Making Safe Bathing Affordable: How to Get Financial Assistance for a Walk-In Bathtub or Shower

Here’s the good news: You may not have to foot the entire bill yourself. There are a surprising number of financial assistance programs—public and private—that exist to help people modify their homes for safety and accessibility.

Walk-in bathtubs and accessible showers can be life-changing additions to a home—especially for seniors, people with mobility challenges, or those aging in place. But let’s be honest: the price tag can feel like a cold shower. A good walk-in tub installation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $15,000, depending on installation complexity and plumbing needs. Not to mention the tub itself can range anywhere from $5,000 to $13,000 by itself.

But here’s the good news: You may not have to foot the entire bill yourself. There are a surprising number of financial assistance programs—public and private—that exist to help people modify their homes for safety and accessibility - which includes a walk-in bathtub!

Here’s your guide to uncovering them.

🏛️ 1. Government Programs: Your First Stop

When it comes to funding home modifications like walk-in bathtubs or showers, the government offers several potential lifelines. Some are obvious, others are hidden gems.

Medicaid (and Medicaid Waivers)

While Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover “luxury” items like walk-in tubs, Medicaid might—depending on your state. Many states offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers that cover home modifications to keep people out of long-term care facilities.

• How to check:

  • Visit your state’s Medicaid website and look for “waiver” programs or HCBS.

  • Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and ask what Medicaid waivers are available for home modifications.

Veterans Benefits

If you're a veteran (or living with one), you might qualify for:

• HISA Grants (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations): Up to $6,800 for service-connected conditions, or $2,000 for non-service-connected ones.

• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants: For severely disabled veterans.

How to apply: Contact the VA directly or work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to navigate the application.

Federal Housing Programs

• USDA Rural Development Loans and Grants: If you live in a rural area, the Section 504 Home Repair program can offer loans and grants for home accessibility improvements.

• State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs): Some states have grant or low-interest loan programs specifically for seniors or those with disabilities.

Where to look: Visit https://www.rd.usda.gov for USDA info. Google “your state + housing finance agency” for state-level programs.

💼 2. Private Grants & Foundations: The Less-Known Lifesavers

You don’t have to be a public aid recipient to get help. Several nonprofit organizations and foundations offer grants or assistance to people who need help modifying their homes.

Rebuilding Together

A national nonprofit that provides free critical home repairs and modifications for low-income homeowners, including seniors and veterans.

How to connect: Visit https://rebuildingtogether.org Use their locator to find a local affiliate.

Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program

Not just for building homes—many local Habitat chapters help with home modifications for older adults.

Tip: Call your local Habitat affiliate and ask about their "Home Preservation" or "Aging in Place" services.

Local Charities and Church Groups

It’s worth looking into:

• Area-specific nonprofits (Google “home modification grants + your city”)

• Faith-based organizations often have outreach programs helping older or disabled members of the community.

🏦 3. Insurance and Financing Options

Let’s not forget about insurance and personal financing as fallback options:

Long-Term Care Insurance

Some policies cover accessibility modifications. It depends on the fine print, but if you or your loved one has a policy, it’s absolutely worth checking.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

If you have one of these accounts, and a doctor certifies the tub/shower as medically necessary, you may be able to use pre-tax dollars to pay for it.

Low-Interest Loans and Credit Options

• Home equity loans/HELOCs: Good for homeowners with equity.

• 0% financing from walk-in tub companies: Many manufacturers offer payment plans.

• Local or state revolving loan funds: Some states offer low-interest loans specifically for home modifications.

Phew, that was a lot - we know! But let's break it down into an easy-to-follow checklist:

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

• Talk to your doctor or occupational therapist.

• Get documentation that the tub or shower is medically necessary (you’ll need this for many programs).

Step 2: Check Government Programs

• Start with Medicaid (if you qualify by income or disability).

• Contact your local AAA or state housing agency to ask about grants and waivers.

• If you’re a veteran, contact the VA or your VSO.

Step 3: Explore Nonprofits

• Search local chapters of Rebuilding Together or Habitat for Humanity.

• Call your town hall or local senior center—they often keep lists of nonprofits or local assistance programs.

Step 4: Review Your Insurance and Savings Accounts

• Check any long-term care insurance policies.

• Contact your HSA/FSA provider to ask if the expense is reimbursable.

Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes

• Once you know your options, get 3+ estimates from installers. Some companies can even help connect you with funding programs they’re familiar with.

Step 6: Apply!

• Gather documentation (proof of income, medical need, homeownership, etc.).

• Submit applications to programs or nonprofits.

• Follow up! Applications can take time—don’t be shy about checking on progress.

Final Thoughts: Making It Happen

Adding a walk-in bathtub or accessible shower isn’t just about comfort—it’s about independence, dignity, and safety. And while it’s a major investment, it doesn’t have to be one you face alone. With the right blend of research, outreach, and a few phone calls, you might find there’s help out there with your name on it.

And remember: the squeaky wheel gets the funding. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself (or a loved one). This is about quality of life—and that’s always worth pursuing.

As always, stay safe, and we hope you found this article helpful! Feel free to let us know down below in the comments if any of these worked for you, or other programs that were not mentioned here you were able to find success with!

Chris Gleeson

Owner of Gleeson's Modern Concepts

McKinney, TX