Does Medicare Cover Elevated Toilet Seats?

An elevated toilet seat reduces the amount of time and distance a person has to bend down to use the restroom.

It can help older people with balance and mobility issues or those who have recently had knee or hip replacements.

But does Medicare cover the cost of raised toilet seats?

The answer to this question depends on the type of equipment needed and its purpose.

Most of the time, Medicare covers these items as medically necessary equipment.

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Yes, Medicare does cover elevated toilet seats in certain circumstances.

The coverage is provided under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit, which includes medically necessary items to assist with everyday activities.

To be eligible for coverage, a doctor must prescribe the elevated toilet seat as part of a treatment plan for a medical condition that affects mobility or function.

It should be required to aid in toileting and prevent falls or injuries.

Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of the elevated toilet seat, and the remaining 20% will be the responsibility of the Medicare beneficiary.

However, it is important to note that Medicare Part B has an annual deductible that needs to be met before coverage applies.

It is advisable to check with the specific Medicare plan and supplier to ensure that the elevated toilet seat is covered and to determine any out-of-pocket costs that may be involved.

Raised toilet seats reduce the distance that a person has to bend to use the facilities.

While a standard toilet seat is 15 inches high, it may be too low for someone with limited mobility to reach. This can cause the person to fall or slip.

A raised toilet seat is an easy and affordable solution to this problem.

They don’t require you to install a handicapped toilet or modify your existing toilet. Instead, they elevate the seat to reduce the distance that a person has to bend to use the bathroom.

If you’re considering purchasing an elevated toilet seat, you should first consult with your physician. Some Advantage plans cover them as medical supplies, while others consider them convenient.

In any case, you should take the time to read the directions carefully before buying and installing one.

Even though most of these seats are inexpensive, it’s still important to read the instructions before you install one.

Commode chairs are covered as durable medical equipment.

Commode chairs are covered under Medicare Part B. The Medicare Advantage plan will cover commode chairs when they are medically necessary and purchased from a Medicare-approved DME supplier.

However, you will likely need to pay some of the cost out of pocket.

Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans typically cover some of the cost, so it is best to check your plan to determine whether they cover the commode chair.

The most basic type of commode chair is a bedside chair, which may not include a backrest.

Armrests are often included, as is a receptacle for waste. Transfer chairs often have armrests and a seat extension. In some cases, there are two or more arms on a commode chair, depending on the type of DME.

These chairs are useful for those with limited mobility and may include a handrail or extra cushioning.

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Medicare may cover other bathroom safety equipment

If you have limited mobility, you may need bathroom safety equipment, such as an elevated toilet seat or commode.

These pieces of equipment make it easier to enter and exit a bathtub or shower, and many Medicare plans cover the cost of these items.

Other types of bathroom safety equipment include commode chairs and bedside commodes.

This type of non-flushing toilet seat is particularly useful for people who are bedridden or have difficulty getting up or down.

While Medicare does cover most bathroom safety equipment, it may not cover all items.

To get reimbursement for your purchase, you should file a claim and provide supporting documentation to prove that you need the equipment.

Typically, Medicare requires a prescription from a licensed physician and an appropriate diagnosis code for the equipment.

It also requires purchasing the equipment from a supplier accepting Medicare assignment. In addition, Medicare deductibles apply to all medically necessary items, including bathroom safety equipment.

Cost of raised toilet seats

Despite its cost, the advantages of a raised toilet seat far outweigh the risks.

There are three basic types of raised toilet seats, and their costs vary depending on their features.

Those with arms or handles are generally more expensive than those without.

In addition, the more features a raised toilet seat has, the higher its price.

In addition, raised toilet seats can also reduce the size of your toilet, which means you can save money on the cost of a bigger toilet.

Another option is a stand-alone unit, which does not require using tools.

Some models include adjustable arms for a more comfortable fit. They are also useful for people with limited mobility.

The prices of a raised toilet seat depend on its features and its installation.

Some models are permanent fixtures, while others are temporary additions.

Some are designed to fit over the existing toilet seat, while others are designed to be removable.

For people with disabilities, choosing a model that can be easily installed without using tools is best.