you require a curved stair-lift.
If you don’t have the funds, it may be possible to arrange a loan with your banking institution or a mortgage broker.
Also, some non-profit agencies, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society http://www.msaustralia.org.au/ have been known to lend used Stair Lifts while most Stair Lift companies have payment options available.
For many people, being able to have a new stair lift installed into their home is simply not possible as they do not have the funds available or they cannot obtain the necessary financial assistance to purchase one.
However, there is a solution…
Just because you do not have the funds immediately available for such an expense, it does not mean you can’t have a stair lift. Why not examine the possibility where a person can rent a stair lift device rather than purchase it outright.
Renting a stair lift is most certainly an attractive option for those people who just do not have the funds to actually purchase one. In fact, many companies are now offering extremely attractive rates, especially for straight stair lifts.
Click here for How to Rent a Stair Lift
When making your decision on a Stair Lift, keep the following points clearly in your mind:
- Decide whether you need to buy one or whether renting one would be more attractive
- See if your vendor has a rent to buy option
- It is extremely important that you actually try the model you are considering having installed in your home before you order it.
- Also before you sign any contracts or pay any money (usually a deposit along with the first few months rent are required) it is vitally important that you read the small print in any agreement.