how to get medicare to pay for a wheelchair ramp

There are two ways to obtain coverage for a wheelchair ramp under Medicaid

: 1) regular Medicaid 2) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Regular Medicaid guarantees benefits for qualified individuals. That means that a wheelchair ramp can be covered by Medicaid if it is deemed medically necessary.

Full Answer

Does Medicaid pay for wheelchair ramps?

Regular Medicaid guarantees benefits for qualified individuals. That means that a wheelchair ramp can be covered by Medicaid if it is deemed medically necessary. While possible, it is generally very difficult to get a wheelchair ramp ruled as medically necessary. The better option for Medicaid is likely going to be an HCBS Waiver.

Are ramps covered by Medicare?

Georgia lawmakers are drafting legislation to make mental health and behavioral issues a priority in the upcoming legislative session by pressuring private insurance companies to upgrade their mental health care coverage ... paid more if Medicare patients ...

Does health insurance cover wheelchair ramps?

There are two parts to Medicare coverage: Part A covers “Hospital Insurance” and Part B covers “Medical Insurance.” Wheelchair ramps fall under the category for durable medical equipment (DME) covered by Part B, just like a wheelchair. This is because wheelchair ramps do not “directly treat a medical condition.”

Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps for my house?

Used primarily in the home, although in somecases, such as canes or wheelchairs, for example, it can be used outside the home, as well. However, Medicare generally will not cover wheelchair ramps, even with a doctor’s order. What equipment might Medicare cover for people with mobility issues?

Does Medicare pay for a wheelchair ramp?

Medicare never covers home modifications, such as ramps or widened doors for improving wheelchair access. Though your doctor may suggest that home modifications may help due to your medical condition, Medicare does not include coverage for them under its durable medical equipment (DME) benefit.

What is the cost of a wheelchair ramp?

between $1,000 and $2,800The cost of a wheelchair ramp typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,800. This price encompasses both the materials and labor required. There are several factors which affect overall cost.

How long does a wheelchair ramp have to be for 3 steps?

A ten foot ramp is minimally suitable for most situations where you've got 3 steps to overcome and the rise is 20″ or less. Assistance would be needed for a person in a wheelchair to insure their safety. A third choice is the EZ Access Suitcase® Singlefold Ramps.

How much does a concrete wheelchair ramp cost?

$200 to $250 per linear footConcrete Wheelchair Ramps The price for a concrete ramp is $200 to $250 per linear foot.

How much does a 20 foot aluminum wheelchair ramp cost?

However, costs generally range between $100 and $250 per foot. Ramp measurements vary greatly depending on the location and the main use of the ramp. For example, a 4 ft. or 8 ft....Wheelchair Ramp Cost per Foot.SizeAverage Cost (Materials Only)20 Feet$2,000 - $5,0006 more rows•Feb 26, 2021

How much does an aluminum wheelchair ramp cost?

between $100 and $135 per footThe cost for aluminum ramps averages between $100 and $135 per foot installed.

How do I know what size ramp I need?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope ratio for commercial ramps (ramps used in public spaces). This means that for every 1 inch of rise, 12 inches of ramp are required. For example, if an entryway is 36 inches high, you will need a ramp that is at least 36 feet long.

What is the correct slope for a wheelchair ramp?

Maximum slope for hand-propelled wheelchair ramps should be 1" of rise to every 12" of length (4.8 degree angle; 8.3% grade). Maximum slope for power chairs should be 1.5" rise to 12" length (7.1 degree angle; 12.5% grade). Minimum width should be 36" (inside rails) - (48" is ideal).

What is the best angle for a wheelchair ramp?

Calculating Wheelchair Ramp Slope The ADA provides good direction about ratios for wheelchair ramp slopes. The commercial and public facility standard for slope is 1:12 (in inches) or about 5 degrees of incline. For those building ramps at home, the ratio can be as steep as 3:12 or almost 15 degrees.

How much would it cost to install a ramp?

