Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?

[michael6202]

My wife and I recently had Safe Step and a couple other companies out for estimates and it was unbeleivable to me that Medicare doesn't cover any portion of the cost of these tubs.  My wife is disabled and has an extremely hard time getting into or out of the shower (which only has a 7" lip) and cannot even attempt getting into our tub. 

Out of all of these different companies, we fell in love with what Safe Step had to offer.  No, it wasn't just because of Pat Boone being their spokesperson!    However, just like the reps that were out before Safe Step, we were informed that Medicare wouldn't cover any of the cost.  This doesn't make sense to me, as my wife has fallen and been hospitalized because of our bathroom countless times. 

Am I alone in thinking this, or does anyone else feel the same?

Here's the tub we were looking at getting, I'd love some feedback from those of you that may have one.  

Safe Step Walk in Tub

Have any of you ever considered purchasing one of these? If so, what helped you decide which company to go with?  Obviously they're expensive, which is why we were hoping medicare would cover it.  However, now it's looking like we're going to have to pay cash and Safe Step was the least expensive and most attractive option out of the ones we looked at.

[JohnS709355]

For Medicare to pay for a whirlpool bathtub, your doctor will need to say in writing that it is for Substantial Therapeutic Benefit. Each claim will be reviewed on an individual basis. You may also have to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice of non-coverage.

An Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), also known as a waiver of liability, is a notice a provider should give you before you receive a service if, based on Medicare coverage rules, your provider has reason to believe Medicare will not pay for the service.

https://ellasbubbles.com/walk-in-bathtub-loans-insurance-deductions-financing/

[byrondennis]

This is not a serious question. It is an ad for a bathtub?

[ds67428971]

I AM STILL WORKING ON THAT QUESTION.I SELL AND INSTALL QUALITY WALK IN TUBS. I AM THE OWNER OF SLATON'S HOME IMPROVEMENT.I HAVE ACCESS TO A LOCAL MANUFACTURER.I HAVE INSTALLED FOR COMPANIES THAT CHARGED $15,000.00 TO 22,000.00. I SELL "INSTALLATION INCLUDED" FOR APROX. $8,000.00. NO SALE MEN, NO MIDDLE MAN,NO DRAMA.I DO MY OWN INSTALLS. 

[DavidE542946]

High end walk in tubs w/44 jets, foot massage, quick drain, heater, Ozone Cleaning, purging system, Acrylic Material (not fiberglass), acrylic wall surround, safety bars, door & frame enlargements, shower glide bars, toilet/bidet included... all of this with a Lifetime Warranty including labor, can be had for approx. 16K

[SANDIJEAN17]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?  Sandijean, Dont let it get the best of you ! Been there, done that !!! Dont expect much understanding or sympathy from certain " Well Off " members. As long as their doing fine, thats all that really matters to some of them. As for the rest of us, who may have struggles, they feel we  are to blame for not working smart or hard enough. We are also to blame, in their minds, when hit by unforeseen tragedies in our lives ( poor planning on our part ).
Posted by mandm84

Thank you, Mandro84, you're correct.

[mandm84]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? Sandijean, Dont let it get the best of you ! Been there, done that !!! Dont expect much understanding or sympathy from certain " Well Off " members. As long as their doing fine, thats all that really matters to some of them. As for the rest of us, who may have struggles, they feel we  are to blame for not working smart or hard enough. We are also to blame, in their minds, when hit by unforeseen tragedies in our lives ( poor planning on our part ).

