One of the questions we get a lot at our office is “Does Medicare help pay for walk in showers?” And the answer is…it depends. There are a few different ways that you can get help from Medicare paying for your walk in shower. But before we get into that, let’s talk about what a walk in shower actually is and why you might need one.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
What does Medicare cover?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers many of the costs associated with medically necessary hospital stays, doctor visits, and preventive services. Part A also covers skilled nursing facility care and hospice care. Part B covers outpatient care, home health care, some preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare. It is offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Some plans also include extra benefits like dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage. Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for people with Original Medicare.
How do I get Medicare?
If you are already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. If you are not yet receiving these benefits, you can sign up for Medicare online at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to sign up for just Medicare or contact your local Social Security office. If you are under 65 and have a disability or End Stage Renal Disease, you
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers most medical expenses for people 65 and over. It also covers some younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare does not cover long-term care, dental care, or cosmetic surgery.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers a wide range of medical services and supplies, but there are some things it doesn’t cover. Most notably, it doesn’t cover long-term care, dental care, or cosmetic surgery. It also doesn’t cover the costs of some preventive services, like flu shots.
There are a few ways to get coverage for the things Medicare doesn’t cover. You can buy a private insurance policy (a “Medigap” policy) to supplement your Original Medicare coverage. You can also join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), which is an all-in-one policy that includesOriginal Medicare plus extra benefits like dental and vision coverage. Finally, you can get a stand-alone dental or vision plan to supplement your Original Medicare coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Walk In Showers?
Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, doesn’t cover most home improvements, including walk-in showers. However, if your doctor prescribes a walk-in shower because it’s medically necessary due to a disability or condition like Alzheimer’s disease, then Medicare may help pay for the cost of installing one in your home.
To have Medicare help pay for a walk-in shower, you must first get a doctor’s order stating that it’s medically necessary for you to have one. The order must also state that the shower is for therapeutic purposes and that it would be more beneficial for you to use a shower rather than a bathtub.
If you meet these requirements and your doctor provides the necessary documentation, then Medicare may cover up to 80% of the approved amount for the installation of your walk-in shower. You would be responsible for paying the remaining 20% coinsurance, as well as any deductibles that apply.
It’s important to note that even if Medicare covers part of the cost of your walk-in shower, you may still be responsible for other related costs, such as the cost of plumbing modifications or repairs needed to accommodate the new shower. Be sure to check with your contractor or plumber to get an estimate of these additional costs before proceeding with having a walk-in shower installed in your home.
How to Get a Walk In Shower Covered by Medicare
If you’re considering a walk in shower, you may be wondering if Medicare will help cover the costs. The answer is that it depends on your individual situation.
If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to use a traditional shower, Medicare may help cover the cost of a walk in shower. To qualify, you must have a doctor’s prescription for the shower and meet certain other criteria.
Even if you don’t have a qualifying disability, you may still be able to get help with the cost of a walk in shower through Medicare’s home modification benefits. These benefits are designed to help people with limited mobility make changes to their homes so they can continue living independently.
To learn more about whether you qualify for Medicare coverage of a walk in shower, contact your local Medicare office or speak with a Medicare-certified home health care agency.
Alternatives to Medicare Coverage for Walk In Showers
There are a few alternatives to Medicare coverage for walk in showers. One option is to purchase a private insurance policy that covers the cost of a walk in shower. Another option is to use Medicaid, which is a government-sponsored health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. Finally, you could pay for the cost of a walk in shower out-of-pocket.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped clear up some confusion about whether or not Medicare will help pay for a walk in shower. While the answer is technically yes, it depends on a number of factors such as your location and the type of shower you need. Be sure to speak with your doctor and/or Medicare representative to get all the facts before making any decisions.
