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Does Medicare Cover Walk-In Tubs?
No, Medicare does not cover walk-in tubs; however, under rare circumstances, some Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans may.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Medicare does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub, as they are not considered durable medical equipment (DME).
- In rare instances, some local Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid, and private insurance companies will offer financial assistance for home modifications like walk-in tubs.
- Parts and installation of a walk-in tub costs around $13,000 on average, ranging from about $2,300 for a basic soaker to up to $25,000 for tubs with additional safety features.
If you’re one of the 90% of Medicare beneficiaries who are over 65, you may be wondering if your Medicare coverage can help offset the costs of walk-in tub parts and installation. Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover the cost of installing a new walk-in tub.
However, there are other programs available to help older adults.
We’ve researched Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, and the Medicaid program to help you find the most affordable financing options for walk-in bathtubs. Read on to learn how you can find the insurance programs you need to reduce monthly payments.
Medicare Walk-In Tub Coverage
There are no notable walk-in bathtub types or brands covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Generally speaking, Medicare only covers durable medical equipment (DME)—a category that walk-in tubs do not fall under.
However, some tubs may be covered by Medicare Advantage Plans, especially when a doctor’s note says the installation is a medical necessity. In that case, walk-in tubs may be covered as a necessary home modification.
Understanding Medicare Advantage Coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private health insurance plan you can sign up for alongside Original Medicare. For most Medicare Advantage policies, eligibility has a low threshold. As long as you make your monthly deductibles and copays, you can take advantage of expanded Medicare benefits.
For instance, some Medicare Advantage plans help homeowners cover the cost of medically necessary home improvements—such as walk-in tubs. However, coverage is still rare, even when you get all the proper documentation from your doctor.
In fact, you should always review your specific plan before incurring any medical expenses. Medicare Advantage plans vary greatly from state to state, with Florida and New York having high enrollment, while Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming have low enrollment. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Medicare Advantage premiums for 2024 were:
| Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium (2024) | Annual Equivalent (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Local PPO | $16/month | $192/year |
| Regional PPO | $55/month | $660/year |
| HMO | $12/month | $144/year |
| All Plans | $14/month | $168/year |
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
Are Walk-In Tubs Covered By Medicaid?
As a joint state and federal healthcare program that helps seniors on limited incomes afford care, Medicaid is more likely to cover the cost of the tub. Overall, eligibility for Medicaid programs is more limited, but for those with access, there are a few ways you can get coverage or reimbursement for walk-in tub installation costs:
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
These vary by state, but often enable disabled seniors to receive covered in-home services, rather than institutional care. For example, Colorado’s Elderly, Blind and Disabled Persons (EBD) Waiver specifically covers environmental accessibility modifications like walk-in tubs.
For the most part, you can get coverage if the bathroom remodel is deemed medically necessary to support aging-in-place.
Community Transition or Institutional Diversion Programs
These programs also differ from state to state, but aim at helping seniors transition from nursing facilities back to their home.
These programs often cover home modifications like walk-in tubs, especially when necessary for safe independence at home.
Does the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cover Walk-In Tubs?
While it is possible for senior and disabled veterans to cover the cost of walk-in tubs through Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants, approvals for walk-in showers are more common.
We recommend getting in touch with your local VA center to discuss your needs and confirm coverage before you invest in any specific brand.
Other Ways To Cover Walk-In Tub Costs
Don’t have access to Medicaid or Veterans’ benefits? Don’t worry! There are other crafty ways you can cover the cost of a walk-in tub.
Long-Term Care Insurance Plans
Long-term care insurance, whether individual plans, joint policies, or employer-sponsored, may help seniors cover the cost of a new walk-in tub. Typically, you can qualify for employer-sponsored plans even without medical requirements, while many individual plans are only available to seniors with medical conditions or disabilities.
USDA Rural Repair & Rehabilitation
For low-income older adults living in rural areas, the USDA offers Rural Repair & Rehabilitation grants and loans to help cover essential home modifications. Grants don’t require repayment, while loans offer more affordable monthly payments when compared to other options.
Nonprofit Programs
Several nonprofit organizations assist seniors who need medically necessary home modifications. For example, Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place and Rebuilding Together often help with accessibility renovations—like walk-in tubs—at little to no cost for qualifying homeowners.
How to Choose a High-Quality and Affordable Walk-In Tub
Searching for the best walk-in tub for your situation? Whether you need supportive grab bars or full wheelchair access, there are high-quality options out there. You just need to know what to look for.
- Compare brands to determine which tub offers the configurations and safety features you need.
- Analyze all costs by researching walk-in tub equipment, shipping, and installation fees.
- Determine coverage by taking note of your current insurance, whether Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or private insurance. Ask if the walk-in tub you need is covered by both the provider and your insurance.
- Look at customer reviews online, or ask for recommendations from your family and friends.
- Ask about payment options to find out if flexible payment deals are available.
Our Takeaway:
If you or your loved ones believe a new walk-in tub will provide the support you need to stay independent while keeping yourself safe, the first step is to understand your insurance coverage.
Reaching out to your local Department of Human Resources or Department of Aging Services can help you determine if your Medicare or Medicaid plan covers the cost. You can also find out if you qualify for walk-in tub tax deductions, cost reimbursements, or discounts.
Don’t have a Medicare plan yet? Visit medicare.gov to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some insurances cover the cost of a walk-in tub, but only when deemed medically necessary. Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans are some of the most likely programs to offer financial assistance, but actual coverage still varies by state.
No, Medicare typically does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub.
While Medicare doesn’t make coverage exceptions for seniors, individuals who are disabled or low-income are more likely to qualify for plans that cover walk-in tubs.
Some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans cover walk-in tubs as medically-necessary home modifications, but coverage varies by state, provider, and plan. Some companies that often cover tubs include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates.
The out-of-pocket cost for a walk-in tub varies depending on the features and brand. Installing basic models typically starts at around $2,500, while premium models with hydrotherapy options can cost up to $20,000 or more.
Trusted brands offer durability, reliability, and a proven track record of satisfied customers. Some of our top picks include Safe Step, Kohler Walk-In Bath, and American Standard. Each brand’s walk-in tubs offer unique pros and cons.
Help us improve our cost data! Email your latest walk-in tub quote to [email protected]. Rest assured, your personal details will remain completely confidential.