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? : Wow you're so fantastic Gail, perhaps you should get a job for medicare and fix it for us, heck why don't you just become our president and fix all of the problems being that you're so fantastic and all I'm sure you could...
Posted by SANDIJEAN17

[SANDIJEAN17]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? : I helped my mother plan for those things for which she was responsible, so as she changed and got older, I made plans for her care and help. Just getting older is not an illness nor is it a disability but it does help if you can make accommodation for those things that can help you. Years ago communities had grants available to low income elderly  through HUD for just this purpose.  Here is the link to the Dept of Housing and Urban Development:  Home Repair/Modification Programs for Elderly Homeowners Where is it today?  I don't know, but if you are low income (and low enough), I'm sure there is help out there - check with your local Dept of Aging or call your Congresscritter.
Posted by GailL1

Wow you're so fantastic Gail, perhaps you should get a job for medicare and fix it for us, heck why don't you just become our president and fix all of the problems being that you're so fantastic and all I'm sure you could...

[SANDIJEAN17]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

Okiewan here! has someone on disability with a disabled wife and limited incomeI can tell you that us old folks need help with medical needs such as a walk in tub. Our country spends billions all over the world. 40 bil to saudis, 20 bil to istreal, another 10 to egypt  for starters. we even give aid to china! old people are hurting. by the time we pay rent and utilitiys and get food our checks are gone. then theres insurance, gas, medical. If the pres can use airforce one to jet around campaining,if biden dose too, why not support the old and needy here?
Posted by okiewan

@okiewan  Very well said and I could agree more!

[pokey55]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? : I just had a Safe Step salesperson give me an estimate today, 11/01/12. Although he did mention that the only two tub choices available could be tax deductable he did not tell me about any rebates available. The cost of the tub is around the cost of a new car.  A 30% discount brings it down a few thousand dollars. I wish they would offer tubs without all the bells and whistles, such as aromatherapy and color lights in the tub.  I'd love a more simple walk in tub.  Is there on available?
Posted by zsasu

Well, I am forever disturbed by how much these things cost.  You know a walk in tub certainly does not cost the same as a new car, even installed. These companys/salespeople are making huge profits. If you were my neighbor we could talk about buying a tub, at the big box store,  and I would install it for free. I'm no contractor but these projects are not rocket science either. Plus, a building inspector would have to check it out to make sure everything was up to code. I am so tired of being ripped off. Usually thes things are installed in a day or two. How do you feel paying thousands to someone for a couple of days work. Everyone has to get their cut! !@#$%^&*()+ 

[GailL1]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? : Yah Gail needs to read the  ADA guidelines on reasonable accomodation.  I do not know if they are living in their own home or renting or in housing but the American's with Disabilities Act came along to ensure that seniors have the thinks they need to make their life worthwhile.  And yes some of that is paid for by Medicare while some is not.  But they have worked and put into Medicare for years they should be able to have some quality of life after they retire.
Posted by chrissyinct

You should understand the law and the guidelines.

A Guide to Disability Rights Laws from ADA.gov

"The Fair Housing Act requires owners of housing facilities to make reasonable exceptions in their policies and operations to afford people with disabilities equal housing opportunities. For example, a landlord with a "no pets" policy may be required to grant an exception to this rule and allow an individual who is blind to keep a guide dog in the residence. The Fair Housing Act also requires landlords to allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable access-related modifications to their private living space, as well as to common use spaces. (The landlord is not required to pay for the changes.) The Act further requires that new multifamily housing with four or more units be designed and built to allow access for persons with disabilities. This includes accessible common use areas, doors that are wide enough for wheelchairs, kitchens and bathrooms that allow a person using a wheelchair to maneuver, and other adaptable features within the units."

Even under the Home & Community Living initiative by the ACA where Medicaid  eligible elderly and disabled are helped to stay out of a nursing home, there is no provision for changing a living environment for a walkin bathtub.
Health Law Spurs State Shift in Long-Term Care

Again, we all need to understand what health care is and what it is not

[chrissyinct]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

  Yeah Gail, we all know how you feel. You told us in an earlier post that, If a senior or disabled person is struggling, its their own fault, for not working hard enough and smart enough . Sorry, but  we all dont have a lucrative business like your husband's to live off of and maybe we're not as smart as you and your husband, but that doesn't mean we didn't work just as hard.  Maybe a little compassion for those struggling, who have been hit by hard times, to no fault of their own, would be nice. Anyone's life could change in a heart beat. Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? :
Posted by mandm84

Yah Gail needs to read the  ADA guidelines on reasonable accomodation.  I do not know if they are living in their own home or renting or in housing but the American's with Disabilities Act came along to ensure that seniors have the thinks they need to make their life worthwhile.  And yes some of that is paid for by Medicare while some is not.  But they have worked and put into Medicare for years they should be able to have some quality of life after they retire.

