October 3, 2023

Are Grab Bars Covered Under Medicare?

No, Medicare typically does not cover the cost of grab bars or their installation in your home.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States designed for people age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. It’s the largest single source of health coverage for seniors in the country.

Medicare is designed to cover medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It does not typically cover home modifications or equipment like grab bars unless they are considered medically necessary and part of a broader medical treatment plan.

To find out more about Medicare eligibility and benefits, you can visit the official Medicare website: https://www.medicare.gov/

Why does Medicare typically not cover grab bars?

Medicare typically doesn’t cover grab bars because they are not considered medically necessary in most cases. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons:

• Medicare Coverage Guidelines: Medicare, particularly Original Medicare (Part A & Part B), focuses on covering medically necessary services and equipment. Grab bars are generally seen as a preventative measure to improve safety and reduce the risk of falls, rather than a direct treatment for a medical condition.

• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Requirements: Original Medicare Part B covers DME, which includes equipment used in the home for medical reasons. However, to qualify as DME, an item needs to meet several criteria:

  • Medically Necessary: As mentioned above, grab bars typically wouldn’t be considered medically necessary under most circumstances.
  • Primarily Medical Use: Grab bars can be seen as more of a convenience item for daily living than something directly related to treating a medical condition.
  • Durable and Long-lasting: Grab bars typically meet this requirement as they are expected to last for several years.
  • Used in the Home: This requirement is fulfilled by grab bars installed in your residence.

• Focus on Skilled Care: Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays and skilled nursing facility care, wouldn’t typically cover grab bars as they are not directly related to these services.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes:

• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): These are private insurance plans approved by Medicare and offered by insurance companies. Some Advantage Plans may offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, including coverage for home modifications like grab bars. It’s important to check with your specific plan provider to see if they cover grab bars and what the requirements are.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Doctor’s Prescription: Even for Medicare Advantage plans that cover grab bars, a doctor’s prescription certifying their medical necessity might still be required in some cases.

• Preventative vs. Treatment: While Medicare doesn’t typically cover grab bars, it’s important to remember that preventing falls can be crucial for seniors and those with mobility limitations. Falls can lead to serious injuries and increased healthcare costs.

Aside from Medicare, are there any other programs or insurance options that might cover grab bars?

Yes, there are several programs and insurance options besides Medicare that can potentially help with the cost of grab bars or home modifications. Here’s a breakdown of some possibilities:

Government Programs:

• Medicaid: This joint federal-state program offers health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Some state Medicaid programs may include home and community-based services (HCBS) that cover home modifications, including grab bars. Eligibility and coverage details differ by state, so contacting your local Medicaid agency is crucial.

• Federal Grants: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers some grant programs that can be used for home modifications, although these grants are often targeted towards specific populations or have limited availability. It’s worth checking the HUD website (https://www.hud.gov/improvements) for any current grant opportunities related to home modifications.

Insurance Options:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: These policies may cover home modifications like grab bars if they are deemed necessary for activities of daily living (ADLs) or mobility. However, coverage and eligibility vary widely by policy, so reviewing your policy documents or contacting your long-term care insurance provider is essential.

• Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured at work and require home modifications like grab bars to navigate your home safely, workers’ compensation insurance might cover the cost. This depends on the specifics of your injury and the details of your specific workers’ compensation policy. It’s best to contact your employer or workers’ compensation representative for clarification.

Financial Assistance Programs:

• Non-Profit Organizations: Many non-profit organizations offer financial assistance or volunteer labor to help low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities make home modifications. Look for organizations in your area that specialize in aging or disability services. Search online using keywords like “home modification assistance program” or contact your local Department of Aging for information.

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These government-funded agencies offer various services for seniors, including information and referral for home modifications. They might be able to connect you with resources for financial assistance or discounted grab bar installation programs.

Manufacturer Rebates:

• Some grab bar manufacturers occasionally offer rebates on their products. Check with retailers or online stores to see if there are any current promotions that can help reduce the cost.

Here are some additional tips:

• Explore all options: Don’t limit yourself to just one program or insurance option. Research all available possibilities to see which one best suits your situation.

• Contact your local resources: Start by reaching out to your local agencies like the Department of Aging or Area Agencies on Aging. They can provide information on available programs and connect you with helpful resources in your community.

• Gather information: When exploring different options, be sure to gather details about eligibility requirements, coverage limitations, and the application process.

• Consider out-of-pocket options: If none of these programs or insurance options cover grab bars, you might still consider purchasing and installing them yourself. Grab bars are often a relatively affordable safety measure, and there are DIY tutorials available online or you can hire a handyman service for professional installation.

Remember, prioritizing safety and preventing falls is crucial, especially for seniors and those with mobility limitations. By exploring these various programs and options, you can increase your chances of finding a way to make grab bars a more accessible and affordable addition to your home.

         

To determine if you are eligible for healthcare coverage of grab bars, you should  check with the specific program, insurer, or agency that applies to your situation. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria and coverage can change over time, so it’s a good idea to contact them directly or consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you through the available options.

If you are in need of grab bars, take a look here: Grab Bars

If you have any additional questions about grab bars, give us a call at 704-800-4629, live chat with us on GrabBars.com or email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you out.