How to Use Medicare and Other Funding Options for Home Modifications in Tennessee
- Knoxville Aging in Place
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Aging in place is more than just a lifestyle choice, it's a decision to maintain independence, comfort, and dignity in your own home. But modifying a home for safety and accessibility often comes with a financial burden. Fortunately, Tennessee residents have several options to help cover the cost of ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, and other aging-in-place solutions.
Whether you’re exploring Medicare home modification coverage, Tennessee aging in place grants, or private pay solutions, this guide walks you through the best options, especially during Medicare open enrollment (October 15 to December 7), when many families reassess their benefits and budgets.
Does Medicare Cover Home Modifications?
In most cases, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover home modifications. That includes items such as wheelchair ramps, walk-in tubs, stair lifts, or grab bars, as they are considered "non-medical" or convenience-based improvements.
However, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, offered by private insurance companies, often include supplemental benefits that cover:
Grab bar installation
Wheelchair ramps
Bathroom safety upgrades
Personal emergency response systems (PERS)
What to Do:
Contact your plan provider or visit Medicare.gov to compare Advantage plans that include these benefits. Coverage varies, and some modifications may require a doctor’s recommendation or home safety assessment.
Tennessee Medicaid Waivers (TennCare)
For seniors with lower income or disabilities, TennCare CHOICES is a Medicaid waiver program designed to help people remain in their homes rather than move into nursing facilities.
Services covered through CHOICES may include:
ADA-compliant home modifications
Grab bar installation
Aluminum wheelchair ramps
Bathroom accessibility upgrades
Stair lifts and transfer aids
These services fall under Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and are based on need and eligibility.
What to Do:
Speak with a TennCare caseworker or apply through the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability. You may need a care plan developed by a healthcare provider, and an in-home assessment is usually required.
Veteran Funding: VA Grants for Home Modifications
If you're a veteran or the spouse of a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers generous programs to support home modifications.
Two key options include:
HISA Grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations)
SAH and SHA Grants (Specially Adapted Housing / Special Housing Adaptation)
Eligible improvements include:
Roll-in showers
Ramps
Widened doorways
Lowered kitchen counters
ADA-compliant handrails
What to Do:
Apply through your VA regional office or connect with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to determine which grant you're eligible for. Some grants are available annually, while others are lifetime benefits.
Workers’ Compensation & Department of Labor
If your mobility challenges stem from a work-related injury or illness, the Department of Labor or Workers’ Compensation may fund your home modifications.
Commonly approved upgrades:
Temporary or permanent ramp installations
Stair lifts
Bathroom safety improvements after rehabilitation
What to Do:
Speak with your Workers’ Comp case manager or vocational rehabilitation representative. Medical documentation and a contractor estimate are often required.
Nonprofit & Local Programs in Tennessee
In addition to government programs, local nonprofit and housing agencies may provide home modification assistance:
Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD)
Local housing authorities
Community service groups and churches
These organizations may offer:
Emergency repair grants
Temporary accessibility solutions
Senior safety education and resources
What to Do:
Call your local AAAD or the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) to see what regional support may be available.
Private Pay and Aging in Place Specialists
Not all needs qualify for public programs — and many seniors prefer to act quickly without waiting for paperwork or eligibility checks. That’s where private pay options become essential.
At Knoxville Aging in Place, we work with clients throughout East Tennessee to offer:
Straightforward estimates
No-surprise billing
Fast installation of grab bars, ramps, stair lifts, and more
Personalized safety assessments
Whether you're preparing for an upcoming surgery, hosting aging parents for the holidays, or planning long-term safety upgrades, we’re here to support you.
Products Commonly Funded Through Assistance Programs
Product/Modification | May Be Covered By… |
Grab Bars | Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, VA, DOL |
Ramps (Aluminum or Modular) | Ramp Rental Program, VA, Workers’ Comp |
Stair Lifts | Medicaid Waivers, VA, Workers’ Comp |
Roll-In Showers | Medicaid Waivers, VA |
Widened Doorways | Medicaid, VA |
Non-Slip Flooring | DOL, Private Pay |
Transfer Benches | Medicare Advantage, VA |
What Documentation Will You Need?
Most programs and grants require:
Doctor’s note or medical necessity letter
Occupational therapist recommendations
Proof of financial need (for income-based programs)
ADA-compliant product specs
Contractor estimates
At Knoxville Aging in Place, we assist our clients in gathering the documentation they need, especially during home assessments.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you or your loved one are considering safety upgrades, now is the time. Fall and winter are high-risk seasons for seniors, and Medicare open enrollment is your best opportunity to change plans or activate extra benefits.
We’re proud to serve families in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Loudon, and beyond with trusted, expert aging-in-place solutions.
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