Medicare covers shower benches only if a doctor orders them as medically necessary durable medical equipment

Medicare Part B will pay for a shower bench if your doctor writes an order stating it is medically necessary for your condition — not straightforward for convenience or safety. The bench must be prescribed to treat a specific medical problem: difficulty standing due to arthritis, balance issues from neurological disease, weakness after surgery, or similar conditions. Medicare does not cover shower benches ordered only to prevent falls or to make bathing easier for someone without a diagnosed medical need.

The process requires a doctor's written order, a supplier enrolled with Medicare, and documentation that the bench meets Medicare's definition of durable medical equipment. If you buy a shower bench on your own without a prescription, Medicare will not reimburse you. If your doctor believes a shower bench is medically necessary for you, the next step is to ask them to write the order and specify why.

Key Takeaways

  • A doctor must write a written order stating the shower bench is medically necessary for a diagnosed condition, not just for safety or convenience.
  • You must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier to obtain the bench; buying one yourself and submitting a receipt will not result in coverage.
  • Medicare typically covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible, and you pay the remaining 20 percent.
  • If your doctor refuses to order one or Medicare denies the claim, you can request a detailed explanation and file an appeal within 180 days.

How to get a doctor's order for a shower bench

Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor or the specialist treating your condition. Bring a list of your mobility problems — for example, "I cannot stand safely in the shower because of my arthritis" or "I fall risk due to my Parkinson's disease." Be specific about what makes bathing difficult and dangerous for you. The doctor will document this in your medical record.

If the doctor agrees a shower bench is medically necessary, they will write a written order (sometimes called a prescription) that includes your diagnosis, the specific equipment needed, and the medical reason. The order must state that the bench is necessary to treat your condition, not merely to make bathing more comfortable. Ask the doctor's office for a copy of the order before you leave. You will need this to give to a Medicare-enrolled supplier.

Finding a Medicare-enrolled supplier

You cannot straightforward buy a shower bench from a hardware store or online retailer and have Medicare pay for it. The supplier must be enrolled with Medicare and must bill Medicare directly. To find an enrolled supplier in your area, use the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for suppliers of durable medical equipment near you.

When you contact the supplier, give them your doctor's order and your Medicare number. The supplier will verify that your order is valid and that you meet Medicare's requirements. They will also check whether the specific shower bench model they stock is on Medicare's approved list. Some suppliers may ask you to pay upfront and then submit the claim yourself, while others will bill Medicare directly. Always ask before you purchase.

What Medicare pays and what you owe

Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the approved amount for a shower bench after you have met your annual Part B deductible (which is $226 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). You are responsible for the remaining 20 percent, called coinsurance. The actual cost varies depending on the bench model and your supplier, but Medicare's approved amount is typically between $100 and $300.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your supplemental coverage may pay some or all of your coinsurance. Check your plan documents or call your plan to find out. If you have not yet met your Part B deductible for the year, you will pay the full approved amount until the deductible is satisfied, then Medicare begins paying its 80 percent share.

What happens if Medicare denies your claim

Medicare may deny coverage if the doctor's order does not clearly state a medical reason, if the diagnosis does not typically require a shower bench, or if the supplier is not enrolled with Medicare. You will receive a notice called a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that explains the denial reason.

You have the right to appeal within 180 days of the denial notice. Contact your doctor's office and ask them to provide additional documentation of your medical condition and why the shower bench is necessary. You can also request that your doctor speak directly with Medicare's medical reviewer. Many denials are overturned on appeal when the doctor provides clearer clinical justification. If you need help with the appeal, contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP), which offers free counseling.

Alternatives if Medicare does not cover a shower bench

If your doctor will not order a shower bench or Medicare denies coverage, you have other options. You can purchase a shower bench out of pocket — prices range from $40 to $200 depending on quality and features. Some community programs and nonprofits that serve older adults offer free or low-cost durable medical equipment; contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ask what is available in your area.

Medicaid may cover a shower bench in some states if you meet income and asset limits, though rules vary widely. Veterans may be covered through the VA if they are enrolled in VA health care. If cost is the barrier, ask your doctor whether grab bars alone (which are inexpensive and can be installed by a handyman) might address your safety needs while you explore other funding sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a shower bench or would grab bars be enough?

That depends on your specific condition. Grab bars help with balance and stability but do not reduce the need to stand. If you cannot stand safely for the time it takes to shower, a bench allows you to sit. Your doctor will determine which is medically necessary for you. Grab bars are not typically covered by Medicare but cost $20 to $50 and can be installed by a handyman or contractor.

Can my family member order a shower bench for me without a doctor's order?

No. Medicare requires a doctor's written order before any supplier can bill Medicare. If your family purchases a bench without an order, Medicare will not reimburse the cost. The order must come from your doctor and must state the medical reason the bench is necessary.

What if my doctor says a shower bench is not medically necessary but I think I need one?

You can request a second opinion from another doctor, such as a physical therapist or geriatrician, who may be more familiar with mobility aids. If the second doctor agrees and writes an order, you can use that order with a Medicare supplier. If no doctor will order one, Medicare will not cover it, but you can purchase one yourself.

How long does it take to receive a shower bench after Medicare approves it?

Once the supplier receives your doctor's order and Medicare approves the claim, delivery typically takes one to two weeks. The supplier will contact you to schedule delivery and installation. During this time, ask your doctor or physical therapist for temporary safety measures, such as a shower chair you can purchase quickly.

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover a shower bench differently than Original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but some plans may cover additional items or have different approval processes. Contact your plan directly to ask whether a shower bench is covered and what documentation they need. Your plan's customer service number is on your insurance card.