Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Shower?

Published on Wednesday June 12, 2024

For most seniors, a walk-in shower is easier to manage than a tub. Entering and exiting is safer when those with limited mobility don’t have to step over the side of a bathtub. Additionally, some walk-in showers are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or seats for added safety and comfort.

However, Medicare generally doesn’t cover bath-to-shower conversions for seniors as these conversions are typically not classified as “medically necessary.” Learn about what Medicare does cover, and how you can get assistance paying for a walk-in shower for your home as you age-in-place.

Medicare Coverage for Walk-In Showers

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) considered medically necessary in your home. A Medicare-enrolled doctor or other healthcare provider must prescribe these DMEs. And while things like walkers, wheelchairs, and even commode chairs are covered, the actual upgrade in your home to a walk-in shower is not.

Sometimes – very, very rarely – Medicare might reimburse someone for the cost of a tub-to-walk-in-shower upgrade. However, you would need a medical diagnosis that explains your need and a written prescription that outlines the features you require. Even then, Medicare might decline your request for reimbursement, and you would wind up footing the entire bill for something that can significantly improve your quality of life.

Some private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans. Each Medicare Advantage plan is different depending on your private insurer. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, it might be worth reaching out to see if they’ll cover some or all of your bathroom modification costs.

Alternative Coverage Options

Thankfully, you don’t have to depend on Medicare to give yourself a new walk-in shower.

Medicaid

Many states have Medicaid or Medicaid-related programs designed to help you age in place, even if you have mobility issues. Contact your state’s Medicaid office or housing department to find out if they have programs that will help you pay for all or some of your bathroom modifications.

Financing and Payment Plans

Most companies that provide home modification services offer financing options and payment plans. These plans allow you to cover the cost of much-needed bathroom upgrades without paying a large, upfront sum.

Stay Safe With a Walk-In Shower From Long Home Products

Long Home Products offers a broad range of accessibility options for seniors who choose to age-in-place in the comfort of their own homes. These include upgrading your existing bathtub to a safer, more easily accessible shower.