Stairlift FAQs

Will Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cover the cost of my stairlift? This is possibly the most common question asked related to stairlifts. Unfortunately, neither Medicare, Medicaid, nor private insurance provide coverage for stairlifts. While some insurance carriers may claim to cover medical equipment, stairlifts are generally categorized as a luxury item and thus excluded from coverage. However, the VA has covered the cost of stairlift installation for certain eligible veterans. In special circumstances, insurance providers may make exceptions, particularly for children. Additionally, if mobility issues arise due to an accident, auto insurance, state programs, or workers' compensation insurance might cover the cost of a stairlift instead of more expensive assisted living costs. Next Step Mobility is here to support you with materials, technical specifications, or any other resources to assist you in discussions regarding insurance coverage for stairlifts or applying through waiver programs or community-sponsored non-profit initiatives. 

Will my stairlift work when the electric power goes out? There's often concern that a stairlift might leave you stranded during a power outage. Rest assured, your Next Step Mobility stairlift will operate during an electric outage because we exclusively offer battery-powered stairlifts. This means you can safely move downstairs even in the event of a power failure. The batteries charge while the stairlift is parked at its charging stations, ensuring you have a full charge available when the power goes out. To conserve battery power during an outage, simply turn off the stairlift when it's not in use and activate it only when needed. 

Do we need to modify the walls or the house to install a stairlift? There's a common misconception that stairlift installation requires modifications to your home. Whether you choose a straight or custom curved stairlift, the rail is securely anchored with special brackets and screws to the stair treads, eliminating the need for wall alterations or significant stair modifications. 

What damage will the stairlift cause to my stairs? Since the stairlift is installed on your stairs, the installation process involves using screws to secure the feet in place. As a result, some visible marks may appear when removing the stairlift. Nevertheless, there is no structural compromise to your staircase. For carpeted stairs, any marks left behind could be minimal, while on hardwood surfaces, holes can be filled and stained to blend seamlessly with the existing stairs. 

What do we need to consider when buying used stairlifts? Can you save money by buying a used stairlift? That question can be tricky. More often than not, a used stairlift will not work in your home without incurring additional costs. When buying used stairlifts through brokers, online auctions, or classifieds, it's crucial to assess their condition and value. The appealing lower price may conceal various issues that need to be resolved before the stairlift can be safely used in your home. First, will it work when you get it home? Second, will it fit your staircase? Lastly, who will handle installation and service if problems arise? 

Several challenges can hinder a successful purchase, installation, and use of the stairlift. Your staircase may differ significantly from the one where the stairlift was initially installed. You must also ensure you have all necessary components—rails, racks, chair, power pack, brackets, feet, bolts, charging strips, safety stops, charger, etc.—and that no replacement parts are needed. Additionally, batteries are consumable items, so you will likely need a new set. 

Once you've confirmed you have all components, consider installation, service, and warranty. Most manufacturers require a certified technician to uninstall and install the stairlift to offer a warranty. This necessitates finding a local certified technician for the specific brand you purchase from a third party. 

In summary, while a low price may be attractive, the headaches and costs associated with making a used unit work can be significant. Instead, we can provide you with a new stairlift, complete with full warranties and service, starting at $3000. 

What can I expect from the installation of a stairlift? Typically, the installation of a straight stairlift takes about 3-4 hours. However, if more complex elements are involved, such as a hinged rail or power slide rail, the installation time may extend. Multi-level curved stairlifts with multiple call stations will require additional time and resources. Next Step Mobility will discuss the installation elements, timeline, and expected results with you. 

Can you install the stairlift today? If you need a stairlift installed urgently, Next Step Mobility maintains an inventory of the most common stairlifts, allowing us to install one today or within the next few days. We will guide you through a telephone evaluation to determine if we can fit a straight stairlift as quickly as possible.