Ramp Installation CostsItemUnit costLine CostConcrete$20-$50 per feet$600-$1,500Galvanized Steel$33-$40 per feet$990-$1,200Wood$13-$50 per feet$390-$1,500Total Cost$13-$60 per feet$390-$1,8001 more row

How do you build a wheelchair ramp over existing steps?

0:2012:19Build A Handicap Access Ramp -- Not Hard At All - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor this project we're literally gonna build a simple handicap ramp for these stairs you can seeMoreFor this project we're literally gonna build a simple handicap ramp for these stairs you can see it's pretty pretty tall.

How do I build a wheelchair ramp for my house?

How to Build a Wheelchair RampStep 1: Select a Location. ... Step 2: Determine the Length of Your Ramp. ... Step 3: Determine the Shape of Your Ramp. ... Step 4: Measure and Lay Out the Landing. ... Step 5: Adjust the Batter Boards. ... Step 6: Mark the Ground. ... Step 7: Install the Footings. ... Step 8: Pour the Concrete.More items...

Are ramps expensive?

How much do ramps cost? A pound of ramps can run you $20 per pound, or $5 for a small bunch, though that price could go down as the ramp crop is expected to be larger than normal this year.

How do you build a wheelchair ramp over existing steps?

0:2012:19Build A Handicap Access Ramp -- Not Hard At All - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor this project we're literally gonna build a simple handicap ramp for these stairs you can seeMoreFor this project we're literally gonna build a simple handicap ramp for these stairs you can see it's pretty pretty tall.

How do I build a wheelchair ramp for my house?

How to Build a Wheelchair RampStep 1: Select a Location. ... Step 2: Determine the Length of Your Ramp. ... Step 3: Determine the Shape of Your Ramp. ... Step 4: Measure and Lay Out the Landing. ... Step 5: Adjust the Batter Boards. ... Step 6: Mark the Ground. ... Step 7: Install the Footings. ... Step 8: Pour the Concrete.More items...

How wide does a wheelchair ramp need to be?

36 inchesThe ramp must have a 1:12 slope ratio. This means that there must be a one-inch rise in the ramp for every corresponding 12 inches of the ramp. Minimum width of 36 inches, although this can be higher in certain states. The ramp cannot be longer the 30 feet without a rest platform, in order to prevent fatigue.

Would Medicare Cover Wheelchair Ramps?

Medicare Part B generally covers many types of durable medical equipment (DME) for use in the home (although if you are in a skilled nursing facili...

What Equipment Might Medicare Cover For People With Mobility Issues?

Depending on your condition and what your doctor believes is medically necessary for your care, Medicare may cover a variety of equipment and devic...

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Wheelchair Ramps?

Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative way to get your Original Medicare benefits. By law, they must cover, at a minimum, everything that...

Still Have Questions About A Wheelchair Ramp and Medicare?

I am happy to give you more information and answer your questions. If you prefer, you can schedule a phone call or request an email by clicking on...

How much does a wheelchair ramp cost?

The cost of a wheelchair ramp typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,800. This price encompasses both the materials and labor required. There are several factors which affect overall cost. Local Costs – One can expect to pay twice as much for labor in densely populated urban areas where contractors are busier.

What are the special supplemental benefits for wheelchair ramps?

Rheumatoid arthritis. To qualify for these “special supplemental benefits,” which may include permanent wheelchair ramps, there has to be a “reasonable expectation” that the Medicare recipient’s current health or level of functioning will improve.

Why are ramps important for seniors?

For frail or disabled seniors, wheelchair ramps are essential to maintaining their independence and ability to live at home. Seniors who use a wheelchair or electric scooter benefit from the ability to get more of their activities of daily living accomplished with less assistance. Wheelchair bound seniors with easy access to a handicap ramp will likely interact more socially, access social services more, and generally age in place more easily. Ramps also serve an important function in emergencies should medical staff need to enter and exit the senior’s home.

What are non medicaid programs?

