Does Medicare Help with Handicap Showers? What You Need to Know

Oct 22, 2025 5 min read •

senior care Medicare Durable Medical Equipment

Over 280,000 Americans are injured in their bathrooms every year, with falls being a leading cause for seniors. Understanding if and how does Medicare help with handicap showers is crucial for ensuring safety and making informed decisions about necessary home modifications.

Quick Summary

Medicare generally does not cover the cost of a full handicap shower installation, considering it a home modification rather than durable medical equipment. However, some individual safety components, like grab bars or shower chairs, may be covered if deemed medically necessary by a doctor. Coverage can also vary significantly depending on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Key Points

Limited Original Medicare Coverage: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover the cost of installing a full handicap shower, as it is classified as a home modification, not durable medical equipment (DME).
Coverage for Individual Items: Original Medicare may cover specific, medically necessary items like shower chairs, commode chairs, and grab bars if prescribed by a doctor.
Medicare Advantage Potential: Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer expanded benefits that include coverage for home modifications, such as walk-in or roll-in showers, but eligibility and coverage vary significantly by plan.
Alternative Funding is Available: If Medicare does not provide coverage, other options like state Medicaid waivers, non-profit organizations, and local grants can help finance handicap shower modifications.
Medical Necessity is Key: For any coverage consideration, you must have a doctor's order and sufficient documentation to prove that the equipment or modification is medically necessary.
Know Your Appeals Rights: If your claim for a covered item is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision through Medicare's established process.

Original Medicare Coverage for Bathroom Safety

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) has specific rules regarding what it will and won't cover. For handicap showers and other home modifications, the answer is often disappointing for many seniors. The central issue is how Medicare defines durable medical equipment (DME) versus home modifications.

Defining Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

DME is reusable medical equipment that a doctor prescribes for use in the home. Examples of covered DME under Medicare Part B include wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. To be considered DME, an item must meet several criteria:

It must be durable, meaning it can withstand repeated use.
It must be used for a medical reason.
It must be appropriate for use in the home.
It must have an expected lifespan of at least three years.
It cannot be useful to someone who isn't sick or injured.

Why Handicap Showers Don't Qualify as DME

Handicap or walk-in showers are typically considered home modifications. Medicare's guidelines generally exclude coverage for home improvements, even if they improve accessibility and safety for medical reasons. A full shower remodel, including removing a tub and installing a curbless shower, is not covered. It's considered an alteration to the property, not a piece of equipment. This rule applies to both standard walk-in and roll-in showers.

What Original Medicare May Cover

While the full installation is off the table, some specific, smaller pieces of equipment can be covered if a doctor deems them medically necessary:

Grab Bars: Although often considered a convenience item, grab bars can be covered if a physician explicitly documents their medical necessity to assist with a specific condition.
Commode Chairs: If a patient is unable to access a bathroom toilet, a commode chair can be covered under Medicare Part B.
Shower Chairs or Transfer Benches: These are used to assist with bathing and are considered medically necessary in certain situations. Your doctor must provide a prescription and documentation.
Handheld Showerheads: In some cases, a handheld showerhead can be covered if it is part of a larger, medically necessary durable medical equipment setup.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Potential Coverage

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, offered by private insurers, provide an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans must cover all the benefits of Original Medicare, but many offer additional benefits that may include home modifications.

Broader Interpretation of 'Medically Necessary'

Some MA plans, especially those for people with chronic conditions, have expanded their definitions of medically necessary to include benefits that help seniors “age in place”. This can include coverage for certain home modifications, such as:

Walk-in showers or tubs
Grab bars
Wheelchair ramps
Widened doorways

Coverage is never guaranteed and depends heavily on the specific plan and regional guidelines. A doctor's prescription and a strong case for medical necessity are still required. It is essential to contact your specific MA plan provider to understand what, if any, coverage is available.

Alternative Funding Options for Handicap Showers

If Medicare will not cover your handicap shower, several other avenues can help with costs. Exploring these options can make the difference between having the modification you need and going without it.

