Walk-In Tubs

A walk-in tub is exactly what its name suggests — a bathtub you can walk into.

The idea is to eliminate the effort and risk involved in having to step over the side of a bathtub to get in or out of it.

This is accomplished by having a watertight door that allows you to open the side of the tub to walk into it or even roll a wheelchair into the tub in some models.

Walk-in bathtubs may also feature foot or hand holds, grab bars or other features to improve senior home safety by reducing the risk of falling.

There are several different types of walk-in tubs available based on features and individual needs.

Walk-in bathtubs have a wide range of features and accessories to help promote senior safety and comfortability. These can give you a combination of options to suit your preferences or needs. But each can significantly add to the overall cost of a tub.

Standard walk-in tubs tend to be shorter — but deeper — than standard bathtubs.

A typical freestanding bathtub averages about 60 inches long by 32 inches wide. The water depth can range from 15 to 20 inches.

Small walk-in tubs may be just 36 inches long by the standard 32 inches wide. But the water depth can be as much as three or four feet.

Larger sizes of walk-in tubs can go up to 60 inches in length by the standard 32 inches in width.

Walk-in tubs can mean a major modification in your home. There are several pros and cons to consider when weighing whether a walk-in tub is right for you.

Determining if a walk-in tub is worth the cost and bother of installation depends on your personal wants, needs and budget.

Consider the overall costs — the tub, installation, wiring and plumbing changes and water usage — against your budget.

Also consider if a decline in your mobility will make the tub and the challenges of installing it worthwhile in the long run.

There are many companies that manufacture walk-in bathtubs — including companies that manufacture standard bathroom fixtures, as well as companies that focus specifically on walk-in tubs.

These are some of the leading brands.

Kohler Kitchen and Bath is a division of the Kohler Company, founded in 1873. Based in Kohler, Wisconsin, it is one of the leading producers of bathroom fixtures in the U.S. It features both basic and luxury walk-in tubs.

Kohler provides financing for its walk-in tubs and allows you to personalize the features of a walk-in tub. Its luxury models come with a wide range of options and accessories such as whirlpool jets and heated backrests. Tubs are available through Kohler dealers.

American Standard created the first enamel-coated bathtub in 1880, making tubs more sanitary and easier to clean. It remains one of the largest manufacturers of bath and kitchen features today.

American Standard features more than 50 models of walk-in tubs with a wide selection of options, including whirlpool jets and larger water volume. The company’s walk-in tubs are available through online retailers and many retail outlets that sell bathroom fixtures.

Nashville-based Safe Step specializes in walk-in tubs and showers. You can purchase a Safe Step walk-in tub directly from the company through its website. The company sends a consultant to your home to look at your bathroom and determine which of the company’s models will work best for your space.

Luxury features include light and aromatherapy, a bidet built into the seat and whirlpool jets. Models come in walk-in tub, walk-in shower or a hybrid combining a walk-in tub with shower features.

The average cost of a walk-in tub ranges between $2,000 and $20,000, according to Kohler, a major manufacturer of bathroom fixtures. They can be one of the more expensive household modifications for people choosing to age in place.

There may be some options for financial assistance to help pay for a walk-in tub.

Medicare Part B covers certain types of durable medical equipment (DME), but Medicare does not consider walk-in tubs to be DME in most cases. To qualify for coverage, your doctor would have to determine that you have a severe medical condition that makes the tub a medical necessity.

However, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover walk-in tubs. There are thousands of privately issued Medicare Advantage plans, and coverage varies from plan to plan. You will need to check your individual plan to see if it covers walk-in tubs.

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that helps cover health care costs for seniors and others with limited resources and low incomes. Medicaid coverage varies by state, but some states may cover walk-in tubs if you qualify for Medicaid.

You may have to meet strict requirements to qualify for a walk-in tub under Medicaid, such as having your doctor prescribe the tub as medically necessary.

There are local and state programs that may help you pay for a walk-in tub. At least eight states and the District of Columbia have Medicaid and non-Medicaid programs that specifically mention walk-in tubs as a “relevant service,” according to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

You can also ask your doctor about state and local programs that may provide financial assistance for a walk-in tub.

If you have certain medical conditions that require a walk-in tub, you may qualify for a tax deduction that will cover at least a portion of the tub’s cost, as well as the cost of installation. You will have to provide documentation to the IRS about the medical necessity when you file your taxes. You should talk to your tax preparer first to see if you qualify for a deduction.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may provide loans or grants to help qualified veterans pay for a walk-in tub.

These include Home Improvement and Structural Alterations grants and Specially Adapted Housing grants. Veterans can contact their local VA office to see if they qualify.

The USDA may provide a grant and loan if you qualify as a low-income older adult living in a rural area. These are provided for safety-related home improvements, home repairs or modifications.

Check with the manufacturer or retailer about financing options. You’ll still pay the full price — and maybe interest on top of it — but monthly payments may be more affordable than paying the full price all at once.