Medicare does not cover the cost of wheelchair ramps because they are considered to be home modifications. However, some Medicaid programs may help with the cost.
While Medicare will cover the cost of a wheelchair if it is medically necessary, Medicare usually will not cover the cost of installing a wheelchair ramp in a person’s home.
This is because Medicare classifies wheelchairs as durable medical equipment, which Medicare Part B covers, while wheelchair ramps are considered to be home modifications.
However, a person can get help with the costs of a wheelchair ramp if they enroll in certain Medicaid programs. Other sources of funding may also be available to help cover the costs of a wheelchair ramp.
Medicare does not cover the cost of wheelchair ramps because it does not cover home modifications.
Medicare Part B will usually help cover the costs of wheelchairs and scooters if a doctor deems them medically necessary, as Medicare considers them to be durable medical equipment (DME).
However, even if a doctor deems a wheelchair medically necessary and a person’s home requires modifications for wheelchair access, Medicare does not cover these modifications.
Some Medicaid programs cover the cost of a wheelchair ramp. Medicaid provides free and low cost health insurance for:
- people with limited income
- pregnant people
- older adults
- people with disabilities
- families with children
Eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary by state. Each state must follow the federal government’s rules for what it can and cannot offer, but each program can offer different benefits.
For example, Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid program, may cover the cost of installing or building a wheelchair ramp. In Missouri, the Independent Living Medicaid Waiver program may cover accessibility adaptations, such as wheelchair ramps.
Programs can also vary by region in a state. For example, Rebuilding Together Kansas City is a Medicaid-approved provider in Kansas City, Missouri. It offers home modification coverage for people with developmental disabilities.
A person can visit the Medicaid website to find out about Medicaid coverage in their area.
Learn about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.
The following resources may help with the costs of installing a wheelchair ramp:
- state vocational rehabilitation agencies
- local Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
- local volunteer organizations
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program for veterans and service members
- state assistive technology programs
The National Rehabilitation Information Center can also help individuals find resources in their community.
Although Medicare Part B covers the costs of wheelchairs, Medicare does not cover the costs of building or installing a wheelchair ramp. This is because Medicare does not cover home modifications.
However, Medicaid may provide coverage for wheelchair ramps. Medicaid programs can vary depending on where a person lives. A person can research the Medicaid programs in their local area to find out what is available to them.
Other resources, such as vocational rehabilitation agencies, local Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and assistive technology programs, may help with the costs of installing a wheelchair ramp.