Posted on September 22, 2025 by Trent godard
APA Medical has been installing wheelchair ramps across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities metro for over 20 years. We've configured ramps for homes with tight property lines, unusual entries, garage installations, side and rear access points, and everything in between.
If you need a ramp — for yourself, a family member, or a client — this page covers how APA's installation and rental process works, what waiver programs cover, and how to get started.
What APA Medical Offers
Installation APA installs modular aluminum and steel ramp systems, customized to the layout of your home. Every installation includes a site assessment, configuration planning, full installation, and a walkthrough before we leave. We handle homes of all layouts — there is no standard setup that works for every property, and we don't try to force one.
Rental Ramps are available for short-term or long-term rental. This is common for post-surgery recovery, temporary rehabilitation, or situations where the need for a ramp is uncertain. Your first month's rental fee can be applied toward a purchase if you decide the ramp will be needed longer term.
Purchase For ongoing needs, purchasing is more cost-effective over time. Aluminum and steel ramp systems are available in configurations to fit any home.
How the Process Works
- Call or contact us — 612-722-9000 or contact us online
- Site assessment — an APA team member visits your home, measures the rise and available space, and assesses the best configuration
- Insurance and waiver verification — if applicable, APA verifies coverage and handles documentation before any work begins
- Quote — you receive a detailed quote covering materials, configuration, and installation
- Installation — typically completed in one visit; we test the ramp and walk you through use before we leave
Call 612-722-9000 to schedule a free in-home assessment.
Minnesota Waiver Programs and Ramp Coverage
Wheelchair ramps may be covered as an environmental accessibility adaptation or home modification through Minnesota Medicaid waiver programs when the ramp is assessed as necessary in the individual's service plan. Coverage depends on the specific waiver, the individual's assessment, and documentation from their care team.
APA has over 20 years of experience working with waiver and MSHO programs. We provide in-services for case management groups, handle billing directly with waiver programs, and work with case managers, physicians, and insurance carriers to navigate the documentation requirements.
For case managers and care coordinators: call 612-722-9000 to discuss a client's specific situation, or contact us online to start the process.
Rental vs. Purchase: How to Decide
The right choice depends on how long the ramp will be needed and how certain that timeline is.
Rent when:
- The need is short-term — post-surgery recovery, temporary rehabilitation, or a trial period
- You're not sure how long the ramp will be needed (injury, stroke recovery, progressing condition)
- A family member is visiting for an extended period and needs access
Purchase when:
- The need is ongoing — a permanent disability, a chronic condition, or a household member who will rely on the ramp indefinitely
- You've been renting and the need has become clear and long-term
APA's first-month rental credit toward purchase means there's no financial penalty for starting with a rental and converting later.
Ramp Sizing and Configuration
APA handles all measurement and configuration planning, but here are the basics:
The 1:12 rule: The ADA standard for ramp slope is 1:12 — for every 1 inch of vertical rise, you need 12 inches of ramp length. A 24-inch rise requires a 24-foot ramp. If space doesn't allow a straight run, an L-shaped or switchback configuration with a landing solves the problem.
Width: A minimum of 36 inches to accommodate an occupied wheelchair or scooter.
Handrails: Required on both sides for any rise of 6 inches or more.
Landing: A level platform at the top of the ramp gives space to pause and open or close the door safely.
APA installs straight, L-shaped, and switchback configurations. We also handle indoor ramp installations for garages and interior level changes. For a full overview of ramp types and sizing, see our modular wheelchair ramps guide.
Ramps are most commonly associated with wheelchair users, but the need is broader than that:
- Scooter users — most mobility scooters cannot safely navigate even a single step
- Walker users — steps are a significant fall risk for people using walkers or rollators
- Post-surgery recovery — hip, knee, and back surgery patients often need temporary ramp access during the weeks when steps aren't safe
- Caregivers — a ramp makes it significantly easier to assist someone in and out of the home, and reduces physical strain and fall risk for both parties
If someone in the household is losing the ability to navigate steps safely, a ramp is worth considering before a fall makes it urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wheelchair ramp installation cost in Minneapolis? Cost depends on rise height, configuration, and materials. APA provides a free quote after an in-home assessment. Call 612-722-9000 to schedule.
Can I rent a wheelchair ramp in Minneapolis? Yes. APA rents ramps for short and long-term use throughout the Twin Cities. The first month's rental can be applied toward a purchase if you decide to buy.
Does Medicaid cover wheelchair ramp installation in Minnesota? Minnesota Medicaid waiver programs may cover ramp installation as a home environmental adaptation when medically necessary and prescribed by a physician. APA works directly with all major Minnesota waiver programs and handles documentation and billing. Call 612-722-9000 to find out if your program qualifies.
How long does installation take? Most residential ramp installations are completed in a single visit. Timeline from assessment to installation depends on configuration complexity and waiver authorization if applicable. Call to discuss your specific situation.
Does APA install ramps anywhere in the Twin Cities? Yes. APA installs ramps throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding metro area.
Get a Free Ramp Assessment
APA Medical has installed hundreds of wheelchair ramps across the Twin Cities over the past 20 years. We configure every ramp to the specific layout of your home and handle insurance and waiver billing when applicable.
Call 612-722-9000 or contact us online to schedule a free in-home assessment.
For a full guide to ramp types, sizing, and what to expect, see our modular wheelchair ramps guide. For APA's full installation services, visit our home installation page. For post-surgery ramp needs, see our post-surgery supplies guide.