Does Medicare Offer Coverage for a Shower Chair?
Navigate Medicare's complex rules for medical equipment. Discover what's covered, what isn't, and how to get the support you need for home safety.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily serving individuals aged 65 or older, as well as some younger people with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It provides healthcare coverage, helping beneficiaries manage medical expenses for a wide array of services and equipment. Understanding Medicare coverage helps beneficiaries navigate their healthcare needs effectively.
Medicare’s Stance on Shower Chairs
Medicare generally does not cover shower chairs. Original Medicare, specifically Part B, considers them personal comfort items rather than durable medical equipment (DME) that is primarily medical in nature. They are typically seen as aids for personal care and convenience, even though they can significantly enhance safety and independence for individuals with mobility challenges. Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), offered by private insurance companies, might provide coverage for shower chairs as a supplemental benefit, as their rules can differ from Original Medicare.
Understanding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage
Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment when medically necessary and prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled doctor. For an item to qualify as DME, it must meet several specific criteria.
The equipment must be durable, meaning it can withstand repeated use, and have an expected lifespan of at least three years. It must be used for a medical reason, primarily benefiting someone sick or injured, and generally not useful to a person without an illness or injury. The equipment must also be appropriate for use in the home.
Common examples of covered DME include commode chairs, hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, patient lifts, nebulizers, and certain prosthetic and orthotic devices. A physician or authorized healthcare provider must document the equipment’s medical necessity for treatment and therapeutic value.
Process for Obtaining Covered Equipment
To obtain durable medical equipment covered by Medicare, a Medicare-enrolled physician or other healthcare provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, must prescribe the equipment. This prescription must state that the equipment is medically necessary for use in the home. For some items, Medicare may also require additional documentation or a face-to-face visit within six months before the prescription.
The beneficiary must then acquire the equipment from a Medicare-approved supplier. If a supplier accepts Medicare assignment, they agree to be paid directly by Medicare and cannot charge more than Medicare’s approved amount, limiting the beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs to the deductible and coinsurance.
Beneficiaries with Original Medicare can contact 1-800-MEDICARE to find approved suppliers. For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is important to check with their specific plan for network requirements and any need for prior authorization.
Costs and Alternative Options
For durable medical equipment that Medicare Part B covers, beneficiaries typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the annual Part B deductible. In 2025, the standard Medicare Part B deductible is $257. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policies can help cover these out-of-pocket costs, including the Part B deductible and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) also cover DME, but their cost-sharing, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, may vary. Since Original Medicare generally does not cover shower chairs, individuals typically purchase them out-of-pocket.
These items are widely available from medical supply stores, online retailers, and large retail chains, with prices ranging from approximately $30 for basic models to over $100 for more feature-rich options. Some state Medicaid programs or specific state/local assistance programs may offer coverage for shower chairs if a doctor prescribes one. Nonprofit organizations or local charities might also provide medical equipment at reduced or no cost. The cost of a shower chair may also be considered a tax-deductible medical expense if purchased to address a medically documented condition.