Medicare covers shower benches only if a doctor prescribes them as medical equipment and you meet specific conditions

Medicare Part B will pay for a shower bench if your doctor orders it as durable medical equipment (DME) — meaning it's prescribed to treat a medical condition, not just for convenience or general safety. The bench must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and you typically pay 20% of the approved amount after you've met your Part B deductible. Medicare won't cover a shower bench you buy yourself or one that comes from a non-approved supplier, even if your doctor thinks it would help.

The key word is "prescribed." A doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant has to write an order stating that you need the bench for a specific medical reason — recovering from hip surgery, managing arthritis that makes standing unsafe, or regaining balance after a stroke, for example. Without that prescription, Medicare sees it as a home modification or comfort item, which it doesn't cover.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers shower benches only when prescribed by a doctor as medical equipment to treat a medical condition.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved DME supplier; buying one yourself or using a non-approved seller means Medicare won't pay.
  • Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must write a specific order for the bench, not just suggest it in conversation.
  • You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible; the supplier bills Medicare for the rest.
  • If your doctor hasn't prescribed one but you think you need it, ask at your next appointment whether a prescription makes sense for your condition.

When a doctor's prescription makes the difference

The difference between a covered shower bench and an uncovered one comes down to medical necessity. If you're recovering from a fall, have severe arthritis in your knees, or are rebuilding strength after hospitalization, your doctor can document that the bench is medically necessary — not optional. That documentation is what Medicare uses to decide whether to pay.

A prescription also protects you from paying out of pocket for something Medicare might have covered. If you buy a bench on your own and later ask Medicare to reimburse you, the answer will be no, because there's no medical order on file. The order has to come before you get the equipment, not after.

How to get a shower bench through Medicare

Start by talking to your doctor about whether a shower bench would help with your recovery or condition. Be specific: explain that you're worried about falling, that standing is painful, or that you can't balance safely. Your doctor can then decide whether to write a prescription.

Once you have a prescription, ask your doctor's office which Medicare-approved DME suppliers they work with. Your doctor will send the prescription to that supplier. You can also find approved suppliers by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or searching the DME Supplier Directory on Medicare.gov. Give the supplier your Medicare number and let them handle the paperwork with Medicare.

The supplier will bill Medicare directly. You'll receive the bench and pay your 20% coinsurance (after your Part B deductible is met for the year). The whole process usually takes one to two weeks once the prescription reaches the supplier.

What counts as a Medicare-approved shower bench

Medicare covers basic shower benches — a seat that attaches to the shower wall or sits inside the tub. It doesn't have to be fancy. The bench must be ordered through a DME supplier, not purchased from a regular store, even if the product looks identical. The difference is that the DME supplier is registered with Medicare and handles billing correctly.

Medicare typically covers a standard shower bench, not add-ons like cushions, armrests, or specialized features beyond basic seating. If you need something more specialized — a transfer bench that bridges the tub edge, for example — your doctor can prescribe that too, and Medicare may cover it if it's medically necessary.

Your costs and what Medicare doesn't cover

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the bench after you've met your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024, though this changes yearly). If the approved amount is $200, you'd pay $40. Medicare pays the remaining $160 to the supplier.

Medicare doesn't cover grab bars, non-slip mats, or other bathroom safety items, even if your doctor recommends them. Those are considered home modifications. Some state Medicaid programs or local Area Agencies on Aging offer grants or low-cost programs for bathroom safety equipment, so it's worth asking your local AAA if other funding exists.

If your doctor hasn't mentioned a shower bench

You don't have to wait for your doctor to bring it up. If you're struggling with shower safety, tell your doctor directly: "I'm worried about falling in the shower" or "Standing in the shower is painful because of my knee." Your doctor can then assess whether a bench would help and whether it's medically necessary enough to prescribe.

Some doctors assume patients will handle bathroom safety on their own, so speaking up matters. If your doctor says no, ask why — sometimes there's a medical reason (like a skin condition that makes sitting on certain materials unsafe). If you disagree, you can ask for a second opinion or bring it up at your next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a shower bench myself and ask Medicare to pay me back?

No. Medicare only pays when you use a Medicare-approved DME supplier and have a doctor's prescription on file before you get the equipment. Buying one yourself and requesting reimbursement won't work, even if your doctor thinks it's a good idea.

What if my doctor says I don't need a prescription, just a recommendation?

A recommendation isn't enough for Medicare. Your doctor needs to write a formal prescription order that goes to the DME supplier. If your doctor is willing to recommend it but hesitant to prescribe it, ask why — sometimes a conversation about your specific medical situation can change their mind.

Does Medicare Part D or Medigap cover shower benches?

No. Part D covers prescription drugs only. Medigap plans help pay your share of costs that Medicare Part B already covers, but they don't cover things Medicare itself doesn't cover. Only Part B covers DME like shower benches.

How long does Medicare approval take?

Once the DME supplier receives your prescription, approval usually takes one to two weeks. The supplier handles all communication with Medicare, so you don't have to wait for a separate approval letter. The supplier will contact you when the bench is ready.

What if I need a shower bench but can't afford the 20% cost?

If cost is a barrier, ask your doctor or the DME supplier about payment plans. Some suppliers offer them. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about other programs that might help with bathroom safety equipment.