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.

[sarah0405]

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

Hi, 

These tubs ain't cheap in general and it would be great of medicare would offer to pay at least some of the costs.  One of the other things we did was get an infatable tub for my room, but that was messy.  We needed to drag a hose from the bathroom to the room emptying it was a nighmare.

I know its hard to find an inexpensive walk in tub.  When my arthritis got so bad that I could barly move taking a bath was such a painful trial.  A lot of those sales guys don't care about what you're going through, they just want to make a sale.  My daughter did my research for me and she found these guys at independent home.  Maybe if you're still looking you could try them.  I think thier website is http://www.independenthome.com.  

[#3]

At this point, we can not do much about the policies of Medicare but we can look for better deals on the walk in tub you want to purchase.   You can try comfortwalkintubs

[McKelty]

Hi!

Where do you live?  I live in Victoria, B. C. and we have a program here in B.C. that if you are disabled or a senior and meet their requirements they will pay for the entire tub from Safe Step including installation.  I applied and got approved and am having mine installed on the 13th and 14th of March.  If you need any further information you can e-mail me and I will explain further.

[okiewan]

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?

[ch40629456]

have you checked out the option of deducting the total cost on your taxes ?

[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.