Funding routes
Medicare: the short answer is usually no
Medicare covers a specific list of durable medical equipment, and bathroom safety items such as walk-in tubs, grab bars and bath seats are not normally on it. That means Original Medicare generally won't pay. Medicare Advantage plans can choose to offer extra benefits, and a few include basic bathroom safety items. They usually draw the line at structural changes like a new tub. Call the plan, ask in writing, and keep the answer.
A sales pitch that says "Medicare pays for this" deserves a hard look. Ask for the written rule.
Veterans: HISA and larger housing grants
The VA's HISA grant pays for medically needed home changes such as an accessible bathroom. The VA's published lifetime cap is $6,800 when the need ties to a service-connected condition or when the veteran's combined service-connected rating is at least 50 percent. Enrolled veterans who don't meet that test can receive up to $2,000. A VA clinician documents the need, the application goes through Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, and the VA generally won't pay for work done before approval. Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities may also qualify for the larger SAH or SHA housing grants. Our Texas veterans page lists VA health systems across the state.
Texas Medicaid: STAR+PLUS minor home modifications
STAR+PLUS is the Texas Medicaid managed care program for adults 65 and older and adults with disabilities. For members who qualify for its home and community-based services, the program handbook allows minor home modifications, with a lifetime limit of $7,500 per member and a $300 yearly allowance for repairs. The member's health plan and service coordinator handle the request. Read the details on our STAR+PLUS page.
TDHCA Amy Young Barrier Removal Program
Through this program, TDHCA funds one-time grants of up to $22,500 for accessibility changes in homes where a person with a disability lives, for households earning no more than 80 percent of area median family income. Homeowners and renters can both qualify. You apply through a local nonprofit or government administrator, not TDHCA itself, and coverage depends on where you live. Funds are reserved first come, first served.
Area Agencies on Aging
Texas has 28 Area Agencies on Aging. They help people 60 and older and family caregivers with benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support and referrals, and some know of local home repair funds. Call 1-800-252-9240 to reach the agency for your area, or use our AAA guide.
Federal taxes
IRS Publication 502 allows certain home improvements made mainly for medical reasons to count as medical expenses, after subtracting any increase in home value. Changes that make a bathroom usable for someone with a disability are among its examples. This only helps people who itemize and whose medical costs clear the income threshold. Texas has no state income tax, so the federal return is the only one in play. Talk with a tax professional.
Putting it together
- Ask a doctor or occupational therapist to write down the medical need.
- Call the program before any work. Ask what quote format and approvals it needs.
- Get an itemized written quote. We provide one on request.
- Wait for written approval, then schedule.
- Save every letter, invoice and photo.
If none of these fit, ask us at 1-888-779-2284 what payment options are available when you get your quote.
Common questions
Does Medicare pay for walk-in tubs in Texas?
Usually not under Original Medicare, which pays only for listed equipment, and walk-in tubs are not on that list. Certain Medicare Advantage plans cover small bathroom aids, but they tend to exclude structural work.
Can Texas Medicaid help with a walk-in tub?
Members who qualify for STAR+PLUS home and community-based services may receive minor home modifications, which the program handbook limits to $7,500 per lifetime plus $300 a year for repairs. The health plan decides.
What is the Amy Young Barrier Removal Program?
A TDHCA program offering one-time grants up to $22,500 for accessibility changes for households with a person with a disability and income at or below 80 percent of area median family income, run through local administrators.
Is there a Texas state tax break?
Texas has no state income tax. Federal rules in IRS Publication 502 may treat some medically necessary home changes as medical expenses; ask a tax professional.
Sources
- Medicare: which medical equipment Original Medicare pays for
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, HISA program page
- VA: Disability housing grants (SAH and SHA)
- STAR+PLUS Handbook 6600, Minor Home Modifications
- Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs, AYBR program
- Texas HHS: Area Agencies on Aging directory
- Internal Revenue Service, Pub. 502 on medical expenses
Agencies update their rules and amounts. Confirm with the linked source before you rely on a figure.