Most states also operate their own non-Medicaid programs to support the elderly and disabled. Some of these programs are intended to help elders continue living in their homes or communities instead of in nursing homes. And some of them can assist with the cost of wheelchair ramps in order to make the home more accessible for a wheelchair bound individual. While state budgets are being tightened, these programs are still worth the time to review. See the list of state programs to find out what your state might offer.

What is regular medicaid?

Regular Medicaid operates as an entitlement program in which benefits are guaranteed for qualified individuals. For regular Medicaid, the states’ policies typically follow the original Medicare rules when it comes to paying for wheelchair ramps, meaning they only pay when medically necessary.

Can you finance wheelchair ramps?

Financial institutions have recently developed elder care loans. These loans can be used to finance the cost of a wheelchair ramp while an individual is awaiting the fulfillment of other benefits. For example, a veteran’s pension, with which the loan can be paid back in full in a lump sum.

Is Medicare available to seniors?

The federal health insurance program is available to most adults over 65. Unfortunately, original (also called traditional) Medicare policies are strict when it comes to paying for equipment and home modifications around the senior’s home.

Is a temporary wheelchair ramp too expensive?

Finally, if a temporary wheelchair ramp is still likely to be too expensive for you, there are other options to consider. There are many religious and charitable organizations that help people with disabilities acquire this sort of equipment. Some of these organizations pay for the full cost of purchasing a ramp, whereas others will only take care of part of it. In either case, you will end up saving a lot of money.

Can you get reimbursement for wheelchair ramps?

If you or a loved one plans to use a wheelchair ramp because it has been deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician, you might be eligible for full reimbursement. Of course, this is easier said than done. The bar set for “medical necessity” is high, and mere convenience is unlikely to meet it. In reality, most of the time, wheelchair ramps ...

Is a wheelchair ramp necessary?

Wheelchair ramps are essential, assistive equipment for people who use wheelchairs. Without one, moving a wheelchair up or down stairs is not only an arduous task but can also be a dangerous one. In light of this, getting a ramp set up for your home is a crucial need for many wheelchair users – and unfortunately, often, a costly one, ...

Is a wheelchair ramp considered medically necessary?

In reality, most of the time, wheelchair ramps are not considered to be medically necessary equipment. While this is contestable in court and has been done so successfully several times, the legal costs tend to add up to much more than the price of a ramp itself – making the strategy pointless.

What equipment does Medicare cover?

Depending on your condition and what your doctor believes is medically necessary for your care, Medicare may cover a variety of equipment and devices to help people with mobility issues, such as: 1 Canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters 2 Bedside commodes 3 Hospital beds and patient lifts

Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps?

However, Medicare generally will not cover wheelchair ramps, even with a doctor’s order.

Does Medicare cover DME?

If your doctor believes it is medically necessary to treat or manage your condition, Medicare may cover DME that is: Able to withstand repeated use with a lifetime of at least 3 years. Used to treat your medical condition and not typically helpful for someone who is not injured or incapacitated. Used primarily in the home, although in somecases, ...

Does Medicare Cover Wheelchair Ramps?

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that Medicare will pay for a wheelchair ramp. This is not because they aren’t essential equipment for those who use wheelchairs. They are 100% necessary for safely and efficiently moving up and down flights of stairs or into and out of cars.

Are There Other Ways to Acquire Affordable Ramps?

Despite Medicare’s failure to provide wheelchair ramps in most scenarios, there are alternatives that can get you the assistance you need. If you aren’t on any form of insurance besides Medicare, you’ll need to look into options that don’t break the bank even when you’re uninsured.

Get Started

Now that you know how to obtain wheelchair ramps when Medicare doesn’t provide coverage, it’s time to get started and increase your mobility.

Medicare Coverage for Wheelchair Ramps

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for eligible seniors aged 65 and over. It is split into two major components, commonly known as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage, or Part C. Wheelchair ramps, like most installed home improvements, are considered durable medical goods by Medicare.

