Will Medicare Pay for Walk-In Tubs?
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If mobility issues or a recent medical diagnosis has raised safety concerns for you or a loved one, installing a walk-in tub may be at the top of your home improvement to-do list. Walk-in tubs have several features that make aging in your home much easier, including a low threshold for easy entry and exit. In some cases, they may even be a medical necessity.
You may be wondering if your Medicare plan will pay for a walk-in tub. Unfortunately, the answer is usually no, but there are a few exceptions. We’ll discuss these exceptions and suggest some other ways to pay for a walk-in tub. We also define the different types of walk-in tubs available.
Does Medicare Ever Cover Walk-In Tubs?
Medicare does not usually cover the cost of walk-in tubs. Although Medicare will help pay for certain durable medical equipment (DME) that is medically necessary and prescribed by an enrolled healthcare provider, not all walk-in tubs qualify.
As Al Kushner, author of “Virtual Medicare,” explains, “A DME item must meet specific criteria, such as being able to withstand repeated use, serving a medical purpose, and being used in the home.” Examples include blood sugar meters, crutches, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and patient lifts.
Qualifying DME is covered under Medicare Part B, which is the medical insurance component of Original Medicare. Even if the tub is considered DME, Medicare will not pay for the entire cost of a walk-in tub, though. Part B will only cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount—and only if both your doctor and DME supplier are enrolled in Medicare. That means once you have met your Part B deductible, you will still be responsible for 20% of the bill.
When Will Medicare Cover Walk-In Tubs?
According to Kushner, Medicare may cover walk-in bathtubs if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a physician—in other words, if they meet Medicare’s DME criteria. In that case, your Part B Medicare coverage would kick in and help with some of the cost. However, you would still have some out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, may also cover walk-in tubs. These private health insurance plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B). As Kushner notes, “What is covered under Medicare Part C depends on the specific plan you choose. However, all Medicare Advantage Plans must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare.” That means your Part C plan will cover your walk-in tub if Part B would.
Walk-In Tub Cost
A standard walk-in bathtub can easily cost $1,500–$5,000, while higher-end models might go for $10,000 or more.* Walk-in tubs come in several sizes and configurations, ranging from compact models to large two-seaters with numerous extra features. Prices will vary based on the size and type of tub, as well as the brand and features you select.
- Keep in mind that the installation is typically not included in the cost of the tub. The cost of installation can add another $700–$5,000 to the project’s price tag. Walk-in tub installation can take as little as one day, but the timing and cost depend heavily on the size and layout of your bathroom. The more home modifications required to install your tub, the higher the final cost will be.
*Cost information in this section represents averages of data sourced from Fixr, Thumbtack, Angi, and HomeAdvisor.
Paying for Walk-In Tubs
If the cost of a walk-in tub seems out of your price range, you do have a few options besides Medicare. These include the following:
- Medicaid waivers: Low-income individuals may qualify for state Medicaid programs that provide financial assistance for accessibility-related home modifications. These Medicaid waivers are part of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) model, which provides in-home support benefits as an alternative to nursing homes.
- USDA Single-Family Housing Repair program: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers loans and grants to help low-income homeowners in rural areas repair, improve, or modernize their homes. The Section 504 Home Repair program includes a provision for seniors who need to make their homes safer.
- VA benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has three grants that disabled veterans can use to cover the cost of a VA-approved walk-in bathtub. These are the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, and the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant.
If you do not qualify for any of these government programs, look for discounts and financing options that will allow you to break your purchase into affordable monthly payments. Alternatively, you could withdraw money from your pension, retirement account, or permanent life insurance policy. Just remember that borrowing against your life insurance policy will decrease the amount your beneficiaries receive when you die.
It’s also worth noting that your walk-in tub may be tax deductible. If you purchase a walk-in tub for medical reasons, it counts as a medical expense that can be deducted on your federal tax return.
Types of Walk-In Tubs
A wide range of walk-in tubs are available, each catering to different needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main types on the market.
Bariatric tubs are among the largest walk-in tubs available. Designed for individuals with larger bodies, they feature wider seats and a higher weight capacity than other models. A bariatric tub could be deemed a medical necessity for individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) and mobility issues.
Walk-in tubs that feature water jets or air jets fall into the category of hydrotherapy tubs. Also known as therapeutic or whirlpool tubs, these tubs can help relieve muscle tension, promote relaxation, and improve circulation. Despite their potential wellness benefits, jetted tubs are typically excluded from coverage by government programs, including VA grants and Medicare.
Soaking tubs often mirror the length and width of standard bathtubs but are significantly deeper. The added depth allows users to comfortably submerge their entire bodies, making them the perfect option for anyone who loves a long, leisurely soak. Soaking tubs provide a spa-like atmosphere even without any hydrotherapy upgrades. They are among the models most likely to be covered by assistance programs.
Two-person tubs, also known as two-seater or companion tubs, allow two people to bathe simultaneously. They are typically longer and wider than standard walk-in tubs, and many include water jets for added relaxation. Because a two-person tub is highly unlikely to be a medical necessity, this type of tub will not be covered by most government programs.
Wheelchair-accessible tubs feature an outward-swinging door to facilitate the transfer from a wheelchair to the tub seat. The size of these tubs, which comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can vary—but most are at least slightly larger than a standard tub. When a walk-in tub is deemed medically necessary, a wheelchair-accessible model is often the safest option—and the most likely to be covered by Medicare.
Our Conclusion
Although the original Medicare program does not typically cover the cost of walk-in tubs, you do have a few other options. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover walk-in tubs if you have a medical condition that makes one necessary. Some may even count as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B.
Before making a purchase, it’s important to research your insurance coverage, financing options, and community-based services that may help. We also recommend obtaining quotes for both tubs and installation from at least three different companies to identify the best walk-in tub for your needs and budget.
FAQ About Walk-In Tubs
What are the advantages of a walk-in tub?
The main advantages of a walk-in tub are improved accessibility and safety features. Walk-in tubs feature a low threshold, grab bars, nonslip surfaces, and built-in seating. Many also have hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy features.
What are the alternatives to a walk-in tub?
A roll-in shower, also known as a walk-in shower or low-threshold shower, is one popular alternative to a walk-in tub. They offer the same accessibility benefits as walk-in tubs but in the form of a shower.
Can you shower in a walk-in tub?
Yes, you can typically shower in a walk-in tub. Many walk-in tubs have a built-in showerhead or shower wand that allows you to use the tub as a shower.
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