Medicare covers shower chairs, but only if a doctor prescribes them as medically necessary and you meet specific equipment rules.

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) — items like shower chairs, grab bars, and bath benches — when a doctor writes an order saying you need one for a medical reason. The chair must be prescribed to treat a condition, manage a disability, or help you move safely after an injury or surgery. A shower chair you buy for convenience alone will not be covered.

The coverage amount depends on whether you have already met your Part B deductible for the year and which DME supplier you use. Medicare typically pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you pay the deductible; you pay the remaining 20 percent. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write a prescription stating that a shower chair is medically necessary for your condition, not just a comfort item.
  • Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved cost after you meet your Part B deductible; you pay 20 percent.
  • You must rent or buy the chair from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not from a general retailer.
  • The supplier will submit the prescription and paperwork to Medicare on your behalf; you do not file the claim yourself.

When a Doctor's Prescription Is Required

Medicare will not cover a shower chair without a doctor's order. The order must come from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who has examined you and determined that the chair addresses a specific medical need. Common reasons include balance problems, arthritis, weakness after surgery, mobility loss from stroke, or conditions that make standing in the shower unsafe.

The prescription does not have to say "shower chair" by name — it can say "bath seat" or "tub transfer bench" — but it must state the medical reason and confirm that the item is medically necessary, not optional. If your doctor agrees you need one, ask them to write the order and send it to a Medicare-approved DME supplier. The supplier will handle the rest.

How to Find a Medicare-Approved Supplier

You must obtain the shower chair from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not from a general medical supply store or online retailer. You can search for suppliers in your area using the Medicare Supplier Directory on the Medicare website, or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for a list of approved suppliers near you.

Once you have your doctor's prescription, contact the supplier and give them a copy. The supplier will verify that Medicare covers the item, check your coverage details, and tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. The supplier then submits the prescription and any required paperwork to Medicare for review. You do not file a claim yourself.

What Medicare Approves and What It Does Not

Medicare covers standard shower chairs and bath benches designed for safety and mobility. These include chairs with a backrest, seats that fit inside or over a tub, and transfer benches that help you move from standing to sitting. Grab bars permanently installed in your bathroom may also be covered if prescribed.

Medicare does not cover luxury or comfort upgrades, such as padded seats, heated surfaces, or chairs with electronic features. It also does not cover items that are primarily for convenience rather than medical need. If you want features beyond what Medicare covers, you can pay the difference out of pocket, but the supplier must separate the covered and non-covered costs on your bill.

Renting Versus Buying

You can rent or buy a shower chair through a Medicare-approved supplier. Rental is often the better choice if you need the chair temporarily — for example, while recovering from surgery. Rental costs are lower upfront, and Medicare covers 80 percent of the monthly rental fee after your deductible.

If you need the chair long-term, buying may be more economical. Medicare will pay 80 percent of the purchase price (after your deductible), and you own the item. The supplier can advise you on which option makes sense based on how long your doctor expects you to need it. Ask the supplier to explain both costs before you decide.

What Happens After Your Doctor Sends the Prescription

Once the supplier receives your prescription, they will submit it to Medicare along with documentation of your medical need. Medicare reviews the order to confirm it meets coverage rules. This review usually takes one to two weeks. If Medicare approves it, the supplier will contact you to arrange delivery or pickup and collect your out-of-pocket payment.

If Medicare denies the request, the supplier will tell you why and explain your options. You can ask your doctor to provide more detail about your medical condition, or you can request that Medicare reconsider the decision. Some denials are overturned on appeal, especially if your doctor provides additional clinical information.

If You Have a Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) cover DME under the same rules as Original Medicare, but the out-of-pocket costs and approved suppliers may differ. Some Advantage plans have a lower copay for DME, while others may require you to use suppliers in their network. Check your plan documents or call the plan's customer service number to learn what you will pay.

The process is the same: your doctor writes a prescription, you choose a supplier, and the supplier submits the order to your plan. Your plan then approves or denies coverage. Always confirm with your plan before ordering to avoid unexpected bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything out of pocket for a shower chair?

Yes, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost after you meet your Part B deductible. The exact amount depends on the chair and the supplier's price. Ask the supplier for a cost estimate before you order.

What if my doctor says I need a shower chair but Medicare denies it?

Ask your doctor to send Medicare additional information about your medical condition and why the chair is necessary. You can also request a reconsideration. If Medicare still denies it, you can pay out of pocket or ask your doctor whether a different type of equipment might be covered instead.

Can I buy a shower chair from Amazon or a regular store and have Medicare reimburse me?

No. Medicare only covers items purchased or rented from Medicare-approved DME suppliers. If you buy from another source, Medicare will not pay for it, even if your doctor prescribed it. Always use an approved supplier.

How long does it take to get a shower chair after my doctor prescribes one?

Medicare's review usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, delivery or pickup typically happens within a few days. If you need the chair urgently, tell the supplier and your doctor — some suppliers can expedite delivery while Medicare reviews the order.

Will my Medigap plan help pay the 20 percent I owe?

Many Medigap plans cover the 20 percent coinsurance for DME, but it depends on which plan you have. Check your plan documents or call your Medigap insurer to confirm what they cover for durable medical equipment.