October 3, 2023

Does Medicare Pay for Grab Bar Installation?

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

Why doesn’t Medicare cover the cost of grab bar installation?

Medicare is primarily a health insurance program that focuses on medical services and equipment required for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Home modifications, such as grab bar installations, are generally not considered medical services or durable medical equipment under Medicare guidelines. Medicare covers bathroom safety devices that are medically necessary, not the equipment that is for comfort, which is the category that grab bars fall into. 

• Focus on Medically Necessary Services: Medicare, particularly Original Medicare (Part A & Part B), prioritizes covering medically necessary services and equipment directly related to treating a medical condition. Grab bars are generally seen as a preventative measure for safety and fall reduction, not a treatment for a specific illness.

• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Requirements: Original Medicare Part B covers DME, which can include equipment used in the home for medical reasons. However, to qualify as DME, grab bars typically wouldn’t meet all the criteria:

  • Medically Necessary: As mentioned above, grab bars typically wouldn’t be considered medically necessary under most circumstances.
  • Primarily Medical Use: Grab bars are often viewed as more of a convenience item for daily living than something directly related to treating a medical condition.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, there is one exception: some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, including coverage for home modifications like grab bars. It’s crucial to check with your specific Medicare Advantage plan provider to see if they cover grab bars and what the requirements are. They might require a doctor’s prescription to certify the medical necessity of installing grab bars in your home.

What are alternative insurance plans or programs that might cover the cost of grab bar installation?

Government Programs:

• Medicaid: This program can be a good option, but coverage for grab bars varies significantly by state. Some states include grab bars under home and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals with disabilities or needing assistance with daily living. Contact your local Medicaid agency to see if your state offers coverage and what the specific requirements are.

• Federal Grants: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers some grant programs occasionally that can be used for home modifications, including grab bars. However, these grants are often targeted towards specific populations or have limited availability. It’s still worthwhile to check the HUD website (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/cfo/gmomgmt/grantsinfo) for any current opportunities related to home modifications.

Insurance Options:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: These policies can be an option, but coverage for grab bars depends on the specific plan. If home modifications are included as a benefit, they might cover grab bars if deemed necessary for activities of daily living (ADLs) or mobility. Review your policy documents or contact your long-term care insurance provider for details on their specific coverage for grab bars.

• Workers’ Compensation: If you were injured at work and require grab bars to navigate your home safely, workers’ compensation insurance might cover the cost. This is highly dependent on the specifics of your injury and the details of your workers’ compensation policy. Contact your employer or workers’ compensation representative for clarification on coverage.

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, potentially including grab bars. Search online using keywords like “home modification assistance program + [your location]” or contact your local Department of Aging for information on organizations in your area.

• 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 offered by non-profit organizations in your community.

Additional Option:

• 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.

It’s important to remember:

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

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

• Gather Information: When considering 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.

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, promoting safety and independence.

         

Professional grab bar installation is key to ensuring the grab bars are securely mounted to the wall and provide the highest level of safety and security for all users. If you are in need of a local professional installer, just fill out this form and we will put you in touch with somebody from our vast network of professionals: Grab Bar Installation Request Form

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.