[SANDIJEAN17]

@tbanks204, 

What a selfish and greedy person you are.  I'm not sure why you think that you would have to pay for any of their needs.  They have worked and paid for their benefits their entire lives.  And this sounds very much like a medical necessity, he wasn’t asking for about a spa.  I suffered heart failure a few years ago and am now too weak to get in and out out of the tub and as a result I took a fall and now suffer with chronic pain.because i’m too sick to have the surgery I need to repair the damage caused by the fall.

Now medicare has to pay for someone to assist me with my daily needs.  It seems to me it would have been a lot cheaper to cover the walk in tub and a lot less painful for me.

[Chris7715]

Below is a link that compares walk in tubs. I would love to have one when move to a smaller place but the cost will probably stop me from pursuing that option.
 Chris

http://www.walkinbathtubcomparisons.com/

[Bathesafe]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? : I just had a Safe Step salesperson give me an estimate today, 11/01/12. Although he did mention that the only two tub choices available could be tax deductable he did not tell me about any rebates available. The cost of the tub is around the cost of a new car.  A 30% discount brings it down a few thousand dollars. I wish they would offer tubs without all the bells and whistles, such as aromatherapy and color lights in the tub.  I'd love a more simple walk in tub.  Is there on available?
Posted by zsasu

There are other companies out there that offer lower cost walk in bathtubs that dont require you to take all the bells and whistles such as Bathe Safe Walk In Bathtubs.  They offer much more affordable tubs with no gimmicks.

[ds67428971]

I HAVE INSTALLED WALK IN TUBS FOR A FEW COMPANIES.THEY WOULD CHARGE $15,000.00 TO $22.000.00.I INSTALL THE TUB MY SELF START TO FINISH FOR APROX.$8,000.00 "THAT INCLUDES TUB"GENERAL CONTRACTOR. 

[sanddie]

While that may be true, Gail, you could have said it in a much nicer way instead of being rude and sarcastic.  We are all looking for answers to many problems that we are now being faced with - whether for ourselves or our parents.  The answer is to share as much information  and resources as possible.

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

There are alternatives to your wife's problems which would be tax deductible. Her problem is linked to health only if she falls and sustains injury - but changes to your home more in-tune to her disability could prevent any injury.  Would you want Medicare to pay for lowering counters for those disabled in a wheel chair? What about a ramp to help them get inside or out? Door widening? What about special equipt cars allowing them to drive? My mother needed a walker several years back, I got her one with a seat and wheels that she pushes.  It has become part of her person and she cannot go anywhere without it.  Medicare did not pay for it. Medicare does not pay for hearing aides either and my mother hears nothing without them in both ears - with added volume of a pocket talker - Medicare does not pay for glasses to see either. See if you can find a contractor to look over the shower  - then put a bath chair inside the stall for her to sit upon while bathing. I don't think anybody has ever died from not having a shower or bath inside an enclosure.  Heck, my grandmother never had a bathroom and she made 90 with no falls. I am sorry to be so hard hearted but we need to all start realizing what is health care and what is not !
Posted by GailL1

