For immediate release · Network tier
Aging Safely Baths Publishes a Direct Answer on Medicare and Walk-In Tubs: Original Medicare Does Not Cover Them
The supplier is publishing the answer plainly in response to advertising that implies otherwise, along with the funding routes that do sometimes apply.
At a glance
Aging Safely Baths has published guidance stating plainly that Original Medicare does not cover walk-in tubs, because they are classified as home modifications rather than durable medical equipment, and outlining the Medicare Advantage, Medicaid waiver and VA grant routes that sometimes apply instead.
DENVER, Colorado — September 25, 2026
Aging Safely Baths has published a direct answer to the question it is asked more than any other: Original Medicare does not cover walk-in tubs.
The company says it is publishing the answer plainly because a great deal of advertising in this category implies otherwise without saying it outright.
Why Medicare does not cover them
Medicare's durable medical equipment benefit covers equipment that serves a medical purpose and can be used in the home — wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators. The common thread is that the equipment is movable and belongs to the patient.
A walk-in tub is a permanent structural change to a property. Medicare classifies it as a home modification or convenience item, and home modifications sit outside the benefit. That is a classification question rather than a judgment about whether the tub is useful.
Rare exceptions have been reported where a physician documented medical necessity, but the company advises treating those as exceptions rather than as a plan.
The ads never quite say Medicare pays. They say things like “you may qualify.” That is technically true and completely useless, and people make financial decisions on the back of it. Zachary Tye Wennstedt, Aging Safely Baths
What sometimes does help
Routes worth checking
- Medicare Advantage plans. Some include a home safety or flex benefit. Coverage varies widely by plan and state, is usually a capped allowance rather than full cost, and typically requires prior authorization. Industry reporting in 2026 put the share of Medicare Advantage plans covering any portion of bathroom safety devices at roughly 21 percent.
- Medicaid HCBS waivers. Home and Community-Based Services waivers help with accessibility modifications in some states, with eligibility and scope varying by state.
- VA grants. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation grants, which can fund substantial modifications.
- Area Agency on Aging programs. Local agencies sometimes coordinate state or county assistance.
- Out of pocket or financing. The route most households end up using.
What Medicare does cover in a bathroom
Part B may cover equipment that qualifies as durable medical equipment and is determined medically necessary and prescribed — commode chairs being the most common example. The distinction is movable versus installed. A shower chair set inside a tub is a different category from the tub itself.
Why publish this
The company acknowledges the guidance works against a sales pattern common in the category.
"We would sell more tubs if we let people assume Medicare might cover it and sorted it out later," Wennstedt said. "That is a rotten way to treat somebody's parents, and it produces angry customers anyway. Better to say it upfront and talk about what actually might help."
Availability
Walk-in tubs, barrier-free showers and configuration guidance are available at agingsafelybaths.com or 1-800-481-8638.
Important This is general information about coverage categories, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice. Coverage rules change, and eligibility varies by plan, by state and by individual circumstance. Confirm any coverage question with Medicare, your specific plan, your state Medicaid office or the VA directly before making a purchasing decision.
Frequently asked
Does Medicare cover walk-in tubs?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover walk-in tubs. Medicare classifies them as home modifications or convenience items rather than durable medical equipment, and the durable medical equipment benefit covers movable equipment serving a medical purpose rather than permanent structural changes to a property. Rare exceptions have been reported but are not something to plan around.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover walk-in tubs?
Some do, partially. Coverage varies considerably by plan and by state, commonly takes the form of a capped allowance rather than full cost, and generally requires prior authorization and sometimes a specific approved vendor. Industry reporting in 2026 indicated only around 21 percent of Medicare Advantage plans covered any portion of bathroom safety devices. Check your own plan's Evidence of Coverage before assuming anything.
What funding is available for a walk-in tub if Medicare will not pay?
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waivers help in some states. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for VA Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation grants. Some state and local Area Agency on Aging programs assist. Many households pay out of pocket or finance. Eligibility varies and should be confirmed with the program directly.
What bathroom safety equipment does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B may cover bathroom equipment that qualifies as durable medical equipment and is determined medically necessary and prescribed — commode chairs being the most common example. The distinction is between movable equipment and permanent installation: a shower chair placed in a tub is a different category from a tub that replaces the tub itself.
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About Aging Safely Baths
Aging Safely Baths has supplied and installed walk-in tubs, barrier-free showers and accessible bathing solutions since 2012. The company is an authorized Bestbath dealer and serves households nationwide from Denver, Colorado.
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Media contact
Zachary Tye Wennstedt
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Eye To Ad Media
1001 Bannock St #660, Denver, CO 80204
Telephone: 1-800-481-8638
Email:
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