Does Medicare Pay for Grab Bars and Home Modifications?
Short answer: Original Medicare generally does not pay for grab bars, stair lifts, ramps or other home modifications. But there are other ways to get help.
What Original Medicare (Parts A and B) may cover
- Durable medical equipment (DME) that a doctor orders as medically necessary, such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs and hospital beds, from a Medicare-enrolled supplier
- Physical and occupational therapy, which can include advice on home safety
- Some home health services, if you qualify
Items that are mainly for convenience or that become part of the home, such as grab bars and bathroom remodels, generally aren't covered. Check Medicare.gov's coverage tool for a specific item.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits that may include bathroom safety devices, home safety assessments or other in-home support. Benefits vary by plan and year. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage or call the plan.
Other ways to pay
- Area Agency on Aging: local home repair and modification programs. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.
- Medicaid waivers: some state programs pay for modifications for people who qualify.
- USDA Section 504 Home Repair (rural areas): grants for very-low-income homeowners 62+.
- VA grants for eligible veterans.
- Nonprofits like Rebuilding Together.
See home modification grants for seniors for details.
Tip
Grab bars themselves are often inexpensive. The cost is usually installation. A local handyman program through your Area Agency on Aging may be able to help.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage rules change; check Medicare.gov or your plan.
The Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist includes a "ways to pay" page and a fix plan with a budget.
Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist — $12
17-page room-by-room home safety and fall-prevention workbook with a fall-risk check, modification plan, ways to pay and a fridge emergency sheet. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Aging-in-Place Home Safety ChecklistAll 10 kits — $59More guides
- Aging in Place Checklist: Room-by-Room Home Safety for Seniors
- Fall Prevention Checklist for Seniors: Home and Health
- Bathroom Safety for Seniors: Grab Bars, Showers and Toilets
- How To Talk to Aging Parents About Home Safety
- Medications That Can Increase Fall Risk in Older Adults
- Home Modification Grants and Help for Seniors
- Medical Alert Systems: What To Look For (and Alternatives)
- Stair Safety for Seniors: A Practical Checklist
- Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety for Older Adults