Wheelchair ramps have to be used in situations when there are step-ups too high to get your wheelchair over. Wheelchair ramps are must-have equipment for anyone that uses a wheelchair that needs to get to places when step-ups are involved to pass. These step-ups can be in your home and a wheelchair ramp may be necessary in order to safely navigate in and out of your house.
A lot of people ask: Will Medicare pay for a wheelchair ramp?
In most cases, Medicare will not pay for a wheelchair ramp. If you are not familiar with Medicare part B they only subsidize the cost of Durable Medical Equipment. This means that a licensed physician has to state that it is medically necessary for you to have a wheelchair ramp. But even when a doctor orders you should have a ramp Medicare generally will not cover a ramp.
(Durable Medical Equipment) From Medicare
The policies that are in place for Medicares Durable Medical Equipment Policy cover a big portion of medical mobility devices that help people move without the help of others. with that said is very rare for Medicare to cover wheelchair ramps because unlike a wheelchair, walkers, and canes wheelchair ramps are not directly medically necessary.
Questions have been asked about taking this to court and while there have been some cases won the cost associated with this out ways the cost of putting in a wheelchair ramp.
What medical equipment is accepted by Medicare Plan B for reimbursement? Devices like:
- Wheelchairs
- Crutches
- Walking canes
- Oxygen equipment
Are covered when the right situations are met. This would be a supplier and a doctor that are both in the Medicare network.
Common Wheelchair Style Ramps
Depending on your needs in a wheelchair ramp for your home there are different styles of wheelchair ramps that you can get. From portable ramps to permanently affixed ramps. Below are six of the most common styles you can get in a wheelchair ramp.
Folding ramp: These ramps have hinges and are easy to store and fold making them portable. These wheelchair ramps can be used to lay over small stairs and even enter vehicles that are wheelchair-accessible.
Telescoping: This type of ramp uses two separate metal channels that are used to retract and extend as needed. These types of ramps are easy to transport. The negative aspect of these ramps is they are not for motorized scooters.
Threshold ramps: are made for indoor and outdoor use for curbs, and doorways. These types of ramps are generally 6 inches high and made from both metal and rubber.
Modular: This is a lightweight and pre-manufactured wheelchair ramp this can be fixed permanently to an outdoor entryway. These generally do not require any type of building permit.
Suitcase style ramps: These lightweight and temporary ramps are meant to be portable because they have handles and can be taken with you in vehicles and other places.
Permanent wheelchair ramp: This is a permanent structure that is typically made from cement and metal and needs a building permit to build. This is the most expensive type of structure n terms of wheelchair ramps.
Other Ways To Get a Wheelchair Ramp Other Than Medicare
There are possible other avenues to getting a portable or temporary wheelchair ramp. Will Medicare pay for a wheelchair ramp? No, but there are other options. As you may already know there are a few charitable organizations that may help disabled individuals get a wheelchair ramp.
So what popular organizations are worth taking a look at?
DYI Home Wheelchair Ramp Build When Medicare won’t Cover Costs
If you know someone that is handy you may have an opportunity to have a DYI wheelchair ramp built on your property. The video below will allow you to get a first-hand look at what a ramp would look like.
Related Questions
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost? According to HomeAdvisor the national average of a ramp will cost $1,924. The low-end will be around $382.oo and the high end can be around $4,800.
What are the ADA wheelchair Guidelines? These are Federal laws that require certain Wheelchair ramp specifications when being built.
These guidelines have to be met in most businesses that build wheelchair maps or they can risk penalties and legal actions.
They must beet the following:
- ADA Ramp Specifications Require a 1:12 ramp slope ratio which equals 4.8 degrees slope or one foot of wheelchair ramp for each inch of rise. For instance, a 30-inch rise requires a 30-foot handicap wheelchair ramp.
- ADA Guidelines Require a Minimum 5′ x 5′ Flat, unobstructed area at the top and bottom of the ramp.
- ADA Standards Require wheelchair ramps to have a minimum width of 36 inches of clear space across the wheelchair ramp. Massachusetts and California ADA codes now require 48 inches ramp width to be an ADA compliant ramp.
- ADA Code Compliance Require a Minimum Turn Platform size of 5′ x 5′. California ADA ramp code now requires a minimum 6 foot (in the direction of travel) platform size.
- ADA Guidelines for Wheelchair Ramps allow a Maximum run of 30 feet of wheelchair ramp before a rest or turn platform.
- ADA Ramp Guidelines Require ADA Ramp handrails that are between 34″ and 38″ in height on both sides of the wheelchair ramps.
Final Thoughts
Getting a wheelchair ramp paid for by Medicare is rare. While Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Part B Medical insurance are comprehensive in terms of benefits that cover many types of needs when it comes to durable medical equipment. Wheelchairs, lifts, walking canes, and walkers It does not cover a ramp under these benefits.