Other Options to Pay for Home Modifications

Aside from Medicare, seniors may have other options to get help paying for wheelchair ramps. Some seniors carry Medicare supplemental insurance, called Medigap, that includes some home modification coverage, though terms for reimbursement vary considerably between policies.

Medicare & Wheelchair-Ramp

When it comes to medical equipment, Medicare only covers specific devices under the coverage of DME (Durable Medical Equipment) conditions.

Durable Medical Equipment From Medicare

Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment Policy includes many mobility aids that enable people to move on their own without assistance.

Different Wheelchair Style Ramps

There are various styles of wheelchair ramps to meet your medical necessity, as well as the common styles people with disabilities prefer.

Organization Assistance for Wheelchair Ramps

In order to receive financial assistance for a wheelchair ramp, there are the following health care providers for qualified individuals. Take a look at these organizations below:

Wheelchair Ramp Rental

Ramp rentals are readily available across most locations of the country. They are generally often installed as part of these services.

Home DIY Wheelchair Ramp Build

You can take an opportunity to have a DIY wheelchair-ramp installed at your home if you know someone who is skilled and handy. Use your creative minds to make yourself a home-installed ramp.

Does Medicare Part B cover ramps?

No. Medicare Part B only covers a selection of authorized DME (durable medical equipment). Permanent home installations are prohibited, such as stairlifts, ramps, and walk-in tubs.

Alternative Sources Of Ramps

Go ahead and look for a wheelchair ramp elsewhere even as you figure out Medicare options.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it doesn't cover it directly. To understand this, as we explained above, you have to define the parameters of Medicare Part B, which covers durable medical equipment for medical purposes.

Final Thoughts

Does Medicare pay for wheelchair ramps? Yes, it does, if your doctor can prove you need this equipment for medical purposes. That's the requirement for any equipment under Medicare Part B.

How To Get A Wheelchair With The Medicare Part B Benefit

Getting a wheelchair on Medicare is pretty simple. To get a wheelchair with the Medicare Part B benefit, you have to complete three simple steps:

What Kind Of Wheelchair Will Medicare Cover?

The type of DME Medicare will cover depends on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. Generally, Medicare will cover the cost for a manual wheelchair, power or electric wheelchair, and mobility scooter.

What Type Of Medical Equipment Will Medicare Cover?

Medicare coverage varies from state to state. In some states, Medicare will cover a specific type of medical equipment, while in other states, it won’t.

How to get wheelchair ramp coverage?

There are two ways to obtain coverage for a wheelchair ramp under Medicaid: 1) regular Medicaid 2) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Regular Medicaid guarantees benefits for qualified individuals.

Does insurance cover ramps?

While ramps are necessary for individuals with mobility challenges, a ramp or access solution is not always covered by insurance for a variety of reasons. Here’s why and how you can find insurance that does cover a ramp:

Can you get Medicaid for a wheelchair ramp?

That means that a wheelchair ramp can be covered by Medicaid if it is deemed medically necessary. While possible, it is generally very difficult to get a wheelchair ramp ruled as medically necessary. The better option for Medicaid is likely going to be an HCBS Waiver.

Is a wheelchair ramp reimbursable?

However, a wheelchair ramp is not reimbursable like a wheelchair is, even if a physician prescribes it as medically necessary. This is because wheelchair ramps do not “directly treat a medical condition.”. However, you may be able to receive financial assistance through Medicare Advantage.

Is a wheelchair ramp covered by Medicare?

There are two parts to Medicare coverage: Part A covers “Hospital Insurance” and Part B covers “Medical Insurance.”. Wheelchair ramps fall under the category for durable medical equipment (DME) covered by Part B, just like a wheelchair. However, a wheelchair ramp is not reimbursable like a wheelchair is, even if a physician prescribes it as ...

Does Tricare pay for wheelchair ramps?

One option for Veteran assistance is to apply for coverage through TRICARE for Life to supplement Medicare Part B which would pay the remaining 20% co-payments not covered by Medicare. However, you would have to get Medicare to agree to pay for the wheelchair ramp first, which can be difficult as we mentioned earlier.