Does Medicare Cover Shower Chairs

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

Medicare Part B covers shower chairs, grab bars, and other bathroom safety equipment, but only when a doctor writes an order saying you need them for a medical reason — not straightforward for comfort or convenience. The chair must be prescribed as durable medical equipment (DME), which means it is expected to last at least three years and serve a medical purpose.

If your doctor prescribes a shower chair, Medicare typically covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent. The actual cost you see depends on which DME supplier Medicare has contracted with in your area, because suppliers set their own prices within Medicare's limits.

Not every shower chair qualifies. A basic plastic chair you buy at a drugstore will not be covered. The chair must be ordered through a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and the supplier must submit the prescription to Medicare for review before you receive it.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write a prescription stating that a shower chair is medically necessary for your condition — Medicare does not cover it for safety alone.
You must order the chair through a Medicare-approved DME supplier in your area, not purchase it yourself from a store.
Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved amount after your Part B deductible is met; you pay 20 percent.
The DME supplier submits the prescription to Medicare for review, and approval can take one to two weeks.
If Medicare denies the prescription, your doctor can appeal or provide additional medical documentation to support the request.

When a doctor prescribes a shower chair as medically necessary

A shower chair becomes a covered item when your doctor documents that you have a medical condition making it unsafe for you to stand while bathing. Common reasons include arthritis, balance problems, recent surgery, heart disease, stroke recovery, or severe weakness. The doctor's note must explain why standing poses a risk to you specifically, not just that you are older or prefer to sit.

Your doctor does not need to use special forms or language — a note in your medical record saying "patient needs shower chair due to [condition]" is enough to start the process. However, the more detail your doctor provides about your condition and why standing is unsafe, the faster Medicare processes the request.

If you already own a shower chair and want Medicare to cover it retroactively, that is not possible. Medicare covers only items ordered through the process described below, after the prescription is written.

How to order a shower chair through Medicare

Once your doctor writes the prescription, ask your doctor's office for the name of a Medicare-approved DME supplier. Your doctor may have a preferred supplier they work with regularly. If not, you can search for suppliers in your area on the Medicare website under "Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)" or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask for a list.

Contact the DME supplier directly with your prescription. The supplier will verify that you have Medicare Part B coverage and check your deductible status. They will then submit the prescription to Medicare for review. You do not submit anything yourself — the supplier handles the entire process.

Approval typically takes one to two weeks. During that time, the supplier may contact your doctor if Medicare needs more information about your condition. Once approved, the supplier delivers the chair to your home. If Medicare denies the request, the supplier will notify you and your doctor in writing, and your doctor can file an appeal.

What you pay out of pocket

After Medicare approves the shower chair, you are responsible for 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. The approved amount varies by region and supplier — it is not the same everywhere. A shower chair might have a Medicare-approved amount of $200 in one area and $180 in another.

If you have already met your Part B deductible for the year, you pay 20 percent of the approved amount when ready. If you have not met your deductible, you pay the full deductible first, then 20 percent of anything above that.

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) cover DME differently than Original Medicare does. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan directly to learn what shower chairs cost under your specific coverage.

Shower chairs that Medicare does not cover

Medicare does not cover shower chairs ordered without a doctor's prescription, even if you buy them from a medical supply store. It also does not cover chairs that are purely for comfort — for example, if you straightforward prefer to sit while showering but have no medical reason to do so.

Grab bars, non-slip mats, and raised toilet seats follow the same rule: they must be prescribed as medically necessary and ordered through a DME supplier. Some of these items may be covered under different categories, so ask your doctor whether they should be prescribed as well.

If you have a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance), check your policy documents to see whether it covers the 20 percent coinsurance for DME. Some Medigap plans do; others do not.

What to do if Medicare denies your shower chair

If Medicare denies the prescription, you will receive a written notice called a "Notice of Non-Coverage" or "Explanation of Benefits." The notice explains why Medicare said no — usually because the doctor's note did not provide enough detail about your medical condition, or because Medicare determined the chair was not medically necessary.

Your doctor can appeal the denial by submitting additional medical records or a more detailed explanation of your condition. This is called a reconsideration request, and it must be filed within 180 days of the denial notice. Your doctor's office typically handles this, but you can also request it yourself.

If the appeal is also denied, you have the right to a hearing before a Medicare contractor. This process is free and does not require a lawyer, though some people choose to have one.

Medicare Advantage and other plan types

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), the coverage rules for shower chairs are similar but not identical. Your plan must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but it may have different copays, coinsurance amounts, or supplier networks. Call your plan's customer service number to ask about shower chair coverage before your doctor writes the prescription.

If you have Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy, the Medigap plan may cover your 20 percent coinsurance, depending on which Medigap plan you have. Plans C, D, G, and M typically cover coinsurance for DME; Plans A, B, and L do not. Check your policy or call your Medigap insurer to confirm.

If you have Medicaid in addition to Medicare, Medicaid may cover shower chairs under its own rules, which vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what is covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a shower chair myself and then ask Medicare to reimburse me?

No. Medicare only covers items ordered through a Medicare-approved DME supplier after a prescription is submitted. If you purchase a chair on your own, Medicare will not pay for it, even if your doctor later writes a prescription for the same type of chair.

What if my doctor says I need a shower chair but Medicare says I don't?

Your doctor can appeal Medicare's denial by submitting more detailed medical records or a written explanation of why the chair is medically necessary for you. The appeal must be filed within 180 days of the denial notice. If the appeal is denied again, you can request a hearing.

Does Medicare cover grab bars or other bathroom safety equipment?

Yes, if prescribed as medically necessary and ordered through a DME supplier. Grab bars, raised toilet seats, and bath benches follow the same coverage rules as shower chairs. Ask your doctor whether any of these should be prescribed along with the shower chair.

How much will I actually pay for a shower chair?

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount in your area, after you meet your Part B deductible. The approved amount varies by region and supplier, typically ranging from $150 to $300. Call a local DME supplier and ask what the Medicare-approved amount is for a shower chair in your area.

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

Call your Medicare Advantage plan's customer service number and ask about shower chair coverage, copays, and which DME suppliers are in your plan's network. Your plan must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but your out-of-pocket costs may be different.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.