Will Medicare Pay For A Hot Tub
You are 65 or older, you want a hot tub, maybe you even need a hot tub! But all you have is your insurance policy. Will your health insurance cover the cost of a luxury hot tub? Some people would immediately say "No, of course not" however, depending on your circumstances, it is possible.
Medicare is common health insurance that covers a wide variety of medically prescribed necessities. When you have chronic pain and a doctor's prescription for a completely legitimate condition, Medicare coverage can help you out. It seems reasonable to assume then, that if you require hot tub therapy, your insurance policy should cover the cost.
But under what conditions would they deem a hot tub as a medical necessity? In this article, we will discuss when Medicare might buy you a hot tub and you will get a better idea about whether or not you'll qualify for this petition.
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
Is Your Hot Tub A Medical Expense?
People today try to claim almost anything and everything as something needed for their medical condition.
As a result, Medicare is very careful to thoroughly examine your claim for medical equipment so as to verify that your request is both necessary and legitimate.
If you ask Medicare for a hot tub without evidence of needing one, they are likely to reply with a simple "no".
To ensure the best chances of getting your hot tub covered, you must first have a medical condition that requires hot tub therapy, then get a prescription from your doctor stating that you require the hot tub.
If you have both the necessity and the prescription, then you can feel free to submit your request to Medicare for hot tub coverage.
What Qualifies As a Medical Necessity?
Medical conditions requiring a hot tub can vary. However, some of the most common examples that require hot tub therapy are listed below for you to review. If you have any of these conditions then there is at least a chance of getting yourself medical coverage for your hot tub.
For each of the examples listed above, there are two things that you should take into account.
Firstly, Medicare doesn't buy hot tubs for people with mild symptoms or mild pain. So if you have an injury or real medical condition, it would need to be fairly severe for Medicare to take your prescription seriously and consider coverage for your hot tub.
Secondly, this list is not a complete list of all the possible reasons for needing a hot tub as a form of medical equipment. The possibilities are endless and any reason that your doctor deems as valid will have to be taken seriously by your Medicare insurance policy. Each case has to be examined by your health insurance company to determine if it is a desire or a need.
A simple way to determine if you have a chance of qualifying is to ask yourself this question: "Do I want a hot tub or do I need a hot tub?" Medicare health insurance only covers what you truly need.
What Does Your Medicare Coverage Say?
Another thing to take into account when asking the question "will Medicare pay for a hot tub?" is to go to read through your insurance papers and see if there is any mention of coverage for hot tubs.
Many insurance companies recognize the benefits of a hot tub for those with poor health and will sometimes include mentions of such in the insurance forms.
Have a look through your insurance forms to see if there is any mention of hot tub coverage of them covering the cost for those kinds of expenses.
Don't rely on what your friend says or what someone else insurance states. Your medical coverage is between you and Medicare and their policies can change over time. Therefore it is best to check for yourself exactly what your Medicare coverage allows for.
Due to the cost, some insurance policies state specifically that they will not pay for a hot tub even if it is prescribed by a doctor.
How Should You Ask For A Hot Tub?
If you don't ask, you don't get anything, and asking Medicare about what they are willing to cover, costs you absolutely nothing. The question is "How Should You Ask For One?"
Going into their offices and begging certainly is not the way to do things. Neither does it depend on how many times you say please.
When you go to submit a request the most important thing you can do is format it to have all the needed information clearly in view.
The more info you can provide the better, but you do not want to obscure the main points with unnecessary information. Here is what you should do...
- Highlight your entire medical history along with your current pains, symptoms, and conditions.
- Explain exactly why you need a hot tub and how it will help with your current medical issues.
- Include any information from your doctor that may seem relevant.
- Make sure that you have a prescription from your doctor stating your need for a hot tub.
- Read your request aloud and make sure that it highlights a hot tub as needed medical equipment and not just a desire.
- Send your hot tub petition to your insurance company and patiently await their response.
The worst possible answer they can give you is "No" so it is at least worth a try. If your health insurance refuses to pay for your hot tub then you can also look into whether your hot tub may be tax-deductible.
Make sure to click the button below to compare quotes on hot tubs and save on your big purchase! By letting us know what you're looking for and your location, we can bring the lowest quotes to you!
About The Author
Bobby Gifford // Staff Writer
Bobby Gifford has over 17 years of experience with hot tubs and swimming pools. He has owned one pool and several hot tub brands over the years and has a wide scope of knowledge including buying information, maintenance and industry trends.
