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Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
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Medicare & Insurance
Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
Share Medicare dos and don’ts, including eligibility and supplemental insurance.
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 di
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Cat:91a4afbf-9555-4e02-b9d3-9eef604476f6Forum:c79f53c3-fa71-4e76-b517-aef042efd7ffDiscussion:7a7b8cc2-98e7-4e52-af66-d874bca5a4b0
Forums » Health » Medicare & Insurance » Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
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Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
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Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at March 28, 2012 10:23 PM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: March 28, 2012 Last: February 24, 2013 |
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. |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at March 29, 2012 10:03 AM EDT
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Posts: 1923
First: November 27, 2011 Last: May 18, 2013 |
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 ! |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at June 15, 2012 1:39 PM EDT
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Posts: 148
First: October 13, 2009 Last: January 23, 2013 |
Why Should tax payers pay for this stuff, I don't think anyone owes me one of those electric mobile contraptions, but Medicare will pay for one. This is part of the reasons that Medicare costs so much. I put in a walk in shower, my wife can hardly walk, She is 63, and has no insurance, just be glad you have Medicare. Saving medicare dollars has to start with one person. |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 1, 2012 10:43 PM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: November 1, 2012 Last: November 1, 2012 |
In Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?: Im sorry to hear that. Now you know at Safe step they have a rebate program. And also they have showers that are less expensive. If I can be of any service let me know. Yes I do work at safe Step Posted by mickaw 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? |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 5, 2012 9:54 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 5, 2012 Last: November 5, 2012 |
I went on this sight to find out why medicare will not pay for a walk in Bathtub. My Mother goes through so much pain just trying to get in and out of her shower , and as we all know a shower is extremely important, as glasses are and hearing aids are also. But what I don't understand is how you can just settle for that and say pretty much get over it buy it yourself. Well my Mother and Father played by the rules there whole life paid into medicare just like the rest of us. Never asked for a hand out from anyone, so for someone to say that is just not that important is ignorant if you ask me. Your Grandmother obviously did not feel the pain my mother feels getting in and out of the shower. You can live until your 100 and be fine getting in and out of the shower. Its not about age it's about your health issues. My Mother has extreme arthritis in her knees and a walk in bathtub is essential to her its not a luxury its a necessity and in my opinion should be covered under medicare along with glasses and hearing aids as you mentioned in your response. You should fight for these things that our elders deserve. A fall in the tub could easily cost Medicare alot more in the long run than a 2,000 dollar tub. Medicare is for the comfort of our elders not for them to throw some seat in the shower, my mother deserves more than that, along with every senior out there. Glasses hearing aids motorized seats chair lifts and walk in tubs, its called prevention if more of these things were covered there would be less mishaps. |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 5, 2012 10:18 PM EST
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Posts: 585
First: May 28, 2012 Last: May 15, 2013 |
Mugsey,. if Romney and Ryan win tomorrow, Medicare will be turned into a voucher systen, that will pay for even less than traditional Medicare. It will cost us thousands more. Ryan's republican approved budget for 2013 has over 200 billion in cuts to our healthcare. Dont believe it check his budget out. Tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts in benefits for our seniors. Response to Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?: I went on this sight to find out why medicare will not pay for a walk in Bathtub. My Mother goes through so much pain just trying to get in and out of her shower , and as we all know a shower is extremely important, as glasses are and hearing aids are also. But what I don't understand is how you can just settle for that and say pretty much get over it buy it yourself. Well my Mother and Father played by the rules there whole life paid into medicare just like the rest of us. Never asked for a hand out from anyone, so for someone to say that is just not that important is ignorant if you ask me. Your Grandmother obviously did not feel the pain my mother feels getting in and out of the shower. You can live until your 100 and be fine getting in and out of the shower. Its not about age it's about your health issues. My Mother has extreme arthritis in her knees and a walk in bathtub is essential to her its not a luxury its a necessity and in my opinion should be covered under medicare along with glasses and hearing aids as you mentioned in your response. You should fight for these things that our elders deserve. A fall in the tub could easily cost Medicare alot more in the long run than a 2,000 dollar tub. Medicare is for the comfort of our elders not for them to throw some seat in the shower, my mother deserves more than that, along with every senior out there. Glasses hearing aids motorized seats chair lifts and walk in tubs, its called prevention if more of these things were covered there would be less mishaps. Posted by mugsey1122 |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 9, 2012 8:25 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 9, 2012 Last: November 9, 2012 |
In Response to Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?: While a walk-in tub is not currently on the offical list of Durable Medical Equipment that Medicare pays/helps pay they will sometimes reimburse part of the cost. Unfortunately you will need to pay for the tub first and file a claim afterwards with Medicare. If Medicare approves the claim you can then file a claim with your Medicare Supplement Insurance for additional reimbursement. There may also be assistance through your local Area on Aging Agency and you should contact them as well. Even if they don't have funds for this available they may be able to point you in the direction of someone that can assist. Remember that when you file a claim with Medicare you have to prove that it is medically necessary and detail as much information about your unique mobility issues as possible. Some people have been quite successful in filing these claims. The key is detail, doctor documentation and to try! If you don't file the claim they definately won't pay for it! |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 14, 2012 3:31 AM EST
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Posts: 2
First: November 14, 2012 Last: November 14, 2012 |
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 completely agree that Medicare should pay for the tub. They pay for the electric chairs to get around in while there are other options like a wheelchair. There are no other options when it comes to getting into your bathing facility. I live with a disabled elderly gentleman and help him cook, clean, yardwork stuff like that. I've noticed that he isn't bathing, sometimes for quite a long time. I understand why, it's because it is to painful for him to get in and out of the tub and he's afraid he's going to slip while getting in or out and end up in even worse shape than he's already in. It makes me wonder just how much Medicare has spent on cost for hospital bills due to this problem when they can be avoided. |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 14, 2012 3:46 AM EST
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Posts: 2
First: November 14, 2012 Last: November 14, 2012 |
I agree that Medicare SHOULD pay for the tubs. In my opinion, the electric chairs are a luxury and not a necessity. There are wheelchairs to use. Has anyone ever considered just how much would be saved paying for hospital bills from elderly and disabled slipping and falling while getting in or out of a bathtub. I can tell you one thing, it's going to be a lot more than the price to pay for the tub. I live with an elderly/disabled man that I help cook, clean, and do yardwork for. I've noticed that he isn't bathing, and I also know why. It's to painful and difficult for him not to mention, the risk of slipping and falling and becoming totally disabled. Bathing is a necessity. While driving around in an electric chair isn't. |
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Re: Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
posted at November 14, 2012 8:52 AM EST
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Posts: 585
First: May 28, 2012 Last: May 15, 2013 |
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?: 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 |
Forums » Health » Medicare & Insurance » Why doesn't Medicare pay for Walk In Bathtubs and what tub is the best?