Medicaid

Many state Medicaid programs offer coverage for home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers can help pay for modifications like walk-in showers if you meet certain eligibility criteria. The rules vary significantly by state, so you'll need to contact your state's Medicaid office for details.

Non-Profit Organizations

Numerous non-profit organizations exist to assist seniors and people with disabilities. Groups like Rebuilding Together focus on providing home modifications for low-income homeowners. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and state assistive technology programs can also provide resources and referrals.

Grants and Loans

USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grants: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants and loans to very-low-income homeowners in rural areas for home repairs and improvements, which can include accessibility modifications.
State and Local Programs: Check with your city or county for local home repair assistance programs or grants for seniors. These are often funded through housing and community development initiatives.

Appealing a Medicare Denial

If you believe your claim was wrongly denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This is a multi-level process that involves submitting a written request for a redetermination and providing documentation from your doctor proving the medical necessity of the equipment. For comprehensive guidance on the appeals process, you can find detailed information on the official Medicare website: Original Medicare Appeals.

Comparison of Coverage Options for Handicap Showers


Feature	Original Medicare	Medicare Advantage (Part C)	Medicaid	Other Programs
Covers Full Installation?	No, considers it a home modification.	Potentially, depending on the specific plan's benefits.	Potentially, through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.	Varies by program; grants and loans may cover a portion or all.
Covers Minor Equipment?	Yes, if deemed durable medical equipment and medically necessary (e.g., grab bars, shower chairs).	Yes, must cover everything Original Medicare does, and may offer more.	Yes, can cover equipment and sometimes modifications under waivers.	Depends on the program, often covers smaller items.
Requires Medical Necessity?	Yes, for all covered equipment.	Yes, requires a doctor's prescription and medical justification.	Yes, usually linked to a specific care plan.	Sometimes, depending on the funding source and program focus.
Out-of-Pocket Costs?	You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.	Costs vary by plan, including copayments and deductibles.	Little to no cost, depending on state and income.	Variable, from zero (grants) to loans with repayment terms.
Where to Check?	Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit medicare.gov.	Contact your specific plan provider directly.	State Medicaid agency or local human services office.	Local Area Agency on Aging, non-profits, state programs.

Conclusion: Your Path to an Accessible Shower

Navigating the ins and outs of Medicare coverage for handicap showers can be challenging, but understanding the distinction between home modifications and durable medical equipment is key. While Original Medicare provides limited assistance for individual safety devices, certain Medicare Advantage plans offer a wider range of benefits for those seeking to age in place. It is always best to start by speaking with your doctor to establish medical necessity, and then contacting your specific insurance plan. For those who still face coverage gaps, numerous alternative funding options, from Medicaid waivers to non-profit assistance and grants, can provide the financial support needed to make essential bathroom safety modifications. Your safety is a priority, and with persistence, you can find a way to create a secure and accessible bathing environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is reusable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor for home use, such as a wheelchair or hospital bed. A home modification is a permanent alteration to a property, like installing a handicap shower, and is generally not covered by Original Medicare.

No. While a doctor's prescription is required to establish medical necessity for any covered item, it does not guarantee Medicare will pay for a full handicap shower. The shower itself is a home modification that falls outside the scope of Original Medicare's coverage for DME.

Possibly. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer supplemental benefits that may include home modifications to help people age in place. Coverage depends on your specific plan's details, and you must check with your provider directly.

Low-cost alternatives include installing grab bars, using a non-slip bath mat, and purchasing a shower chair or transfer bench. In some cases, Medicare may cover the cost of grab bars and transfer benches if deemed medically necessary by a doctor.

Yes, many state Medicaid programs provide assistance for home modifications through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Eligibility and coverage are based on your state's specific rules and your financial status.

If your claim for a specific piece of equipment, like a shower chair, is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. The appeals process has multiple levels, and you may need to provide further documentation from your doctor to prove medical necessity.

Yes. Non-profit organizations like Rebuilding Together, certain state and local programs, and USDA grants for rural residents may offer assistance for home repairs and modifications. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also provide information on available programs.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.