Are you looking for a new wheelchair ramp to install in your home? While wheelchair ramps can transform everyday accessibility and independence for users, purchasing a ramp can be a financial challenge for many. 

In this blog, we’ll answer a common question about wheelchair ramp installation– “Will my medical insurance cover this?”.

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. While insurance coverage for wheelchair ramps is minimal, plenty of insurance waivers, federal programs, and community resources exist to help reduce the cost of installing a wheelchair ramp in your home. 

Read on to learn more about if your specific medical insurance may cover a ramp, as well as additional financial aid options available to you. 

Does Medicare cover wheelchair ramps? Unfortunately, most of the time the answer is "no". While Medicare plans do classify wheelchair ramps as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), they are not considered to “directly treat a medical condition”, and therefore not reimbursable. There may be some situations where a ramp has been prescribed by a licensed physician and the federal health insurance program does cover some costs, but the vast majority of the time patients must pay for a wheelchair ramp on their own. 

However, certain Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost of wheelchair ramps under their “home supplemental healthcare benefits”. We recommend looking into your specific Medicare coverage to determine what may be covered.

Medicaid may cover the cost of a wheelchair ramp for low-income seniors if the ramp has been deemed “medically necessary”. 

To confirm medical necessity, start by making an appointment with your physician and request that they write you a prescription for the ramp. With this documentation in hand, you can then contact your Medicaid provider and submit a request for coverage. 

HCBS Waivers 

If you are unable to receive wheelchair ramp coverage through standard Medicaid procedures, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers may be an option. These Medicaid waivers are designed to assist seniors with disabilities or chronic conditions, helping them to remain in their homes while receiving adequate care. Under HCBS, a wheelchair ramp may be classified as an approved home modification. 

Different states have varying HCBS waivers and coverage policies.

While it’s always worth it to check in with your provider, most private insurance companies do not reimburse the cost of wheelchair ramps. 

If you are unable to receive coverage from your insurance provider, you may be eligible for financial support through other organizations and programs. These can include: 

• Veterans assistance: Veterans with certain disabilities can apply for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, which includes the installation of wheelchair ramps.
• Non-profit organizations: Several non-profit organizations can help fund home wheelchair ramps for those who need them.
• Government grants and loans: State and federal programs offer support for medically necessary home mobility modifications. For example, the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) program often provides grants and loans for home modifications.
• And more…

There are endless resources out there to ease the financial burden of home mobility modifications for wheelchair users. These resources vary by state and situation, so we recommend researching options available to you. 

Monthly Financing

Here at Med Mart, we offer monthly financing options through BreadPay and Katapult to reduce the financial burden of purchasing a wheelchair ramp. Rather than purchasing the entire cost of a wheelchair ramp upfront, you only pay a small monthly portion. This allows you to immediately receive and experience the day-to-day benefits of a home wheelchair ramp, without a large upfront investment. 

Ramp Rentals

If you only require a wheelchair ramp for a temporary period of time (such as relatives visiting or recovering from illness), a rental ramp can be a cost-effective option. 

For loved ones who rely on scooters, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids, a home wheelchair ramp can make a world of difference. To help ease the financial burden of installing a wheelchair ramp, be sure to check in with your insurance provider or research financial assistance programs in your area that you may qualify for. 

At Med Mart, we provide flexible pricing plans to meet every budget. Contact our team of product experts, and we’d be happy to help you on your journey to a more accessible, safe home!