Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Shower? Here's What You Need to Know

Under Medicare coverage, walk-in showers are not covered. They're considered home improvements, not medical equipment. But here's where cushions come in: a shower seat with a cushioned pad might be covered under certain conditions. Let's unpack this step by step.

Why Medicare Won't Cover a Walk-In Shower

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) focus on medical devices and services, not permanent home changes. A walk-in shower requires remodeling your bathroom-cutting into walls, changing plumbing, and altering the structure. Medicare calls these "home modifications," and they're explicitly excluded from coverage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) states clearly: "Medicare does not cover home modifications, even if they improve safety or accessibility for a medical condition."

Think about it this way: if you need a wheelchair ramp, Medicare won't pay for it either. Same rule applies to walk-in showers. But here's the good news: portable safety equipment like a cushioned shower seat is a different story. These are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) when prescribed by a doctor.

What Medicare Actually Covers for Bathroom Safety

Medicare Part B covers DME if it's medically necessary. This includes items like:

• Shower seats with medical-grade padding (not just decorative cushions)
• Grab bars installed on walls (if permanently mounted)
• Commode chairs for bathroom use
• Bath transfer benches

For example, a standard plastic shower seat won't qualify. But a seat with a waterproof, pressure-relieving cushion designed for people with arthritis or balance issues? That could. According to CMS data, over 2 million seniors use DME annually, with shower seats and grab bars being among the top 10 covered items.

The key difference? DME must be portable, reusable, and directly tied to a medical condition. A walk-in shower is a structural change. A cushioned seat is a tool you can move between bathrooms. That's why Medicare covers one but not the other.

How a Cushioned Shower Seat Qualifies for Coverage

To get Medicare coverage for a cushioned shower seat, you need three things:

1. A doctor's prescription stating it's medically necessary for your condition
2. A Medicare-approved supplier
3. Proof it's designed for medical use (not just a regular seat cushion)

Let's break this down. Your doctor must specify why you need it. For instance: "Patient has severe hip osteoarthritis and requires a padded shower seat to prevent falls during bathing." Generic statements like "for safety" won't cut it. The prescription must link the seat to a diagnosed condition.

Next, you must buy from a Medicare-approved supplier. These suppliers handle billing directly with Medicare. If you buy from a non-approved store, you'll pay 100% of the cost. The Medicare website has a supplier directory you can search by zip code.

Finally, the seat itself must meet DME standards. Look for features like:

• Non-slip rubber feet
• Adjustable height (for different shower sizes)
• Medical-grade foam padding (not polyester fill)
• Weight capacity rated for your needs

Brands like Drive Medical or Invacare make these. A typical cushioned shower seat costs $50-$150. Medicare covers 80% after you meet your Part B deductible ($240 in 2026). You pay the other 20%-unless you have supplemental insurance like a Medigap plan.

Steps to Get Coverage for Your Cushioned Shower Seat

Follow this checklist to maximize your chances:

1. See your primary care doctor or specialist (like a physical therapist). Explain your bathing challenges in detail. For example: "I can't stand for more than 2 minutes without risking a fall."
2. Ask for a prescription specifically for a "medically necessary shower seat with cushioned seat pad for balance support."
3. Check Medicare's supplier directory online. Use the "Find a Supplier" tool at Medicare.gov.
4. Contact the supplier. They'll handle the paperwork and bill Medicare directly. No upfront payment needed.
5. Get the seat installed. Most suppliers deliver and set it up for free.

Real-world example: In 2025, a 72-year-old in Ohio got coverage for a cushioned shower seat after her doctor documented her severe knee arthritis. The supplier handled all billing, and she paid just $18 out-of-pocket for the 20% coinsurance. Without the cushioned seat, she'd have had to skip bathing entirely.

Alternatives If Medicare Says No

Medicare won't cover a full walk-in shower. But there are other options:

• Medicaid: Many state Medicaid programs cover home modifications for low-income seniors. For example, Texas' Medicaid waiver program pays for walk-in showers if you qualify for long-term care services.
• VA benefits: Veterans with service-connected disabilities can apply for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. This covers up to $100,000 for home modifications, including walk-in showers.
• Nonprofit grants: Organizations like Rebuilding Together or Habitat for Humanity offer free home modifications for seniors. In 2025, they helped 15,000 seniors nationwide install safety features.
• Home equity loans: If you own your home, a low-interest loan might be the fastest way to fund a shower remodel.

For instance, a 78-year-old veteran in Florida got a free walk-in shower through the VA's SAH grant. His service-connected disability qualified him for the full $100,000 benefit. He didn't pay a dime.

Frequently Asked Questions