When it comes to Medicare, there are a lot of questions about what is and isn’t covered. And one of the most common questions we get here at Senior Health Center is whether or not Medicare pays for a walk in shower. The answer, unfortunately, is a bit complicated. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Medicare and walk in showers, including what’s covered and what isn’t. We’ll also share some tips on how you can get coverage for a walk in shower if Medicare doesn’t cover it.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. The program helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical services.
Medicare does not cover long-term care, such as nursing home care or in-home care. However, the program does offer some coverage for short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay.
Some people choose to supplement their Medicare coverage with a private insurance policy. This can help cover things that Medicare does not, such as dental and vision care.
What are the different types of Medicare coverage?
Original Medicare is Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can choose to receive your Original Medicare benefits through a Fee-for-Service plan (which includes Original Medicare) or a managed care plan like a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care.
Part B covers doctor visits, preventive services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and some home health care.
You can also add prescription drug coverage (Part D) and/or supplemental insurance (Medigap) to help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Does Medicare cover a walk in shower?
Yes, Medicare will cover the cost of a walk in shower if it is deemed medically necessary. Your doctor will need to write a prescription for the shower and submit it to Medicare. Once Medicare has approved the shower, they will send you a letter confirming coverage. You can then take this letter to your local walk in shower dealer and they will assist you in choosing the right shower for your needs.
How to get started with Medicare
If you’re new to Medicare, you may be wondering how to get started. Here are a few things you need to know:
First, Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, or those with certain disabilities. It’s run by the federal government, and there are four parts to it: Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, Part C is private health insurance that covers all of Parts A and B, and Part D is prescription drug coverage.
You can sign up for Medicare online at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You’ll need to provide some personal information, like your Social Security number, and have your Medicare card handy.
If you’re already getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you’re not receiving Social Security benefits yet, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after it.
Once you’re enrolled in Medicare, you can start using your benefits right away. If you have questions about how to use your benefits or what’s covered under each part of Medicare, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Conclusion
No, Medicare does not pay for a walk in shower. However, there are other options available to help you afford this type of shower. There are many private insurance companies that offer coverage forwalk in showers and other home modifications. You can also look into government assistance programs or grants that may be able to help you with the cost of a walk in shower.
