{"id":416,"date":"2019-04-24T19:55:08","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T19:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kohlerwalkinbath.com\/?p=416"},"modified":"2023-04-03T14:30:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T19:30:48","slug":"will-medicare-pay-for-a-walk-in-tub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kohlerwalkinbath.com\/blog\/will-medicare-pay-for-a-walk-in-tub\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Tub?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Unfortunately for seniors, Medicare does not typically pay for a walk-in tub. The program covers products considered to be \u201cdurable medical equipment,\u201d i.e., durable equipment or devices that are medically required by a doctor to be used in the home and not typically useful to someone who isn\u2019t sick or disabled. Because walk-in tubs are not classified in this way, Medicare usually will not cover them.<\/p>\n

The upside is there are alternative finance options to purchase a walk-in tub. Learn if you may qualify for financial assistance through one of the programs, plans or grants listed below.<\/p>\n

Other Financial Assistance Options<\/h2>\n

Medicare for Walk-In Tubs<\/h3>\n

In rare situations, original Medicare may make an exception and cover the cost of a walk-in tub. However, you\u2019d receive a reimbursement instead of an upfront payment. This means there is no guarantee that original Medicare would offer financial assistance until after you paid out of pocket and submitted a claim.<\/p>\n

To submit a claim, you have to prove the walk-in tub was an absolute medical necessity through a written medical diagnosis made by a doctor, which would include the reasons for why it\u2019s needed and any essential features specific to a brand.<\/p>\n

If you choose to go this route, you should be prepared to pay the full cost of the walk-in tub and additional installation costs, or seek other financial assistance.<\/p>\n

Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans<\/h3>\n

Getting original Medicare to pay for a walk-in tub is often a hassle and rarely delivers the outcome you want. Your best chance of receiving financial assistance through Medicare is with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, or Plan C, which enables private insurance companies to contract with Medicare. Due to an expansion of health-related supplemental benefits in 2019, some MA plans will cover the cost of a walk-in tub.<\/p>\n

Not all MA plans are alike, so it\u2019s important you talk to your plan\u2019s representative about the types of benefits they offer. To learn more about your specific coverage, contact Medicare<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Medicaid for Walk-In Tubs<\/h3>\n

Compared to Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid is more likely to pay for a walk-in tub. Because each state offers several different Medicaid programs, there is no universal rule governing its policy on home modifications. Contact your representative to confirm if your plan covers the cost of a walk-in tub.<\/p>\n

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)<\/h3>\n

You should also consider Medicaid\u2019s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver program. This program enables those with significant physical and cognitive limitations to receive services in their own home or community. Depending on which state you live, an HCBS waiver may pay for specialized medical equipment and environmental accessibility modifications, which can include the purchase and installation of a walk in tub.<\/p>\n

To determine if your state\u2019s Medicaid waivers will pay for a walk in tub, contact the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Veterans Benefits for Walk-In Tubs<\/h2>\n

The Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs offers several programs that provide financial assistance for the purchase and installation of a walk in tub. Read on to learn if one of these options is right for you.<\/p>\n

Home Modification Grants<\/h3>\n

Disabled veterans who are eligible may apply for grants to install home modifications that support disabilities related to their military service or resulting from aging. The two grants include:<\/p>\n