Key Takeaways

  • Medicare generally does not cover walk-in tubs because it considers them convenience items rather than medically necessary, although they can help prevent falls and include safety features.
  • Under specific medically necessary conditions, it may be possible to get reimbursement through Original Medicare if prescribed by a doctor with specific documentation about your medical condition and how the tub would help.
  • Walk-in tubs typically cost between $2,000 and $10,000 for the tub and an additional $1,000 to $20,000 for installation, but alternative funding options like Medicaid, Veterans Administration programs, tax deductions, and financing may help make them more affordable.

A walk-in tub is a modified bathtub with a door that allows entry without stepping over a high edge. This can prevent falls for those with balance issues.

Many models include a seat and safety features like handrails, hydrotherapy jets, and anti-slip flooring. The main benefit of a walk-in tub is helping reduce fall risk, especially for older adults.

That said, as a general rule, Medicare doesn’t cover walk-in bathtubs because it usually doesn’t consider them medically necessary. That said, there are ways to get financial help from other organizations.

Read on to learn about Medicare coverage of walk-in tubs and where you can get cost assistance if you need one.

Original Medicare doesn’t consider it a medical device or medically necessary equipment.

Equipment and devices designed for repeated use to manage a medical condition are called Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Common examples include:

Medicare considers walk-in tubs as convenience items. In addition, most DMEs that Medicare covers can be purchased or rented and returned for potential reuse. Installing a walk-in tub is also a long-lasting investment that involves significant home renovations. For all these reasons, Medicare generally doesn’t cover walk-in tubs.

That said, under some medically necessary conditions, it’s not impossible to get reimbursement for a walk-in tub through Original Medicare (Parts A and B) if prescribed by a doctor. The prescription must include specific wording about your medical condition and how the tub would help. You must buy the tub from a Medicare-enrolled supplier with a Medicare participant number.

But, there’s no guarantee that Medicare will pay any portion of your claim.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to original Medicare, in which you choose a private insurance company to provide your Medicare benefits.

Medicare Advantage companies can offer additional benefits that extend beyond traditional Medicare offerings. These may include:

Some Medicare Advantage plans might cover walk-in tubs. But with thousands of plans available, your coverage depends on your specific plan in your area.

Walk-in tubs can be costly. According to Consumer Affairs, they can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for the tub and $1,000 to $20,000 for installation.

In the rare case that Medicare Part B covers your walk-in tub, you’ll first have to meet the Part B deductible of $257. Afterward, Part B will pay 80% of the purchase cost. However, it probably won’t pay for installation.

If your tub is covered by Medicare Advantage, your deductible and premium will depend on your plan. According to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans will be around $17.00 in 2025.

Without Medicare coverage, other resources may help make such a tub more affordable. These include:

  • Medicaid: If you’re also eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get assistance to purchase or install a walk-in tub, depending on the rules in your state.
  • Veterans Administration: Some programs for disabled veterans may help offset or reduce the cost of a walk-in tub. These programs come in the form of grants, including a Home Improvement and Structural Alterations grant or a Specially Adapted Housing grant. You can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about these or other grants that may be available to you.
  • Tax deductions or financing: While these options don’t pay for the costs of a walk-in tub, they can make getting one more affordable. You might be able to list the cost of the tub as a medical expense so it can be deducted from your taxes. In addition, some manufacturers offer financing so that you can make a smaller monthly payment.

You may want to talk with your doctor and ask if they’re aware of any programs in your community that may assist with home modifications. This may include:

  • caregiver organizations
  • home accessibility programs
  • programs that serve older adults

Medicare doesn’t usually cover walk-in tubs. Expansions to Medicare Advantage coverage may mean some policies can reimburse you or provide coverage for these costs (although this is still rare).

Other federal, state, and community organizations may offer grants to help you pay for a walk-in tub for your home.