[GailL1]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

MEDICARE SHOULD HELP PAY FOR ITEMS NEEDED FOR HEALTH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WITH LIMITATIONS, SUCH AS: 1. A DOCTOR CERTIFIES THE NEED, AND PROVIDES A PRESCRIPTION. 2. A COPAY IS REQUIRED, AND A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL IS PROVIDED DEPENDING ON INCOME. 3. A LIMIT ON SUCH PAYMENTS WITHIN A TIME LIMIT IS SET. PLUS ANY OTHER NECESSARY AND REASONABLE TERMS IS SPECIFIED. IF GOVERNMENT CAN SUBSIDIZE BANKS, CORPORATIONS, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ETC. IT CAN CERTAINLY FIND THE MEANS TO HELP IT'S AGING CITIZENS NEEDS.  IT HAS ALREADY CUT MANY ITEMS IT PROVIDED IN THE PAST 60 YEARS, AND HAD ITS COFFERS RAIDED MANY TIMES. A CIVILIZATION THAT DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF ITS ELDERLY, YET HAS FUNDS TO MEDDLE WITH ARMED FORCE ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND WHOSE LEADERS GENEROUSLY PROVIDE CARE FOR THEMSELVES, DOES NOT DESERVE TO EXIST.  LET US DESERVE TO BE PROUD AMERICANS.
Posted by mvcombs0surfbest

Here is what Medicare pays under Durable Medical Equipment (DME)  So I guess the main question in dispute with some of the views here and Medicare is whether getting old, with all of what that covers is a sickness or an injury and whether some of these daily living aids would be considered a "medical reason".

There are numerous ways for a person to have or get a bath.  But I guess if you could find a DME supplier who is enrolled with Medicare and they carry the walk-in bathtubs, get an Rx from the doctor and you might have a shot - course, I would guess that Medicare would investigate this as questionable.

Medicare.com says this about the Wal-In tubs:  "Medicare does not cover walk-in tubs because they are not considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Walk-in tubs are a "convenience" rather than a "medical necessity." Plus, anyone can use these special tubs, so they are not just for Medicare beneficiaries or adults with special needs." (read the whole page at the link)

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Only your doctor can prescribe medical equipment for you. DME meets these criteria:

• Durable (long-lasting)
• Used for a medical reason
• Not usually useful to someone who isn't sick or injured
• Used in your home

In certain circumstances, the DME that Medicare covers includes, but isn't limited to:

• Air-fluidized beds
• Blood sugar monitors and diabetic testing strips
• Canes (however, white canes for the blind aren't covered)
• Commode chairs
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine
• Crutches
• Home oxygen equipment and supplies
• Hospital beds
• Infusion pumps (and some medicines used in infusion pumps if considered reasonable and necessary)
• Nebulizers (and some medicines used in nebulizers if considered reasonable and necessary)
• Patient lifts (to lift patients from bed or wheelchair by hydraulic operation)
• Suction pumps
• Traction equipment
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs

(Read the whole page at the link)

[mvcombs0surfbest]

MEDICARE SHOULD HELP PAY FOR ITEMS NEEDED FOR HEALTH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WITH LIMITATIONS, SUCH AS:

1. A DOCTOR CERTIFIES THE NEED, AND PROVIDES A PRESCRIPTION.

2. A COPAY IS REQUIRED, AND A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL IS PROVIDED DEPENDING ON INCOME.

3. A LIMIT ON SUCH PAYMENTS WITHIN A TIME LIMIT IS SET.

PLUS ANY OTHER NECESSARY AND REASONABLE TERMS IS SPECIFIED.

IF GOVERNMENT CAN SUBSIDIZE BANKS, CORPORATIONS, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ETC. IT CAN CERTAINLY FIND THE MEANS TO HELP IT'S AGING CITIZENS NEEDS.  IT HAS ALREADY CUT MANY ITEMS IT PROVIDED IN THE PAST 60 YEARS, AND HAD ITS COFFERS RAIDED MANY TIMES.

A CIVILIZATION THAT DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF ITS ELDERLY, YET HAS FUNDS TO MEDDLE WITH ARMED FORCE ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND WHOSE LEADERS GENEROUSLY PROVIDE CARE FOR THEMSELVES, DOES NOT DESERVE TO EXIST.  LET US DESERVE TO BE PROUD AMERICANS.

