Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Shower?
For most seniors, a walk-in shower is much easier to manage than a tub. Entering and exiting is easier, as is the showering process. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “does medicare pay for walk-in showers.”
Generally speaking, walk-in bathtubs or showers are not considered “durable medical equipment” by Original Medicare which means that the plan will not pay to have your tub removed and a walk-in installed. However, the Medicare Advantage plan may help cover the cost of the bath remodel.
Does Medicare Pay for Walk-In Showers?
There are some situations where Original Medicare will provide financial assistance when you install a walk in shower for your senior, but the answer to the question, “does medicare pay for a walk in shower,” is generally “no.” However, you can get some assistance in certain situations.
This type of assistance typically comes in the form of a reimbursement and not an advance of purchase, meaning you would need to cover all the installation costs yourself and then look to Original Medicare for compensation.
In cases like these, the bath remodel must be an absolute necessity for your senior or Original Medicare might not provide compensation.
That could mean that a medical diagnosis needs to be performed to prove your senior’s need for a walk-in shower. The shower brand and its features could also be examined to ensure it fits your senior’s specific needs.
Even under these circumstances, it’s possible that Original Medicare won’t provide financial assistance, so you should be prepared to pay the full cost of your bath to shower conversion. After an out-of-pocket purchase is made, you can submit the claim for a reimbursement and hope for the best.
Contact the appropriate government office for more information about how Medicare can help your specific situation.
Is a Walk-In Shower Covered by Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage is regulated by Medicare but operated by private insurance companies. If you’re looking for financial assistance for a walk-in shower for your senior, you may have more luck with this option.
Through Medicare Advantage plans, there has been an expansion of health-related supplemental benefits, including the following: reducing the need for emergency care, preventing or treating a disease or injury, making up for physical weaknesses or injuries, and helping the function or psychological effect of physical health issues.
While your senior would still need to qualify, a shower remodel to help make it safer for your senior could be included in some Medicare Advantage plans. Benefits vary depending on which state you reside in as well as the details of your specific Medicare Advantage plan, so be sure to speak with your Medicare Advantage provider for more details regarding your specific plan.
Alternative Financial Assistance for Walk-In Showers
Getting your walk-in shower covered by Medicare can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Here are some additional financial assistance options to consider:
State Assistance Programs
Some states offer non-Medicaid assistance programs for elderly people to help with home modifications, including walk in showers. Only a few states currently have these programs, but you can find more information here.
USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grants
The USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation grant is available to help elderly, low-income residents make some home modifications to allow your senior to age in place. They can be used for home and safety improvements, which covers a walk in shower in the senior’s bathroom.
Rebuilding Together
You can also look to some nonprofit organizations for community initiatives to help with the cost of a walk in shower for your senior. Rebuilding Together is one of these programs and you can learn more here.
Consider Long Baths™ Financing Options
Improve bathroom safety for seniors with a bathtub to shower conversion from Long Baths™. If you can’t get your Medicare plan to cover or reimburse the cost of your project, Long Baths™ offers financing options and payment plans to help homeowners cover the cost of their bath remodel projects.
Contact our team online today to get a quote or schedule a free, in-home consultation!
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