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EmilyM Asked January 2018

Medicare coverage for shower chair?

My mother, age 95, lives in an Assisted Living Facility. She is legally blind, has balance issues and suffers from dementia. I am purchasing a shower chair for her. Will Medicare cover it?

jeannegibbs Jan 2018
Doesn't the ALF provide that when needed?

needtowashhair Jan 2018
These things are so cheap that I find it's not worth it. The medicare copay for my dad's walker was a little more than what I paid for my mom's walker myself out of pocket. The prices some of these approved equipment vendors charge is ridiculously high. Check the prices for shower chairs at places like Walmart and Amazon. There are pretty darn cheap. If you really want it cheap, go to a thrift store. It will be the price of a cup of coffee cheap. Of course it's used, just wash it off.

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97yroldmom Jan 2018
Joann
They paid for my aunts.
She’s had it awhile. Different rules perhaps at that time? I still think anytime you need something that you want Medicare to pay for, always check with someone who sells the item. They want to make a sell. A large medical supply will hace folks on the phone that can guide you. They usually know the rules.
Now the Medicare advantage plans may not pay. I have only worked with original Medicare.
My mom used a bedside commode chair in her shower. They pay for those and will pay for a replacement one ever so many years. Good to have over the regular commodes to make it easier to get up and down and elevate the seat.

JoAnn29 Jan 2018
I worked for a loan closet for equipment and we found out that Medicare does not pay for shower chairs.

suzeeQ Jan 2018
@EmilyM the senior center in our town loans them out for free. I don't know how widespread that practice is, but would be worth looking into.

97yroldmom Jan 2018
Ask her dr to give you a prescription. You can also ask the medical supply to contact your dr for the prescription to save a step. They can fax it.

jjariz Jan 2018
Perhaps, but they won't reimburse you after you purchase it. If she is on Hospice, they will provide all equipment like this.

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