Will Medicare Cover Walk-in Tubs? Our Best Tips for Savings

When a hot bath is all you need, can Medicare help you soak safely?

Taking a warm bath has many benefits, including stress relief. Add some whirlpool jets, and you’ve got some serious muscle relief as well. But as we age, getting in and out of bathtubs gets tricky. Even dangerous. Walk-in bathtubs have become a popular way for seniors to stay safe while bathing. But the cost of a walk -in bath can be too expensive for most seniors to get on their own.

In this article, we will go over the expenses of getting a walk-in tub, the likelihood of getting the expense covered by Medicare, and other options to consider when looking for safe bathing alternatives. Let’s go.

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Does Medicare Cove r Walk-in Tubs?

Most seniors want walk-in tubs for safety reasons, as well as therapeutic reasons. But, it is unlikely that Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) will cover the expense of getting a new walk-in tub installed in your home. This is because, as of March 2021, walk-in tubs are not considered durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare rules.

Bear in mind that your doctor cannot give you a written prescription for a walk-in tub, only a recommendation. Be sure to submit your doctor’s recommendation, and be sure that your doctor explains that the tub would have substantial therapeutic benefits for a specific medical condition.

Medicare Advantage

Also known as Medicare Part C or MA plan, a Medicare Advantage plan is regulated by Medicare but serviced by a private insurance company. At a minimum, an MA plan must offer at least the same Medicare coverage that Original Medicare does. But most MA plans provide additional services and coverages.

As of 2020, Medicare Advantage plans can offer more supplemental coverage to help people treat and cope with chronic conditions. Because of these changes, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some, though probably not all, costs associated with walk-in tubs.

Be sure to speak with your insurance company and review your plan information carefully before you purchase a tub. That way, you can estimate costs adequately.

Learn More: Best & Worst Medicare Advantage Plans

How Much Does a Walk-in Tub Cost?

The purchase price for a walk-in tub is anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. Some higher-end bathtubs can cost much more. Baths made for wheelchair accessibility are also more expensive, usually, double the cost of regular tubs.

However, the cost of the tub alone isn’t the only cost involved. Installation costs, including labor, can tack on several hundred to a few thousand dollars to the price tag. Prices for the installation of a walk-in bathtub vary depending on your location, type of home, and other factors.

When researching a tub, look for companies that offer free, non-binding quotes. We recommend gathering quotes from multiple sources if available in your area.

Other Ways to Cover the Expenses of Getting a Walk-in Tub

Even if you can’t get help from Medicare, you may be able to offset costs in a few ways. First, your tub installation is likely tax-deductible, especially if you can prove that it was installed for medical necessity. In this case, you can make the deduction through the medical expense deduction.

If you live with an adult child or other caretaker, the person who owns your home may be able to deduct the expense on their taxes. This is done through the Dependent Care Tax credit. Depending on your state, additional deductions or credits may be possible. Be sure to speak with your tax advisor about your options.

In addition to a tax credit, you can also consider payment plans to help you spread the cost of installation over many months. You can speak with your supplier about financing options. Just be sure to choose a monthly payment that fits your budget.\

Read More: Are Health Insurance Premiums Tax-Deductible?

USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grants

A home modification grant might be available to you. If you: **
**

• Have a low-income, and

• Are at least 62 years of age, and

• Live in a rural area

You may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover the costs of installation. These grants are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and available across the country. For this grant, a rural area is defined as having a population of fewer than 10,000 people. However, some states may have stricter requirements.

The maximum grant is $7,500 and can only be used once. In addition to grants, the USDA also makes low-interest loans available to homeowners who don’t qualify for grants.

In Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, specific grants are available specifically for making bathing more accessible. The maximum award is $5,000. Some states also offer waivers or reimbursements for “environmental accessibility adaptations,” which are home modifications to improve accessibility for people with mobility issues.

In addition to federal and state grants, there may be community-based services to help you cover expenses. Even your loved ones might be able to offer some financial support for your tub.

FAQ: Medicare and Walk-in Bathtubs

Conclusion: Don’t Count on Medicare to Cover It

Unfortunately, Medicare has no standard for covering therapeutic equipment like walk-in tubs. Even so, you may find financial support through tax credits or grants. And even if you can’t find financial support, a walk-in tub and its less-expensive alternatives are worth the expense if it adds to the quality of your life.

And don’t forget: you can save money on Medicare with the Insurify comparison tool. Those savings can go a long way getting that new bathtub!