Quick Answer
Original Medicare covers bathroom safety devices that qualify as durable medical equipment (DME) and are medically necessary - primarily commode chairs when your doctor orders them because you cannot use a regular toilet. Most other bathroom safety items such as grab bars, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, walk-in tubs, and transfer benches are not covered by Original Medicare because they are considered convenience or comfort items. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer over-the-counter benefits that may cover these items.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commode chairs (DME) | Covered | Covered under Part B when doctor orders for home use because patient cannot use regular toilet |
| Grab bars | Not Covered | Not covered by Original Medicare; considered a home modification, not DME |
| Shower chairs / bath seats | Not Covered | Not covered by Original Medicare; not considered medically necessary DME |
| Raised toilet seats | Not Covered | Considered a convenience item; not covered by Original Medicare |
| Walk-in tubs | Not Covered | Not covered; considered a home modification |
| Medicare Advantage OTC benefit | Partial | Some MA plans include OTC benefits that may cover shower chairs, grab bars, and other safety items |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part B - DME)
Covers commode chairs; most other bathroom safety items excludedMedicare Part B covers bathroom safety devices that qualify as durable medical equipment (DME) and are medically necessary. The primary bathroom safety item covered by Medicare is the commode chair - a portable toilet that can be used at the bedside or in the bathroom. Medicare will cover a commode chair when your doctor orders it for home use because you cannot use a regular toilet.
Medicare also covers crutches, walkers, and other mobility aids that help reduce the risk of falls - but the standard bathroom accessories such as grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats are not covered. Medicare classifies these items as comfort or convenience items rather than medically necessary DME.
For items Medicare does cover, you pay 20% coinsurance after your annual $283 Part B deductible (2026), and you must use a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
What It Covers
- Commode chairs (when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor)
- Crutches, walkers, and rollators (fall prevention)
- Wheelchairs and power wheelchairs
- Hospital beds for home use (when medically necessary)
What It Doesn't Cover
- Grab bars
- Shower chairs and bath seats
- Raised toilet seats / toilet seat risers
- Walk-in tubs
- Transfer benches
- Handheld showerheads
- Bathroom home modifications
Covered DME (e.g., commode chairs): 20% coinsurance after $283 Part B deductible (2026). Non-covered items: full cost out of pocket.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Some plans include OTC benefits covering bathroom safety itemsMedicare Advantage plans must cover all DME that Original Medicare covers, including commode chairs. But many Medicare Advantage plans go further by offering over-the-counter (OTC) benefits or home safety benefits that may cover bathroom safety items not covered by Original Medicare.
Some Medicare Advantage plans include an annual OTC allowance - typically $100 to $500 per year - that can be used to purchase items like shower chairs, grab bars, raised toilet seats, and other safety equipment. These benefits vary widely by plan and location. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage or call your plan to see if bathroom safety items are included.
What It Covers
- All DME covered by Original Medicare (commode chairs, walkers, etc.)
- Shower chairs, grab bars, raised toilet seats - if your plan includes OTC or home safety benefits
- Some plans may cover bathroom modifications through supplemental benefits
What It Doesn't Cover
- Items not included in your plan's OTC or supplemental benefit catalog
- Out-of-network DME suppliers (unless your plan allows out-of-network benefits)
Check Your Medicare Advantage OTC Benefit
Many Medicare Advantage plans include an annual over-the-counter (OTC) allowance that can be used for bathroom safety items. Log in to your plan's member portal or call the plan to see what's included in your OTC benefit catalog.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers Part B coinsurance for covered DME itemsMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind - including the 20% Part B coinsurance for covered DME such as commode chairs. However, Medigap only covers items that Original Medicare covers. It cannot cover grab bars, shower chairs, or other items that Original Medicare excludes.
If your doctor orders a commode chair or another covered DME item, Medigap Plan G will cover the 20% coinsurance after you meet the annual $283 Part B deductible.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for covered DME items
- Part A deductible for inpatient stays
What It Doesn't Cover
- Grab bars, shower chairs, or other items not covered by Original Medicare
- Home modifications
With Medigap Plan G, your only cost for covered DME is the $283 annual Part B deductible. Medigap cannot cover non-covered items like grab bars.
Bathroom Safety Device Coverage under Medicare (2026)
| Device | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage OTC | Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commode chair | Covered (DME) | Covered | 20% coinsurance after $283 deductible |
| Grab bars | Not covered | Some plans cover | $75–$200+ (full cost) |
| Shower chair / bath seat | Not covered | Some plans cover | $15–$300 (full cost) |
| Raised toilet seat | Not covered | Some plans cover | $20–$80 (full cost) |
| Walk-in tub | Not covered | Rarely covered | $2,000–$10,000+ (full cost) |
| Transfer bench | Not covered | Some plans cover | $30–$150 (full cost) |
✦ Other Programs that May Help with Bathroom Safety Costs
Veterans Affairs (VA) Grants for Home Modifications
Veterans with a service-connected disability or who meet certain criteria may qualify for VA grants to make their homes safer. The VA offers three grants: the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, and the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant. These grants can cover the cost of grab bars, walk-in tubs, and other bathroom modifications.
If you are a veteran, contact your local VA office to learn about home modification grants that may cover bathroom safety equipment.
Medicaid May Cover Bathroom Safety Equipment
Medicaid is more likely than Medicare to cover bathroom safety equipment and home modifications for low-income beneficiaries. Medicaid programs vary by state, so contact your state Medicaid office to learn about coverage for bathroom safety devices and home modifications in your state. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), Medicaid may cover items that Medicare does not.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.