Does Medicare Cover Home Ramps?

Medicare will often cover the cost of wheelchairs for those who nee done. If you live at home and need a wheelchair, you may need to get a ramp installed in order to get in and out of your house.

If you or a loved one is in a situation like this, you may be wondering “Does Medicare cover home ramps?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of home ramps, as well as other helpful info.

The short answer is, no. Medicare generally will not cover the cost of home ramp installations. That said, there may be some situations where you can get these costs covered. Below we’ll take a closer look at this to see when you might be able to get Medicare to pay for your installation of home ramps.

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) often does not cover home modifications like wheelchair ramps. Even though ramps may meet the Durable Medical Equipment criteria (DME), Medicare does not consider them as such.

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) may cover the cost of installing home ramps. Medicare Advantage covers everything that Original Medicare covers along with some additional benefits.

It is rare for an Advantage plan to provide coverage for a home ramp. But it’s possible. Contact your Advantage plan provider to see.

If that doesn’t work, you may be able to get reimbursement for a home ramp through your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Home Ramps?

Installation of wheelchair ramps can cost between $950 to $3,050. Figure on an average cost of around $2,000.

Prices will vary depending on the labor and the materials used for the ramp. Installation can cost $100-$250 per linear foot.

Concrete ramps can cost $200-$250 per linear foot
Wood ramps can cost $100-$250 per linear foot
Aluminum ramps cost about $150 per linear foot
Prefabricated aluminum cost about $100 per linear foot
Metal ramps can cost between $200-$250 per linear foot

What Is A Home Ramp?

Home ramps give wheelchair users the freedom to navigate inside and even outside their homes. They allow them to go to elevated areas that are accessible by stairs most of the time.

They can be placed near doors, beside stairs, or by any elevated areas. They are built with different materials, with each having its advantages and disadvantages.

What Are The Types Of Home Ramps?

Ramps made out of concrete are the most ideal ramps for permanent use. Since they are for permanent use, they cannot be easily removed. They are often rough and textured.

Wood ramps are not that difficult to install and do not cost too much. More than that, they are more affordable and materials are easily available at home improvement stores.

However, durability can be a problem, especially if it’s exposed to a lot of moisture. These ramps also get quite slippery when they get wet.

Unlike ramps made out of wood, aluminum ramps can withstand wetness and moisture. They can maintain traction even on rainy or snowy days.

However, they are expensive and can bend fairly easily. And if they don’t have a textured finish, they may also be slippery.

You can also buy prefabricated aluminum ramps, which you can assemble yourself. This removes the cost for installation.

Metal or steel ramps are similar to aluminum ramps. However, they are heavier and more secure than their aluminum counterparts, making them more difficult to bend. However, they can rust or corrode.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.