Will Medicare Pay For A Shower Chair? Understanding Coverage & Benefits

Shower chairs and bath chairs are essential for individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, or chronic conditions that make standing in the shower or bath difficult or unsafe. These devices provide stability, bathroom safety, and independence during bathing, reducing the risk of falls. However, when it comes to financial assistance, many caregivers wonder whether Medicare will cover the cost of a chair. The answer is often disappointing: Medicare typically doesn’t pay for shower chairs because they are considered non-medical, convenience items rather than essential durable medical equipment (DME).

Here we’ll review detailed information about why Medicare doesn’t cover shower chairs, potential alternatives for financial assistance, and resources to explore for acquiring one.

Looking for more information about bathroom safety, adaptive equipment, and caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta. 

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Shower Chairs?

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) under specific conditions. To qualify as DME, the item must meet the following criteria:

1. Be durable: It can withstand repeated use.
2. Serve a medical purpose: The item must be necessary to treat or manage a specific medical condition or disability.
3. Be prescribed: A licensed healthcare provider must determine whether it’s medically necessary and write a prescription.
4. Be intended for use in the home.

Items such as walkers, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen equipment meet these criteria and are typically covered by Medicare. However, shower chairs don’t qualify because they are considered items of personal convenience rather than medically required equipment. 

The bath chair is designed to improve the quality of life for care recipients during bathing by providing a secure and stable seating option in showers. However, Medicare categorizes these items as non-essential because:

• They aren’t deemed critical for managing a specific medical condition.
• Shower chairs are considered aids to personal care, not medical treatment.
• Medicare assumes individuals could use alternative methods, such as holding grab bars or sitting on a stationary surface, to meet their specific needs.

This exclusion means beneficiaries must cover the full cost of a shower seat out of pocket unless they can find alternative assistance.

Exploring Alternatives For Coverage

If Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of a shower chair, several other programs and resources may help:

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurance companies, often provide additional benefits not covered by original Medicare. Some plans include coverage for home safety equipment such as a shower seat, grab bars, or other bathroom modifications. Coverage and benefits vary widely, so it’s important to:

• Contact your Medicare Advantage customer service representative to ask about their specific benefits.
• Determine if the plan requires a prescription or medical justification for the equipment.

Medicaid

Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is a state-administered program that provides healthcare assistance for low-income individuals. In many states, Medicaid may cover the cost of a shower chair if it’s deemed medically necessary. To qualify:

• The individual must meet income eligibility requirements.
• A doctor must provide a prescription stating the medical need for the shower chair.

Coverage varies by state, so it’s essential to check the policies and services in your state.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Assistance

Veterans may be eligible for assistance with home safety equipment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Programs such as the Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) grant or VA healthcare benefits may cover shower chairs and other bathroom assistive devices. Veterans should:

• Contact their local VA office or healthcare provider to explore eligibility.
• Provide documentation and details of the medical need.

Supplemental Insurance 

Some supplemental plans, especially those offered by private insurers, may include discounts or partial reimbursement for home medical equipment.

Alternative Ways To Access A Shower Chair

Even without Medicare coverage, you can still find affordable options through the following resources:

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit groups and local charities often help individuals in need by providing medical equipment at no or reduced cost. Examples include:

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These organizations may offer funding or donated equipment for seniors.
• Lions Club or Easterseals: Some chapters provide assistive devices like shower chairs.

State & Local Programs

Many state-level programs provide assistive devices to individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. For example, some states offer funding for home safety equipment.

Secondhand Markets

Consider purchasing a used shower chair from:

• Online marketplaces: Sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist often feature gently used shower chairs at lower prices.
• Thrift stores: Organizations like Goodwill may stock shower chairs occasionally.

Always inspect secondhand equipment to ensure it’s in excellent condition and safe to use.

Tax Deductions

If a shower chair is purchased to treat or accommodate a medically documented condition, its cost may qualify as a tax-deductible medical expense. Save your receipt and consult a tax professional to see if you’re eligible.

Why A Shower Chair Is Worth the Investment

Even if you must pay out of pocket, a shower chair is a worthwhile investment for individuals with mobility challenges. Its benefits include:

• Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of falls in slippery showers.
• Improved Comfort: Allows users to sit securely while bathing, reducing fatigue.
• Preserved Dignity: Provides independence for individuals who may otherwise require assistance.
• Caregiver Support: Eases the physical strain on caregivers during bathing.

Conclusion

Medicare’s limitations on covering shower chairs can be frustrating, but there are still options available. From exploring Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans to leveraging nonprofit resources, many avenues exist to help offset the cost of this essential tool. Even without insurance coverage, the safety, comfort, and independence provided by a shower chair make it a valuable investment for both care recipients and their caregivers.

By understanding Medicare’s policies and researching alternatives, you can ensure that you or your loved one receive the support needed for a safe and dignified bathing experience.

Looking for more information about bathroom safety, adaptive equipment, and caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta. 

References:

1. https://www.medicare.org/articles/does-medicare-cover-shower-chairs/
2. https://www.helpadvisor.com/medicare/does-medicare-cover-bathroom-equipment

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