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Table of contents If you or a loved one need mobility assistance at home, a stair lift may help. A stair lift — also known as a chair lift — is an electric seat that moves along a reinforced track to help you navigate stairs. You sit on the chair and use remote controls to go up and down the staircase. Stair lifts can be expensive to purchase and install. Generally, they cost between $2,000 and $15,000, with an average cost of about $6,000. Although the cost can be significant, this home modification offers an improved quality of life for people who use it. The device may allow someone with limited mobility to continue living at home longer. And, when compared to the cost of an assisted living facility, a stair lift is by far the more affordable option. What are the different types of stair lifts?There are three main types of stair lifts:
The chart below provides a detailed comparison of the three types.
What to consider when choosing a stair liftThe final cost of your stair lift will be determined by the type of device you purchase and any upgrades. Here are some things to keep in mind:
What factors go into the pricing of a stair lift?Stair lift prices depend on factors such as the length of the track you require and the materials you select for your model. Standard straight stair lifts start with about 14 feet of track. Curved and outdoor stair lifts come in custom track lengths. A longer track, or one that can wrap around a landing or curve, will be more expensive. And, since outdoor stair lifts are made from weather-resistant materials, they are more expensive than standard indoor lifts. Any upgrades you select will affect the cost of your stair lift. The chart below details some common upgrade options by category. Common Stair Lift Upgrades
Is installation included in the cost?Installation is not always included in the cost of your stair lift. You will need to check with your stair-lift provider to find out whether or not the cost of installation is included in your quoted price. Should I buy or rent a stair lift?Stair lifts are costly to purchase, so renting can be an attractive option — especially for people who can use a standard, straight indoor device. It’s also a good option for people who only need a stair lift for a short period of time. Many companies offer rental options for straight stair lifts, but they require that you keep the equipment in good shape. If you don’t keep up with mandatory maintenance, you may not be eligible to return the stair lift when you are done using it. Some companies also offer rent-to-own options. Curved and outdoor stair lifts are not commonly available for rental because they are usually custom installations. Check with stair-lift retailers in your area for availability and pricing. What is the cost to rent a stair lift?Renting a straight stair lift costs around $300 to $500 per month. Most companies require a minimum rental period of 3 months. And they may charge additional fees, including:
Does insurance cover the cost of a stair lift?Usually, health insurance plans do not cover the cost of a stair lift. This is because stair lifts are considered home modifications, rather than durable medical equipment (DME). There are a few exceptions:
Are stair lifts covered by Medicare?Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts. These plans only cover certain DME, such as wheelchairs and home hospital beds. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost of a stair lift if it is considered medically necessary. This requires your doctor to write an order for the device. Are stair lifts tax deductible?If a stair lift is considered medically necessary, you can deduct all or part of the cost of the device when you do your taxes. As previously mentioned, your doctor will need to evaluate you and write an order for the stair lift in this case. In order to deduct the stair lift as a medical expense, it will need to fit the description laid out by the IRS for tax-deductible improvements to your home. Specifically, the IRS considers “modifying stairways” to accommodate a “disabled condition” to be a tax-deductible expense. The deduction may be reduced by any increase in the value of your home caused by the stair lift. Some states also offer a sales tax exemption for mobility-enhancing equipment, including stair lifts. The bottom lineStair lift prices range from around $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the type of device you need. Standard model, straight stair lifts are the most affordable devices to buy new. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find previously owned outdoor stair lifts and curved stair lifts, which are considered custom installations. Medicare and most commercial health insurance plans do not cover stair lifts. If your doctor is willing to write an order for your device, you may be able to get the cost covered by Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or the VA. In some cases, a stair lift added to your home will be tax deductible. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines. Was this page helpful?Subscribe and save.Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. How much is a chair that goes up the stairs?A straight stairlift average cost is between $3,400 – $5,500. Many customers choose an option in the $3,500-$4,500 range, while others opt for a reconditioned preowned stair chair lift model or take advantage of Stannah's short term rental program.
Is there an alternative to a stair lift?The number one alternative to a stairlift is the Stair Walker AssiStep. Unlike stairlifts, the AssiStep enables you to remain active, but at the same time get the needed extra support while climbing stairs. You get the extra support needed to continue climbing stairs using your own muscles.
How much does the chair lift cost?The price of a chair lift will depend on your staircase. If your home has a straight staircase with eight-foot ceilings, you should budget anywhere from $3,250 to $7,500 to purchase a new stair lift. The average cost usually ends up in the middle of this range, between about $4,000 and $5,000.
How much does an Acorn stairlift cost?Most people spend between $3,200 and $4,000 for an indoor stair lift and between $10,000 and $15,000 for a curved indoor or outdoor stair lift, according to Acorn national sales manager Dana McKinney. Both price ranges include the cost of installation.
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