Medicare covers shower chairs, but only through Part B when a doctor prescribes them as medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME)

Medicare will pay for 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 come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and you typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. Medicare covers the cost of the equipment itself, not installation or delivery fees, though some suppliers include those services.

The key requirement is that a doctor must document why you need it. Common reasons include balance problems, arthritis, recent surgery, weakness from illness, or a condition that makes standing unsafe. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can also recommend one during a home visit, and that recommendation can support your doctor's order.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating the shower chair is medically necessary before Medicare will consider paying for it.
  • You must purchase the chair from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not from a general retailer, even if the product is identical.
  • You pay 20 percent of Medicare's approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible; the actual price at the supplier may be higher.
  • If your doctor has not ordered one but you think you need it, ask for a home safety evaluation from an occupational therapist, which Medicare covers.

How to get your doctor to order a shower chair

Start by telling your primary care doctor or specialist about bathroom safety concerns — slipping, difficulty standing, pain when showering, or fear of falling. Be specific about what happens: "I nearly fell last week when I stepped into the tub" is more useful than "I'm worried about falling." If your doctor agrees it is medically necessary, they will write an order that includes your name, the specific item (shower chair), and the medical reason.

If your regular doctor is unsure, ask for a referral to an occupational therapist for a home safety evaluation. Medicare covers this visit, and the therapist can assess your bathroom and recommend equipment with a written report. That report gives your doctor the clinical detail needed to write an order with confidence. You do not need to pay out of pocket for this evaluation.

Finding a Medicare-approved DME supplier

Once you have a doctor's order, you cannot straightforward buy a shower chair online or at a drugstore and submit the receipt to Medicare. You must use a supplier enrolled in Medicare's DME program. Your doctor's office usually has a list of local suppliers, or you can search the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov. Enter your ZIP code and the item type (shower chair or bath equipment) to see which suppliers near you are approved.

Call the supplier with your doctor's order in hand. They will verify that Medicare will pay for that specific item, tell you what your 20 percent cost share will be, and arrange delivery. Some suppliers offer different styles — a transfer bench, a corner seat, a shower stool — so ask which options are available and which your insurance will cover. The supplier handles the paperwork with Medicare; you do not submit anything yourself.

What Medicare actually pays for in the bathroom

Shower chairs and transfer benches are the most common items. Medicare also covers grab bars (when a doctor orders them), bath seats, shower stools, and raised toilet seats if medically necessary. Handheld showerheads, non-slip mats, and towel racks are not covered because they are considered safety accessories, not medical equipment.

The amount Medicare pays depends on the item and your local area. A basic shower chair typically costs Medicare $100 to $200, meaning your 20 percent share would be $20 to $40 after your deductible. However, the supplier may charge more than Medicare's approved amount; if they do, you may owe the difference. Always ask the supplier for the Medicare-approved price before you agree to the order.

If your doctor will not order one

If your doctor says you do not need a shower chair medically, you have a few options. You can ask for a second opinion from another doctor, or you can purchase one yourself from a retailer — they cost $30 to $150 depending on features. Many people do this when the medical need is not clear-cut but the safety benefit is real.

Another route is to ask your doctor for a home health referral. If you may have access to for home health services (usually after hospitalization or a major illness), a nurse or therapist will visit and can recommend equipment as part of your care plan. That recommendation may prompt your doctor to write an order for a shower chair at no cost to you.

Medicare Advantage and shower chairs

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), coverage for shower chairs works the same way — your doctor orders it, you use an approved supplier, and you pay your plan's cost share. However, the amount you pay and the suppliers available may differ from Original Medicare. Call your plan's customer service number (on your card) before you order to confirm the chair is covered and what you will owe.

Some Advantage plans cover additional bathroom equipment or waive the 20 percent cost share for DME. It is worth asking your plan directly whether they have any special programs for fall prevention or bathroom safety equipment.

What happens after Medicare pays

Once the supplier receives Medicare's payment, the chair is yours to keep. There is no time limit on how long you can use it. If you move, you take it with you. If your condition improves and you no longer need it, you can donate it or discard it; you do not have to return it to Medicare.

If your situation changes — you fall and injure yourself, or your mobility worsens — you can order another chair. Medicare will cover a replacement if your doctor writes a new order and documents the medical reason for the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a shower chair myself and have Medicare reimburse me?

No. Medicare only pays when you use an approved DME supplier. If you buy from a retailer and submit the receipt, Medicare will not reimburse you. The supplier must be enrolled in Medicare's program and submit the claim on your behalf.

What if I cannot afford the 20 percent cost share?

If cost is a barrier, talk to the DME supplier about payment plans or ask your doctor's office whether they know of any local programs that help with equipment costs. Some community organizations and aging services agencies offer grants or loans for home safety equipment. Your local Area Agency on Aging can point you toward these resources.

Does Medicare cover installation or delivery?

Medicare covers the equipment only, not delivery or installation fees. However, many suppliers include delivery as part of their service at no extra charge. Ask the supplier what is included before you place the order.

What if my doctor says I do not need it but I think I do?

You can request a home safety evaluation from an occupational therapist, which Medicare covers. The therapist's report may give your doctor the information needed to write an order. If your doctor still declines, you can purchase a shower chair out of pocket from any retailer.

Can I get a shower chair if I have not been hospitalized recently?

Yes. Hospitalization is not required. As long as your doctor documents a medical reason — arthritis, balance problems, weakness, or any condition that makes showering unsafe — Medicare will cover it through the DME benefit.