Paying for a stair lift in the US
Original Medicare generally does not pay for stair lifts. Help can come from some Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid programs, VA grants for veterans and the federal medical expense deduction.
Updated Oct 21, 2026
What may help
Insurance
Medicare
- Who can get it
- People with Medicare.
- What it covers
- Original Medicare generally does not pay for stair lifts, which count as home modifications rather than durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits; ask your plan.
- Where to apply
- Your Medicare Advantage plan, if you have one.
Sources: GoodRx Health, checked Oct 21, 2026
Tax relief
Medical expense deduction (IRS Publication 502)
- Who can get it
- Taxpayers who itemize deductions; only medical costs above 7.5% of adjusted gross income count.
- What it covers
- Lifts installed for medical care count as a medical expense; porch lifts and other lifts usually add no value to the home, so their full cost can count (elevators generally add value, which is subtracted).
- Where to apply
- Your tax return (Schedule A); keep the doctor's recommendation and invoices.
Sources: Internal Revenue Service (2025), checked Oct 21, 2026
Grant
VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant
- Who can get it
- Veterans who need home changes for medical reasons, with a VA prescription. Larger SAH/SHA grants exist for some service-connected disabilities.
- What it covers
- A lifetime grant towards medically necessary home changes. The VA sets the maximum, which differs for service-connected and other conditions; confirm the current amount with the VA.
- Where to apply
- The prosthetics office of your VA medical center.
Medicaid and state programs
Many states run Medicaid home- and community-based waiver programs that can pay for home modifications; rules differ by state. Ask your state Medicaid office or local Area Agency on Aging.
Tax deduction
IRS Publication 502 treats lifts installed for medical care as medical expenses. If the improvement does not increase your home's value, the whole cost counts; elevators generally add value, which is subtracted. Only costs above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are deductible, and only if you itemize.
Prices
Typical prices in United Kingdom
GBP
| What | Price range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift | £2,000 – £5,000 Which? owner survey: from about £2,000; 86% paid £5,000 or less (average £3,501 in 2020, £3,867 in 2022). Stannah straight models from £3,585 with a two-year warranty. | Which? owner survey: from about £2,000; 86% paid £5,000 or less (average £3,501 in 2020, £3,867 in 2022). Stannah straight models from £3,585 with a two-year warranty. |
| Curved stairlift | from £7,000 Which?: curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more. Stannah curved models from £7,134. | Which?: curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more. Stannah curved models from £7,134. |
| Reconditioned straight stairlift | from £2,831 Reconditioned Stannah Siena for a straight stair, with installation, a one-year warranty and one service. | Reconditioned Stannah Siena for a straight stair, with installation, a one-year warranty and one service. |
Disabled people pay no VAT on a stairlift, its installation and repairs (GOV.UK).
Sources: Which? (2020-09), checked Oct 21, 2026 · Stannah (UK), checked Oct 21, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for stair lifts?
Original Medicare generally does not, because stair lifts count as home modifications rather than durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits; ask your plan.
Can veterans get a stair lift for free?
Veterans may get a VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant towards medically necessary changes; ask the prosthetics office at your VA medical center for the current amounts.
Is a stair lift tax deductible?
It can count as a medical expense under IRS Publication 502 if you itemize and your medical costs exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
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