Medicare covers shower chairs only if your doctor prescribes them as medically necessary durable medical equipment

Medicare Part B will pay for a shower chair if a doctor determines you need it for a medical reason — not straightforward for comfort or convenience. The chair must be prescribed by your doctor and ordered through a Medicare-approved supplier. You pay 20% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible; Medicare pays the other 80%.

The key word is "medically necessary." This means your doctor must document that you cannot safely bathe without one because of a condition like arthritis, balance problems, recent surgery, or weakness. A shower chair you buy on your own at a store will not be covered, even if it is the exact same product.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order for a shower chair and state the medical reason you need it before Medicare will consider payment.
  • You must order the chair through a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment supplier, not from a retail store or online retailer.
  • Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after your Part B deductible is met; you pay the remaining 20%.
  • If your doctor says you need a shower chair but Medicare denies the claim, you can ask your doctor to provide more detail about your medical condition.

How the prescription and ordering process works

Start by talking to your doctor about your bathing difficulties. Describe what makes it unsafe — for example, "I cannot stand for more than a minute without losing my balance" or "I had hip surgery and cannot bend my knee." Your doctor will decide whether a shower chair is medically necessary for your condition.

If your doctor agrees, they will write an order that includes your diagnosis and why the chair is needed. Your doctor will send this order to a Medicare-approved durable medical equipment supplier. You can ask your doctor which suppliers they work with, or you can search for one at dmepos.cms.gov (the official Medicare list of approved suppliers).

The supplier will contact you to confirm your Medicare information and arrange delivery. They handle the billing directly with Medicare. You will receive an invoice showing what Medicare approved, what they paid, and what you owe.

What Medicare considers medically necessary

Medicare has specific rules about when a shower chair counts as medically necessary. Your condition must make it unsafe or impossible to bathe using standard bathroom fixtures. Common reasons Medicare approves shower chairs include severe arthritis that limits bending or standing, balance disorders, recent orthopedic surgery, neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, and significant weakness from heart disease or cancer treatment.

Medicare will not pay for a shower chair straightforward because you prefer sitting to standing, because you are elderly, or because you want to prevent falls in a healthy person. The medical reason must be documented in your medical record and supported by your doctor's clinical notes.

Your costs and what to expect on your bill

After you meet your Part B deductible for the year, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount for the shower chair. You pay 20%. The approved amount is set by Medicare, not by the supplier's list price — so the supplier's price tag may be higher than what Medicare allows.

For example, if Medicare approves $200 for a particular shower chair and you have already met your deductible, Medicare pays $160 and you pay $40. If you have not met your deductible yet, you pay the full approved amount until the deductible is satisfied, then the 80/20 split begins.

The supplier cannot bill you for any amount above what Medicare approves. If the supplier's price is higher, they absorb the difference — that is the agreement they make to be a Medicare provider.

When Medicare denies a shower chair claim

Medicare may deny a shower chair claim if your doctor's order does not clearly explain the medical reason, if the diagnosis does not meet Medicare's criteria for medical necessity, or if the supplier submitted incomplete information. A denial does not mean you cannot get a shower chair — it means Medicare did not find the medical justification in the paperwork.

If your claim is denied, ask your doctor to submit additional information. Your doctor can write a letter explaining your specific functional limitations and why a shower chair is necessary for your safety. Include details like "patient cannot stand longer than 30 seconds without dizziness" or "patient is unable to bend knees due to recent knee replacement surgery." Your doctor can resubmit the order with this extra detail.

You also have the right to appeal a denial. The supplier or your doctor can file an appeal on your behalf, or you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about the denial and next steps.

Alternatives if Medicare does not cover your shower chair

If Medicare denies coverage and your doctor agrees you need a shower chair, you can purchase one yourself. Shower chairs range from about $30 to $150 depending on features like armrests, back support, and height adjustment. Many are available at drugstores, medical supply retailers, and online.

Some Medicaid programs (state programs, not Medicare) do cover shower chairs for people who meet their income and medical criteria. If you are on both Medicare and Medicaid, ask your Medicaid office whether they cover bathroom safety equipment.

You may also check whether your supplemental insurance (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plan covers items that Original Medicare denies. Coverage varies by plan, so contact your plan directly to ask.

What to ask your doctor

Before your appointment, write down the specific problems you have in the shower — for example, difficulty standing, fear of falling, pain when bending, or dizziness. During your visit, ask your doctor directly: "Do you think I need a shower chair for safety?" If your doctor says yes, ask: "Will you write an order for Medicare?" and "Which medical reason will you put on the order?"

If your doctor is unsure, describe your situation in detail. Doctors sometimes need to hear the full picture to understand that a piece of equipment is medically necessary rather than optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover grab bars for the shower?

No. Medicare does not cover grab bars, towel racks, or other permanent bathroom fixtures, even if your doctor prescribes them. These are considered home modifications or improvements rather than durable medical equipment. You can purchase grab bars yourself; they typically cost $15 to $50 per bar.

What if I have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but they may have different rules about which suppliers you use or how much you pay out of pocket. Contact your plan before ordering to confirm they will cover a shower chair and which suppliers are in-network.

Can I rent a shower chair instead of buying one?

Yes. Medicare covers rental of durable medical equipment, including shower chairs, if your doctor prescribes it. Rental may cost less than purchase if you only need the chair temporarily — for example, during recovery from surgery. Your doctor's order should specify whether you need to purchase or rent.

What if my shower is too small for a standard shower chair?

Tell your doctor about the space limitation. Your doctor can prescribe a different type of bath seat — for example, a corner seat or a transfer bench that sits across the tub edge. These are also covered by Medicare if medically necessary. The supplier can help you find a model that fits your bathroom.

Do I need prior approval from Medicare before ordering?

Not always. Most shower chairs do not require prior approval — the supplier submits the claim after delivery and Medicare decides whether to pay. However, some suppliers may ask for prior approval to avoid billing you if Medicare denies the claim. Ask the supplier whether they will seek approval before ordering.