Medicare covers shower chairs, but only under specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers a shower chair if your doctor writes an order saying you need it for a medical reason — not just for comfort or convenience. The chair must be classified as durable medical equipment (DME), which means it has to help you perform a daily activity you cannot do safely without it. A shower chair ordered because you are unsteady on your feet or recovering from surgery qualifies. One ordered because standing tires you out does not.

You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible. Medicare pays the remaining 80 percent. The actual cost to you depends on which supplier you use and whether they accept Medicare assignment — meaning they agree to charge only what Medicare allows.

The process takes time. Your doctor must document the medical need, send the order to a DME supplier, and the supplier must get approval from Medicare before they ship the chair. This can take one to three weeks. If you need a shower chair urgently, you may have to buy one out of pocket first and then seek reimbursement later.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating a medical reason you need the shower chair, not just that you want one for comfort.
  • You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80 percent.
  • The DME supplier must receive prior approval from Medicare before shipping, which typically takes one to three weeks.
  • If you buy a shower chair without prior approval, you will likely have to pay the full cost yourself unless your doctor can document the medical need retroactively.

How to get your doctor to order a shower chair

Start by telling your doctor about the specific problem: you are at risk of falling in the shower, you cannot stand safely after surgery, or you have balance issues that make the shower unsafe. The doctor needs to connect the shower chair to a medical condition, not to general aging or preference. Common reasons Medicare accepts include recovery from hip or knee surgery, neurological conditions that affect balance, arthritis that makes standing painful, or recent hospitalization.

Your doctor does not have to examine you in the shower. They can write the order based on your medical history and their knowledge of your condition. If your regular doctor is reluctant, ask whether they will refer you to a physical therapist for an evaluation. A therapist's written recommendation often carries weight with Medicare and can prompt your doctor to write the order.

Once your doctor agrees, ask them to send the prescription directly to a Medicare-approved DME supplier. Do not wait for the order in the mail — call the supplier yourself to confirm they received it and to start the approval process.

Choosing a DME supplier and what to expect

Medicare maintains a list of approved DME suppliers in your area. You can search for them on the Medicare website or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get names and phone numbers. Not all suppliers carry the same models or prices, so it is worth calling two or three to compare.

When you call, tell the supplier you have a doctor's order and ask whether they accept Medicare assignment. If they do, you will owe only your 20 percent coinsurance. If they do not, they can charge you more, and you will have to pay the difference out of pocket — Medicare will only reimburse their approved amount.

The supplier will ask for your Medicare number, your doctor's contact information, and details about the order. They will then submit a prior authorization request to Medicare. This is where delays happen. Medicare may ask your doctor for more information about why you need the chair, or they may deny the request if they think it is not medically necessary. If Medicare denies it, your supplier should tell you, and you have the right to appeal.

What happens if Medicare denies the order

Medicare denies shower chair orders when the documentation does not clearly show a medical need. Common reasons include the doctor's order being too vague ("patient needs shower chair" without explaining why), the condition not being severe enough in Medicare's view, or the supplier not submitting enough medical records.

If your order is denied, you have the right to appeal. Your supplier can resubmit with additional medical records, test results, or a more detailed letter from your doctor. This process can take several weeks. During the appeal, you can buy a shower chair out of pocket if you need one when ready.

If the appeal is also denied, you can request a hearing before a Medicare contractor. This is a formal process and usually requires help from someone familiar with Medicare appeals — sometimes a patient advocate, social worker, or attorney who handles Medicare cases.

Alternatives if Medicare does not cover your shower chair

Shower chairs are inexpensive compared to many medical devices. A basic model costs $30 to $80 new, and used ones are often available through online marketplaces or local community groups for less. If Medicare denies coverage and you cannot afford to wait for an appeal, buying one yourself is usually the fastest option.

Some Medicaid programs cover shower chairs, depending on your state. If you are on both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may cover it when Medicare does not. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask.

If cost is the barrier, local Area Agencies on Aging sometimes have equipment loan programs where you can borrow a shower chair for free or a small fee. Call your local AAA or search online for "[your city] equipment loan program" to find out what is available near you.

Types of shower chairs Medicare may cover

Medicare covers several styles of shower seating, as long as they are ordered for a medical reason. A standard shower chair with four legs and a seat is the most common. Shower benches that fit across the tub are also covered. Transfer benches, which sit partly inside and partly outside the tub to help you move in and out, are covered if your doctor orders them.

Grab bars and shower handles are covered separately under different rules — they are considered safety equipment rather than seating. Your doctor can order those too if you need them for balance or support.

Specialty chairs, such as those with wheels or electronic features, are less likely to be covered unless your doctor can document a specific medical reason. Medicare reviewers tend to approve the simplest option that meets your need.

Timeline and what to do while you wait

From the moment your doctor writes the order to the day the chair arrives, expect two to four weeks. The breakdown is roughly: one week for the supplier to submit and Medicare to receive the request, one to two weeks for Medicare to review and approve, and a few days to a week for shipping.

While you wait, tell your landlord or family members that you have ordered equipment and may need temporary help in the shower. If you are at high risk of falling, consider using a shower stool you own or borrowing one temporarily. Do not delay getting into the shower out of fear — that can lead to other health problems — but do take extra precautions like having someone nearby or using a handheld showerhead so you can sit on the tub edge.

Once the chair arrives, inspect it for damage before the delivery driver leaves. If something is wrong, the supplier should replace it. Keep all paperwork, including the receipt and the Medicare approval letter, in case you need to return the chair or file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription from my doctor, or can I order a shower chair myself?

You need a written order from your doctor for Medicare to cover it. If you order one yourself without a doctor's order, Medicare will not pay for it, and you will owe the full cost. Your doctor does not have to examine you in the shower — they can write the order based on your medical history.

What if my doctor says I do not need a shower chair but I think I do?

Ask your doctor to explain why. If they are concerned about safety, ask for a referral to a physical therapist or occupational therapist who can evaluate you and make a recommendation. A therapist's assessment often persuades doctors to write the order. If your doctor still refuses, you can buy a shower chair yourself without Medicare coverage.

Will Medicare cover a fancy shower chair with extra features?

Medicare covers basic shower chairs and benches. Chairs with wheels, electronic controls, or luxury materials are unlikely to be covered unless your doctor documents a specific medical reason — for example, a motorized chair for someone with severe arthritis who cannot lower themselves manually. Even then, approval is not may provide.

Can I use my Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan to cover the shower chair instead?

Medigap plans typically cover the same things Medicare covers, so they will pay the coinsurance (your 20 percent) if Medicare approves the chair. Medicare Advantage plans vary — some cover DME the same way Original Medicare does, others have different rules. Call your plan to ask whether they cover shower chairs and whether there are any extra steps you need to take.

What if I already bought a shower chair before I knew Medicare might cover it?

You may be able to get reimbursed if your doctor can write an order after the fact and Medicare approves it. Contact the DME supplier you used or a Medicare-approved supplier and ask whether they can submit a claim for reimbursement. This is less reliable than getting approval before you buy, but it is worth trying. Keep your receipt.