Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Tub?
For elderly individuals and those with limited mobility, a walk-in tub can make all the difference in terms of safety and accessibility. The innovative nature of these systems makes bathing a more comfortable and independent experience, which can have a direct positive impact on overall quality of life. Although these products are specifically designed for safety, Medicare does not yet approve walk-in tubs as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and thus will not help pay for the cost in most cases.
That being said, there are ways to have the cost possibly reimbursed by Medicare if the walk-in tub is regarded as a medical necessity. Read on for some things you should know about whether or not Medicare will assist with the payment for your walk-in tub installation, and why this is a quality investment even if you have to pay for it yourself.
Getting a Prescription
Having a doctor’s prescription for a walk-in tub is essential to applying for Medicare reimbursement. A Doctor’s letter of support that states the specifics of your condition and lays out why a walk-in tub is medically necessary is also helpful in the Medicare Claims process, as it conveys the important of this feature as something more than just a convenience (one of the only reasons it isn’t recognized as DME in the first place). In general, you’ll also have an easier time getting the cost of your walk-in tub reimbursed if you have a Medicare Advantage plan rather than original Medicare.
Purchasing Your Walk-In Tub
Even if you are reimbursed for the cost of your walk-in tub, you’ll still need to purchase it and have it installed first. The good news is that there are typically plenty of additional financing options available, either through external grants and specific programs or directly through the bathroom remodeling contractor you partner with.
Should You Still Invest in a Walk-In Tub?
If the process of applying for financing or reimbursement through Medicare is making you wonder if a walk-in tub is even worth it, the short answer is: absolutely! While these tubs are designed with your safety in mind, that doesn’t mean they make bathing feel clinical or like a chore. In fact, many walk-in tubs, such as those by KOHLER, feature luxurious elements like hydrotherapy jets, heated surfaces, accessible control panels, and more. These spa-like features make your bathroom feel more like a luxurious oasis, and that’s something every homeowner deserves.
The Walk-In Tub Company to Trust
Don’t settle for a tub that has you putting your safety at risk any longer than you need to when you can choose a solution from Home Smart Industries. As a Kohler-certified bathroom remodeling contractor, we can install a new KOHLER Walk-In Bath at your home that’s equipped with features like:
- An extra-wide, leakproof door
- An easy-to-grip handrail along the bath front and grab bars located throughout the tub
- An ultra-low step entrance
- Adjustable hydrotherapy jets
- Heated back, neck, and shoulder surfaces
- BubbleMassage™ exclusive technology for three speed settings of enveloping bubbles
- An accessible control panel
- A handheld shower sprayer wand
- An easy-to-grab door latch
What’s more, we can install your premium new KOHLER Walk-In Bath in as little as one day so that you can enjoy fewer interruptions to your routine and start enjoying your gorgeous new tub sooner. Contact Home Smart Industries today to learn more about our walk-in tub installations, and be sure to ask about our convenient financing options for qualified homeowners.
