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Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Shower?
Learn what Medicare covers and how to pay for a walk-in shower.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Original Medicare generally does not cover walk-in shower installations because they are home modifications.
- Medicare Advantage plans may offer home safety benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
- Medicare reimbursement depends on whether the item or service qualifies for coverage, so confirm your plan’s requirements before paying.
Original Medicare generally does not pay for a walk-in shower because it is a home modification, not durable medical equipment. However, Medicare Advantage and other programs may help with costs. This guide explains coverage and financial assistance options.
Is a Walk-In Shower Covered by Medicare?
Original Medicare generally does not pay for a walk-in shower because it is a permanent home modification. You usually pay the installation cost yourself.
A doctor may recommend a walk-in shower if you have mobility issues or trouble bathing safely. However, a medical recommendation does not make the installation a covered Medicare benefit. Medicare coverage depends on the type of shower or service involved.
Medicare Parts and Walk-In Shower Coverage
Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice and some home health services. It does not cover bathroom remodeling or permanent shower installations.
Medicare Part B covers certain medical services and qualifying durable medical equipment (DME). Examples include walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and commode chairs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) can offer extra benefits beyond Original Medicare, depending on the plan.
Medigap helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs for services covered by Original Medicare. It does not add coverage for a walk-in shower. If you need equipment instead, check whether Medicare covers the specific item before buying it.
| Medicare option | Walk-in shower coverage | What may be covered instead | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare Part A | No | Covered hospital, skilled nursing, and home health services | Must meet Part A coverage rules |
| Original Medicare Part B | No | Qualifying DME, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and commode chairs | Must meet Medicare’s DME requirements |
| Medicare Advantage Part C | May vary by plan | Some plans may offer additional benefits | Check your plan’s benefits and approval rules |
| Medigap | No | Helps pay certain costs for Medicare-covered services | Must have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy |
If you’re comparing walk-in shower options, see our guide to the best walk-in showers for more information on providers, features, and costs.
How to Request Medicare Reimbursement
Before you pay for a walk-in shower, confirm whether your plan covers the project. Original Medicare generally does not cover permanent shower installations. If you have Medicare Advantage, contact your plan to ask about home safety or accessibility benefits.
If your plan says a service or item may qualify for coverage, ask whether you need prior authorization. Medicare Advantage plans often require approval before they cover certain services or supplies. Ask what documents you need and request the coverage decision in writing.
Medicare claims are usually filed by your doctor, provider or supplier. If you need to file a claim yourself, Medicare says you generally need a completed claim form, an itemized bill and supporting documents. Keep your records, and don’t assume Medicare will reimburse you for a non-covered shower installation.
Here’s how to check your coverage:
- Confirm your Medicare coverage. Determine whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
- Review your plan benefits. Check whether your plan includes home safety or accessibility benefits.
- Contact your plan. Ask whether a walk-in shower or related modification qualifies for assistance.
- Ask about prior authorization. Find out whether the plan must approve the project before work begins.
- Ask what documents you need. Confirm whether the plan requires medical records, provider notes, or other documentation.
- Get the decision in writing. Keep written confirmation of any coverage, approval or denial.
- Keep your records. Save estimates, invoices, and other documents related to the project.
- Appeal if appropriate. If your plan denies a covered service, review your appeal rights.
Alternatives to Medicare for Walk-In Shower Costs
If you need financial assistance for a walk-in shower, several programs may help eligible homeowners with the cost.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
Medicaid HCBS programs may help eligible beneficiaries pay for certain home modifications, including bathroom changes. Eligibility varies by state and may depend on your income, resources, medical needs, and need for long-term care services.
VA Home Modification Benefits
Eligible veterans and servicemembers may qualify for the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit. HISA can cover medically necessary changes to a primary residence, including roll-in showers. The benefit has eligibility rules and lifetime funding limits.
State Assistance Programs
Some states and local agencies offer assistance for accessibility and home modifications. Eligibility may depend on your age, income, disability, location, or housing situation. Contact your state or local aging agency to learn which programs are available.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
The USDA Section 504 program helps very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Applicants must own and occupy the home and lack affordable credit, while grants generally require the homeowner to be at least 62.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together’s Safe at Home program provides no-cost home modifications for eligible older adults and people with disabilities. Local affiliates set their own eligibility rules, which commonly consider household income and other needs. Modified walk-in bathtubs and showers are among the improvements the program can provide.
Financing and Payment Plans
If you do not qualify for assistance, financing can spread the cost of a walk-in shower over monthly payments. Approval depends on the lender, and financing can increase the total cost through interest and fees.
Quick Comparison of Walk-In Shower Assistance Options
| Program or option | Who may qualify | What it may cover | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid HCBS | Eligible Medicaid beneficiaries | Some home and environmental accessibility modifications | Contact your state Medicaid program |
| VA HISA | Eligible veterans and servicemembers | Medically necessary home modifications, including roll-in showers | Apply through your local VA medical center |
| State assistance programs | Varies by state and program | May help with accessibility or home modifications | Check your state or local aging agency |
| USDA Section 504 Home Repair | Very-low-income rural homeowners; grants generally require age 62 or older | Repairs and modifications addressing health, safety or accessibility needs | Contact your local USDA Rural Development office |
| Rebuilding Together | Eligibility varies by local program | No-cost home modifications, including modified tubs and showers | Check availability with a local Rebuilding Together affiliate |
| Contractor financing | Customers who meet the lender’s requirements | Spreads project costs through monthly payments | Ask the contractor about available financing options |
Walk-In Shower Brands and Typical Costs
If you’re considering an affordable walk-in shower, compare safety features, accessibility options and pricing before choosing a brand.
Here are some walk-in shower brands to consider:
- American Standard: Its walk-in showers include low-threshold entry, built-in seating, and accessibility features. Customer projects average about $10,000 to $25,000, including installation and related work.
- Kohler: Its LuxStone shower systems offer low-threshold entry, built-in seating, grab bars and multiple design options. A walk-in shower can cost about $5,000 to $25,000, while a complete project can reach $33,000 or more with installation.
- Jacuzzi: Walk-in showers can include barrier-free or low-threshold bases, built-in or removable shower chairs, and customizable grab bars. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel projects can range from $4,000 to $15,000 for entry-level through premium projects, while luxury projects can cost $16,000 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Medicare Paying for a Walk-In Shower
To get Medicare to pay for a walk-in shower, first confirm that your specific plan covers the bathroom modification. Original Medicare generally does not cover permanent shower installations, while some Medicare Advantage plans may offer relevant supplemental benefits.
The average cost of installing a walk-in shower ranges from about $800 to more than $15,000, depending on the shower, materials, and installation. Custom designs and major bathroom changes can increase the total cost.
Medicare does not generally pay for walk-in tubs or showers because these installations are permanent home modifications. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain home safety or accessibility modifications.
A walk-in shower may be a medical expense for tax purposes if the modification primarily serves a medical purpose. The IRS allows certain costs for home improvements that accommodate a disability, but the deductible amount can depend on whether the improvement increases the home’s value.
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