[mvcombs0surfbest]

MEDICARE SHOULD HELP PAY FOR ITEMS NEEDED FOR HEALTH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WITH LIMITATIONS, SUCH AS:

1. A DOCTOR CERTIFIES THE NEED, AND PROVIDES A PRESCRIPTION.

2. A COPAY IS REQUIRED, AND A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL IS PROVIDED DEPENDING ON INCOME.

3. A LIMIT ON SUCH PAYMENTS WITHIN A TIME LIMIT IS SET.

PLUS ANY OTHER NECESSARY AND REASONABLE TERMS IS SPECIFIED.

IF GOVERNMENT CAN SUBSIDIZE BANKS, CORPORATIONS, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ETC. IT CAN CERTAINLY FIND THE MEANS TO HELP IT'S AGING CITIZENS NEEDS.  IT HAS ALREADY CUT MANY ITEMS IT PROVIDED IN THE PAST 60 YEARS, AND HAD ITS COFFERS RAIDED MANY TIMES.

A CIVILIZATION THAT DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF ITS ELDERLY, YET HAS FUNDS TO MEDDLE WITH ARMED FORCE ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND WHOSE LEADERS GENEROUSLY PROVIDE CARE FOR THEMSELVES, DOES NOT DESERVE TO EXIST.  LET US DESERVE TO BE PROUD AMERICANS.

[oldgraymare2]

Hi lynetteg1107,

Welcome to the AARP forums. 

I am so very sorry for what has happened to you.

Please know that you are not alone. 

There are others of us out there, where we have been responsible and have done our best and have planned our best for life, and then something truly terrible happened to change it for us, for the worst, in an instant. 

Circumstances beyond our control, like a terrible accident. I have known others where things like this have happened to them, too. It is truly horrifying, when something unexpected like this, happens to you or someone you know. No one is immune to these kinds of things happening to them. 

It is truly the worst when we are judged by others for this, too. 

[GailL1]

We all have to do what we have to do depending upon what befalls us during this thing called "life".

Getting old and not being able to do what we once did is NOT a medical condition.  It is a normal consequence of life.  If we know that this might (most likely) someday come upon us, we have a chance to make plans.

Just as you are having to change your life, including your spending targets, people getting older need to do the same thing and they have time to do it.

Those changes could be just small things around the house, a different can opener, added safety supports,  or major construction projects to make living in this environment more suitable for the older person.  We have to make plans about our transportation needs since someday we most likely will not be able to drive.  Are the doors wide enough in the home for a walker or wheelchair?  Wh's gonna do the yard work?

Those daily living needs don't change, our bodies just get older, making those daily living needs harder to do,if not impossible to do, one way or another.

I am sorry that Medicare is paying only a part of your medical care, once your assets have been depleted more, Medicaid is there to help out.  We do still have that social net to help out.  I don't understand, with coverage under Medicare and all the different parts covered, it seems your annual out of pocket would be financally managable.  ????

Perhaps you are saying that you became disabled and had to wait (and pay) for 24 months before Medicare kicked in if you are younger than 65 - that does propose a 24 month problem especially if a supplemental policy is not available in your state if you are less than 65.

Actually that is why there are rules under both Medicare and / or Medicaid as to what they cover - Medical care.
And of course, nursing home or community based care for those that cannot do for themselves any longer and they have no money to cover this care option.

[lynetteg1107]

In response to "Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?":

Unfortunately, there's something that hasn't been addressed concerning this issue.  There's big profit in selling specialty tubs to seniors now. No doubt there's a lobby somewhere that is preventing this item as being labeled necessary.  And let's not forget all the "water therapy" offered by physical therapy offices.  If doctors prescribed these items, and they were deemed necessary for those who are disabled, the result would be that thousands of dollars would be lost by these medical establishments.  There's a lot of dirt going on in the medical industry, and this is just the tip of a very ugly iceberg. A basic walk in tub could be made for basically the same, or just a little higher, expense as "normal tubs".  But what manufacturer wants to do that when they can rip off the public by making this a "luxury" or "special order" item?  In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? :
Posted by muskratdottir

