Does insurance cover shower chairs

If you or a loved one are considering a shower chair due to mobility or balance concerns, you’re probably wondering whether insurance will cover the cost. The answer is: sometimes, but often not under standard coverage. Whether insurance will pay depends on your plan type, whether the chair is considered medically necessary, and whether it meets specific criteria.

🟩 Quick Definition 

Insurance may cover a shower chair when it’s prescribed as medically necessary—but standard health insurance and Medicare usually treat it as a convenience item and deny coverage.

When Shower Chairs Might Be Covered

Health Insurance Plans

Some private health insurance policies may cover a shower chair if a doctor prescribes it as medically necessary for mobility, safety or chronic condition management. You’ll typically need relevant documentation and proof of necessity.

Medicaid

Because Medicaid is state-administered, some states will cover shower chairs under home health or assistive-device programs if a provider prescribes them and the need is documented. Coverage varies by state.

Medicare

Under Original Medicare (Part A/Part B), shower chairs are generally not covered because they don’t meet the durable medical equipment (DME) criteria—it is usually considered an assistive device rather than medical treatment. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans might offer additional benefits that include assistive bathroom equipment.

What Determines Coverage

• Medical necessity: A doctor must determine the chair is required for a diagnosed condition, to prevent injury, or to improve safety in bathing.

• Policy definitions: The item must meet your insurance policy’s definition of assistive device or DME. If the policy excludes “convenience items”, coverage will likely be denied.

• Documentation & supplier: A prescription, proper supplier invoice, and approved device type help your claim. Without them, you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket.

• Plan type and state rules: Private plans, Medicaid programs and Medicare Advantage plans differ in their definitions and coverage of assistive devices.

• Funding alternatives: Even if insurance denies payment, you may use a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or local assistive device programs to offset cost.

FAQs

Q1. If I buy a shower chair myself, can I get reimbursed later?
Possibly—if your plan allows reimbursement for assistive devices and you got a prescription beforehand, you may submit a claim with receipts and documentation. But many plans exclude it.

Q2. What if my Medicare Advantage plan offers extra benefits—will it cover a shower chair?
Yes, some Medicare Advantage plans add coverage for assistive and home-safety devices, so you’ll need to check your plan’s benefits to see if a shower chair is included.

Q3. Are there alternative programs if insurance denies coverage?
Yes—you may explore state Medicaid assistive-device programs, nonprofit equipment loan/rental programs and tax-deductible medical-expense options.

Q4. What kinds of conditions make a shower chair more likely to be covered?
Conditions such as limited mobility, major surgery recovery, balance disorders or high risk of falls may support the chair being medically necessary rather than just a convenience.

Q5. Should I hire an installer or supplier who accepts insurance?
Yes—using a supplier who works with assistive-device claims and understands your insurance’s documentation requirements increases your chance of approval.

Final Thoughts

Insurance may cover a shower chair—but it’s not guaranteed. The item must be medically necessary, the plan must recognize it as a covered device, and you’ll need proper documentation. If your standard coverage doesn’t apply, explore alternative funding and assistive-device programs.

Need help checking whether your plan covers a shower chair, exploring assistive-device benefits, or finding alternatives? Fill out the form below for personalized guidance and support.