Does Medicare Cover Hot Tubs?
- Explore eligibility requirements for hot tub coverage under Medicare. Find out when hot tubs may be paid for and how much you might need to pay out of pocket.
Neither Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) nor Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover hot tubs. While hot tubs can provide relaxation, they are not considered medically necessary by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Original Medicare also doesn't cover bathtub seats, shower chairs or bathtub lifts, but Medicare Advantage plans can cover benefits Original Medicare doesn't. Only a limited number of Medicare Advantage plans cover bathroom safety devices, so be sure to compare your local plan options to find out if you qualify for these types of benefits if they're available where you live.
In some cases, Medicare can cover hydrotherapy with a whirlpool bath or hubbard tank. It's important to remember these are not the same as a hot tub, and Medicare doesn't pay for you to buy a tub for your home.
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How Much Does a Hot Tub Cost?
As of October 2021, Home Advisor reports that basic hot tubs cost an average of $2,000 to $6,000 and that the highest-end hot tubs with the most features may cost up to $35,000.
The actual price you can expect to pay depends on the tub that you choose, where you live and how much work will be involved to complete the installation process. You can often save money by waiting for sales events, negotiating with dealers and asking about models that have cosmetic flaws that may be sold at a reduced price.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Hot Tubs?
If Medicare Part B covers your physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments in a whirlpool bath or hubbard tank, so will a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything covered by Original Medicare.
While a limited number of Medicare Advantage plans can cover bathroom safety devices or other items Original Medicare doesn't' cover, Medicare Advantage plans with these types of benefits may not be available where you live and may be restricted to people who have qualifying disabilities or other medical conditions.
Will Medigap Plans Pay for Hot Tubs?
If Medicare Part B approves you for your hydrotherapy tub treatment, your Medigap plan may cover all or part of the 20% that you'll typically be responsible for paying. You'll need to check your plan information to determine if hot tubs are listed among excluded expenses.
Medigap plans help to pay for out-of-pocket costs that are left over after Medicare pays its share of your medical expenses.
Is a Hot Tub Tax Deductible?
Hot tubs aren't included on the list of ineligible expenses in IRS Publication 502. Consult a tax professional for more information.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the term for addressing the symptoms of medical conditions with water. A 19th-century priest named Sebastian Kneipp is credited with development of the natural healing practice.
Soaking in a hot tub is one modern form of hydrotherapy. Your medical provider is likely to mention hydrotherapy in the letter describing why a hot tub is medically necessary.
Are Hot Tubs Good for Arthritis Pain and Other Conditions?
Yes, the Mayo Clinic reports that heat therapy can help diminish the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and a hot tub provides a convenient form of heat therapy. Hot tubs may also be beneficial for other conditions and ailments, such as:
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Poor circulation
- Stroke recovery
Ultimately, your doctor will be the one to determine whether or not a hot tub is likely to contribute to your treatment plan.