Response to Gail
About seniors or disabled who are struggling having not worked hard enough or smart enough. That's BS. I am an RN who worked over 40 years in ICU. I worked long hard hours weekend and holidays and had put some away for retirement. Last year I had emergency surgery that went horribly wrong. I was hospitalized for over a year and am now bed bound. The medical costs that insurance didn't covet have put me into bankruptcy. I am struggling just to keep a roof over my head and food on the table because Medicare openly pays a part of the cost of my ongoing care. What I had put away is gone. I have $110 left over after the basic bills are paid. Most of thar goes into co-pays for my medication. I hope you never have a serious medical problem
or you will find out just how fast everything you thought you had disappears.

[lynetteg1107]

In response to "Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?":

Unfortunately, there's something that hasn't been addressed concerning this issue.  There's big profit in selling specialty tubs to seniors now. No doubt there's a lobby somewhere that is preventing this item as being labeled necessary.  And let's not forget all the "water therapy" offered by physical therapy offices.  If doctors prescribed these items, and they were deemed necessary for those who are disabled, the result would be that thousands of dollars would be lost by these medical establishments.  There's a lot of dirt going on in the medical industry, and this is just the tip of a very ugly iceberg. A basic walk in tub could be made for basically the same, or just a little higher, expense as "normal tubs".  But what manufacturer wants to do that when they can rip off the public by making this a "luxury" or "special order" item?  In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? :
Posted by muskratdottir

As to the reply posted. I'm an RN who worked in ICU for over 40
years. I worked long hard hours. Last year I had an emergency surgery that went horribly wrong and resulted In my being in the hospital over a year and am bed bound. The medical costs that insurance didn't covet bankrupted me. I lost everything I had put away for my retirement. I am now struggling through no fault of my own and its not due to my not working hard enough or smart enough. You can't be stupid and work in Critical Care. I hope you never get hit with a major medical problem because you will find out quickly just how fast everything you thought you had can disappear .

[lynetteg1107]

In response to "Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?":

There are alternatives to your wife's problems which would be tax deductible. Her problem is linked to health only if she falls and sustains injury - but changes to your home more in-tune to her disability could prevent any injury.  Would you want Medicare to pay for lowering counters for those disabled in a wheel chair? What about a ramp to help them get inside or out? Door widening? What about special equipt cars allowing them to drive? My mother needed a walker several years back, I got her one with a seat and wheels that she pushes.  It has become part of her person and she cannot go anywhere without it.  Medicare did not pay for it. Medicare does not pay for hearing aides either and my mother hears nothing without them in both ears - with added volume of a pocket talker - Medicare does not pay for glasses to see either. See if you can find a contractor to look over the shower  - then put a bath chair inside the stall for her to sit upon while bathing. I don't think anybody has ever died from not having a shower or bath inside an enclosure.  Heck, my grandmother never had a bathroom and she made 90 with no falls. I am sorry to be so hard hearted but we need to all start realizing what is health care and what is not !
Posted by GailL1

Exactly the point. Which saves more money for Medicare. A one time payment of $7000 or repeated hospitalizations even one of which costs probably ten or more times that amount

[muskratdottir]

Unfortunately, there's something that hasn't been addressed concerning this issue.  There's big profit in selling specialty tubs to seniors now. No doubt there's a lobby somewhere that is preventing this item as being labeled necessary.  And let's not forget all the "water therapy" offered by physical therapy offices.  If doctors prescribed these items, and they were deemed necessary for those who are disabled, the result would be that thousands of dollars would be lost by these medical establishments.  There's a lot of dirt going on in the medical industry, and this is just the tip of a very ugly iceberg. A basic walk in tub could be made for basically the same, or just a little higher, expense as "normal tubs".  But what manufacturer wants to do that when they can rip off the public by making this a "luxury" or "special order" item? 


