Does Medicare pay for shower chairs and bathroom safety equipment?
Short answer: no. Original Medicare doesn't pay for shower chairs, bath benches, bathtub lifts, raised toilet seats or grab bars. Medicare's own equipment list calls them comfort, convenience or self-help items that are not primarily medical. Here's what the list says, and where else to look for help.
What Medicare's equipment list says
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) keeps a reference list of durable medical equipment (DME) and whether Original Medicare covers each item: the National Coverage Determination (NCD) 280.1, Durable Medical Equipment Reference List, version effective June 9, 2025 (CMS). For the bathroom products on our site:
| Item | What NCD 280.1 says |
|---|---|
| Bathtub seats | Denied: comfort or convenience item; hygienic equipment; not primarily medical |
| Bathtub lifts | Denied: convenience item; not primarily medical |
| Raised toilet seats | Denied: convenience item; hygienic equipment; not primarily medical |
| Grab bars | Denied: self-help device; not primarily medical |
The list doesn't name shower chairs or bath benches. Its entry for bathtub seats is the closest match.
Is a commode different?
Yes. Medicare Part B counts commode chairs as durable medical equipment (Medicare.gov). The same list says a commode is covered if you're confined to your bed or room (CMS). A commode used over the toilet as a raised toilet seat isn't covered (CMS, Commodes policy article). See commodes.
Where else to look for help
- Medicare Advantage: these plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, and most offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like vision, hearing and dental (Medicare.gov). If you have a plan, call the number on your plan card and ask whether it offers anything for bathroom safety.
- Medicaid and VA: check your state. Medicaid rules differ by state, so ask your state Medicaid agency (find yours on Medicaid.gov). If you're a veteran, ask your VA health care team.
- Borrow it: every state has an assistive technology program with a device loan service, so you can try equipment at home first. See borrow before you buy and lending closets.
Looking for walkers?
Walkers are mobility equipment, and Medicare treats them differently. See does Medicare cover walkers and rollators?
Before you buy
An occupational therapist can tell you which equipment helps and what to measure. See how to find an occupational therapist, then measure your tub, toilet, bed and doorways.