Funding Guides

Who actually pays for home accessibility modifications?

A ramp costs $1,500 to $8,000. A roll-in shower runs $5,000 to $20,000. Most families start by assuming Medicare covers it, and most families are wrong. These guides walk through the programs that do pay — who qualifies, what the limits are, and how long approval takes.

VA · HISA

VA HISA Grant

The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit pays up to $6,800 in a veteran’s lifetime for medically necessary changes like roll-in showers and permanent ramps. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.

$6,800

Higher lifetime limit

VA SAH & SHA Grants

For veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities, the SAH and SHA grants go far beyond HISA — $126,526 and $25,350 in FY2026. They are grants, not loans.

Medicare · Parts A, B & Advantage

Medicare Coverage Reality

Original Medicare does not pay for grab bars, ramps, stairlifts, or bathroom remodels. Here is why, what the narrow exceptions are, and where the money actually comes from.

Does not cover modifications

Original Medicare (A & B)

Structural change, not DME

Reason

6 min readRead guide

Medicaid · HCBS 1915(c) waivers

Medicaid HCBS Waivers

Medicaid HCBS waivers are the largest source of funding for accessibility modifications in the U.S. — but they are run state by state, and the timeline can run 6 to 12 months.

Section 1915(c)

Legal authority

Environmental Accessibility Adaptations

Benefit name

8 min readRead guide

AccessHome Pro is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Medicare, or any state Medicaid agency, and nothing here is a benefits determination or legal advice. Program amounts and eligibility rules change — each guide links to the official source so you can confirm current figures for your own situation.

Know your funding path? Find someone who can bid it.

Grant and waiver programs need itemized bids from contractors who understand the paperwork. Browse accessibility remodelers in your area — free for homeowners.