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What does VA FSS Approved mean for Veterans considering a stairlift?

12:00am & Tips and Advice

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Acorn Stairlifts is VA FSS APPROVED, meaning Acorn is available through the appropriate VA Federal Supply Schedule purchasing process.

This designation does not mean a stairlift has been clinically recommended for a particular Veteran, nor does it guarantee VA funding. Eligibility and coverage depend on the individual Veteran and applicable VA requirements.

Take a look at how Acorn supports Veterans through the stairlift process.

What is the VA Federal Supply Schedule?

The VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) is a government purchasing program managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Acquisition Center.

The program allows the VA and other federal agencies to purchase medical equipment, mobility products, and related services from contracted suppliers.

What does VA FSS Approved mean for Acorn Stairlifts?

Acorn Stairlifts is VA FSS APPROVED and is listed as a contracted supplier in the VA National Acquisition Center's official contract catalog. Its contract covers applicable products and services available through the federal purchasing process.

Acorn's Federal Supply Schedule contract information includes:

 

 Contact Information     

 Details

 Contractor

 Acorn Stairlifts, Inc.

 Contract number

 36F79726D0160

 Schedule

 65 II A: Medical Equipment and Supplies

 Classification

 A-76: Lifts, Patient Equipment for Hospital and Home Use      

 

 

This information can be verified through the VA National Acquisition Center Contract Catalog.

VA FSS approval does not represent a recommendation or endorsement of Acorn over the stairlift companies, nor does it guarantee individual VA coverage.

Does VA FSS approval mean Veterans automatically qualify for a stairlift?

No. Being VA FSS APPROVED and qualifying for VA stairlift assistance are separate matters.

A Veteran’s medical needs and eligibility must be evaluated through the appropriate VA process. The Department of Veterans Affairs determines whether a stairlift may be authorized and whether funding is available.

Acorn can explain its stairlift products and available services, but it cannot approve or guarantee VA benefits.

Start with your VA healthcare provider, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Prosthetics department, or another appropriate member of your VA care.

Who determines whether a stairlift may be appropriate?

Different parties have different responsibilities during the VA stairlift process.

 

 Party

 Responsibility

 Veteran's VA care team

 Evaluates medical and mobility needs and determines whether a stairlift may be clinically appropriate

 Department of Veterans Affairs                           

 Determines eligibility, authorization, purchasing requirements, and available funding

 Acorn Stairlifts

 Coordinates the stairlift-related process after receiving the appropriate request or authorization, including assessments, recommendations, and installation arrangements     

 

 

The VA handles medical and authorization decisions. Acorn assists with the stairlift-related process when the applicable requirements are met.

How can a Veteran begin the VA stairlift process?

Veterans interested in stairlift assistance can begin with three general steps:

1. Speak with your VA care team.

Explain any difficulty you experience when navigating stairs at home. Your VA care team can discuss your mobility needs and explain the appropriate evaluation process.

2. Ask about stairlift eligibility and authorization.

The VA will determine whether a stairlift may be appropriate and whether assistance is available based on your individual circumstances and applicable requirements.

You can also provide your VA contact with Acorn’s VA FSS contract information.

3. Coordinate the next steps when appropriate.

When the appropriate VA request or authorization is received, and the applicable requirements are met, Acorn can assist with the staircase assessment, stairlift recommendation, and installation coordination.

The process may vary depending on the Veteran’s needs and the VA requirements. Contacting Acorn does not automatically begin or guarantee VA approval.

What happens after the required VA request or authorization is in place?

When the appropriate VA request or authorization is received, Acorn can help coordinate the applicable next steps.

Depending on the circumstances, these may include:

  • Arranging a home staircase assessment
  • Measuring the staircase and reviewing its configuration
  • Identifying an appropriate stairlift option
  • Providing required supporting information
  • Coordinating installation after applicable purchasing and authorization requirements are satisfied
  • Explaining how to operate the installed stairlift and its safety features

Acorn offers stairlift options for straight, curved, and outdoor staircases. The appropriate configuration depends on the staircase, the home, and the Veteran’s individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Veterans contact Acorn directly about VA stairlift options?

Yes, Veterans and their families can contact Acorn Stairlifts to learn about available stairlift models and Acorn’s VA FSS APPROVED status.

However, contacting Acorn does not automatically initiate or guarantee VA authorization. Veterans should also speak with their VA healthcare provider or Prosthetics department about eligibility and the appropriate process.

Can a Veteran choose Acorn Stairlifts as their VA stairlift supplier?

Veterans can provide their VA care team with Acorn’s Federal Supply Schedule contract information when discussing stairlift options.

However, the VA determines applicable purchasing and authorization requirements. Acorn’s VA FSS APPROVED status does not guarantee that the VA will select Acorn as the supplier.

Do I need to purchase a stairlift first and seek reimbursement?

Do not assume that you should purchase a stairlift first and seek reimbursement afterward.

Your VA care team or facility should explain the applicable authorization and purchasing process before any work begins.

Eligibility, reimbursement, and purchasing decisions are determined by the VA.

Can a family member or caregiver help a Veteran with the stairlift process?

Yes. Family members and caregivers can help Veterans gather information, organize appointments, communicate accessibility concerns, and prepare questions for their VA care team.

They can also contact Acorn for general guidance about stairlift options.

However, the Veteran’s permission or other appropriate legal authorization may be required before the VA or Acorn can share private information, provide case-specific updates, or allow someone else to make decisions on the Veteran’s behalf.

What If I already have a stairlift recommendation?

If you already have a stairlift recommendation, tell your VA care team that Acorn Stairlifts is VA FSS APPROVED.

Ask how the appropriate request or authorization should be provided and whether additional information is required.

Where can Veterans and caregivers find more information?

Veterans experiencing difficulty using their stairs should begin by speaking with their VA care team about their mobility needs and available options.

Family members and caregivers can help gather information and support Veterans throughout the process.

Acorn serves customers across the United States and offers stairlift solutions for straight, curved, and outdoor staircases.

Availability through the VA process depends on the Veteran’s individual circumstances, applicable requirements, and authorization.

As a VA FSS APPROVED supplier, Acorn can provide information about stairlift products, home assessments, and installation services.

To learn more, visit the Acorn Stairlifts Veterans website or contact Acorn for information about its VA-related stairlift services.

VA eligibility, authorization, and coverage depend on individual circumstances and applicable VA requirements.

 

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The Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation

We are proud to be the very FIRST stairlift company to earn the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation. It is yet another effort that continues to prove that Acorn Stairlifts is a pioneer in the industry, always striving to stay ahead of the game, and to help our customers by providing the absolute best solution for their needs.

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