In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

  Yeah Gail, we all know how you feel. You told us in an earlier post that, If a senior or disabled person is struggling, its their own fault, for not working hard enough and smart enough . Sorry, but  we all dont have a lucrative business like your husband's to live off of and maybe we're not as smart as you and your husband, but that doesn't mean we didn't work just as hard.  Maybe a little compassion for those struggling, who have been hit by hard times, to no fault of their own, would be nice. Anyone's life could change in a heart beat. Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best? :
Posted by mandm84

[Markthompson]

In Response to Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

My wife and I recently had Safe Step and a couple other companies out for estimates and it was unbeleivable to me that Medicare doesn't cover any portion of the cost of these tubs.  My wife is disabled and has an extremely hard time getting into or out of the shower (which only has a 7" lip) and cannot even attempt getting into our tub.  Out of all of these different companies, we fell in love with what Safe Step had to offer.  No, it wasn't just because of Pat Boone being their spokesperson!    However, just like the reps that were out before Safe Step, we were informed that Medicare wouldn't cover any of the cost.  This doesn't make sense to me, as my wife has fallen and been hospitalized because of our bathroom countless times.  Am I alone in thinking this, or does anyone else feel the same? Here's the tub we were looking at getting, I'd love some feedback from those of you that may have one.   Safe Step Walk in Tub Have any of you ever considered purchasing one of these? If so, what helped you decide which company to go with?  Obviously they're expensive, which is why we were hoping medicare would cover it.  However, now it's looking like we're going to have to pay cash and Safe Step was the least expensive and most attractive option out of the ones we looked at.
Posted by michael6202

I think you should purchase handicapped showers or handicap bathtubs for safety as these are safe for handicapped person. Check all these from http://www.universaldesignspecialists.com/walk-in-tubs.html. Here you can get different types of these products at affordable prices.

[GailL1]

In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?:

In response to "Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?": I'm sorry you've had to pay for some things. YES! I think Medicare should pay for those things! Being able to care for yourself is NOT a luxury! Neither is a shower, a bath, or a ramp to leave the house!!!!
Posted by justfluffyme

I helped my mother plan for those things for which she was responsible, so as she changed and got older, I made plans for her care and help.

Just getting older is not an illness nor is it a disability but it does help if you can make accommodation for those things that can help you.

Years ago communities had grants available to low income elderly  through HUD for just this purpose.  Here is the link to the Dept of Housing and Urban Development:  Home Repair/Modification Programs for Elderly Homeowners

Where is it today?  I don't know, but if you are low income (and low enough), I'm sure there is help out there - check with your local Dept of Aging or call your Congresscritter.

[justfluffyme]

In response to "Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?":

There are alternatives to your wife's problems which would be tax deductible. Her problem is linked to health only if she falls and sustains injury - but changes to your home more in-tune to her disability could prevent any injury.  Would you want Medicare to pay for lowering counters for those disabled in a wheel chair? What about a ramp to help them get inside or out? Door widening? What about special equipt cars allowing them to drive? My mother needed a walker several years back, I got her one with a seat and wheels that she pushes.  It has become part of her person and she cannot go anywhere without it.  Medicare did not pay for it. Medicare does not pay for hearing aides either and my mother hears nothing without them in both ears - with added volume of a pocket talker - Medicare does not pay for glasses to see either. See if you can find a contractor to look over the shower  - then put a bath chair inside the stall for her to sit upon while bathing. I don't think anybody has ever died from not having a shower or bath inside an enclosure.  Heck, my grandmother never had a bathroom and she made 90 with no falls. I am sorry to be so hard hearted but we need to all start realizing what is health care and what is not !
Posted by GailL1

I'm sorry you've had to pay for some things. YES! I think Medicare should pay for those things! Being able to care for yourself is NOT a luxury! Neither is a shower, a bath, or a ramp to leave the house!!!!

[radioman4]

What can I say? I agree with all of these posts.If you work all your life and pay into this system

looks like you could get some help when you get older.....Heck, I thought that was what it was for!