Walk In Bathtubs Covered By Medicare
Walk in bathtubs are generally not covered by medicare because they are not considered durable medical equipment.
Walk in bathtubs covered by medicare. If you qualify for medicaid your state. In rare situations original medicare may make an exception and cover the cost of a walk in tub. In order to get any reimbursement you will have to file a claim with medicare and have a written prescription from your doctor. While a walk in tub is not typically covered by medicare you may be able to get some type of reimbursement after you ve purchased the tub and had it installed in your home.
The guidance by the cmc could be interpreted with an understanding that some medicare advantage plans can cover the cost of a walk in tub. After all for many people a walk in tub is a helpful piece of equipment one that makes bath time much safer and promotes independence. There is no guarantee medicare will assist with or pay for the purchase of a walk in tub. Walk in tubs are designed to help minimize the risk of fall or slip thereby minimizing the chances of injuries and fractures.
This is a type of medicare advantage plan that tailors its benefits for beneficiaries who are eligible for both medicare and medicaid coverage also known as dual eligibles. Although medicare expanded supplemental benefits in 2018 medicaid is still the more likely of the two programs to cover the costs of purchasing and installing a walk in bathtub. While medicare doesn t typically cover walk in bathtubs if you get both medicare and medicaid benefits you might qualify for a dual eligible special needs plan. This use of walk in tubs fits loosely into the criteria specified by the cmc.
Unfortunately medicare usually does not consider a walk in tub as durable medical equipment dme and will not be covered by your insurance. 2020 update mary white july 5 2020 july 5 2020. But we are going explain how you can get it. If you currently receive medicare benefits you may be wondering if your coverage will help pay some of the costs of a walk in tub.
Learning that medicare doesn t cover walk in tubs can be disappointing. However you d receive a reimbursement instead of an upfront payment. Unfortunately walk in tubs are also fairly expensive with the most basic wheelchair accessible models starting at around 3000. The cost of walk in tubs.
Medicare sometimes considers walk in tub as durable and effective medical equipment for senior who need special care when looking for a comfortable and safe bath. Financial assistance however is by no means guaranteed. Medicare for walk in tubs. Medicaid is fundamentally different from medicare.
Does medicare cover walk in tubs. The claim process has proven successful for many although not all seniors or those with. Although in rare instances a walk in tub may be part of a written prescription for a medical diagnosis most likely there would be only reimbursement in these cases.