Are Walk-In Tubs Covered by Medicare?

If you or a loved one are considering a walk-in tub in your next bathroom remodel to help with the reduced mobility that comes with age, the cost is an important factor. Walk-in bathtubs cost thousands of dollars, just like much of the equipment you might need as you get older. However, Medicare does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub.

Why Isn’t It Covered?

Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not consider walk-in bathtubs to be “durable medical equipment” (DME) and therefore will not cover their cost. This is because anyone can use a walk-in tub, unlike wheelchairs, hospital beds, nebulizers and more. Technically speaking, however, anyone could use their family member’s hospital bed or wheelchair.

Will Medicare Give Me Partial Reimbursement for My Walk-In Bathtub?

The argument that walk-in tubs should be considered DME occasionally succeeds in securing partial reimbursement from Medicare for the cost of a walk-in tub, but it rarely happens. Because of this, consider the cost of purchasing the tub to be out-of-pocket and hope for a return after submitting your claim.

How to Get Reimbursement for a Walk-In Tub

While Legacy Bath & Kitchen cannot assist with your Medicare coverage, you can read some tips about how to receive reimbursement. To get reimbursement for a walk-in tub, a person must meet many requirements, including the tub being an absolute necessity for a diagnosed medical condition. Here are some steps you should take for the best chance of reimbursement:

• Get a doctor’s prescription for the tub before buying it.
• Be certain that you can afford the full cost of a walk-in tub rather than counting on reimbursement.
• Since bathrooms are notorious for having underlying damage, plan for extra costs to be on the safe side.

If you’re interested in a shower to tub conversion or any other bathroom remodeling service, contact Legacy Bath & Kitchen to schedule an in-home consultation.