💰 Financial Assistance Guide
Medicaid and VA Grants for Walk-In Tub Installation
Four programs that may cover part or all of your walk-in tub installation cost — with eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Walk-in tub installation is a significant home modification — and several federal and state programs exist to help qualifying seniors cover the cost. This page explains the four main funding sources, how to check eligibility, and what to do before calling a contractor.
Important: Check your eligibility for assistance programs before signing any contractor agreement. If you qualify, the program may cover part or all of the cost. Getting the funding process started first can take 2–6 weeks but may save thousands of dollars.
Program 1 — Medicaid HCBS Waivers (Most Common)
Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are the most widely available funding source for walk-in tub installation. Every state has at least one HCBS waiver program that can cover home modifications for qualifying seniors.
| What it covers | Home modifications to allow seniors to remain safely at home — explicitly includes bathtub replacement and accessible bathroom modifications. |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Must be 65+ (or disabled), meet income and asset limits, and require a level of care that would otherwise require nursing facility placement. |
| How to apply | Contact your state’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find your local AAA. |
| Typical coverage | Varies by state. Some waivers cover 100% of modification cost. Others have per-modification caps. |
| Waiting lists | Many states have waiting lists. Apply early — before you need the modification urgently. |
State waiver program names vary widely. In Texas it is the VD-HCBS waiver. In Florida it is the SMMC waiver. In California it is the MSSP program. Our state pages link to the specific program for each state, with the correct helpline number. Find your state: Walk-In Tubs by State
Program 2 — VA HISA Grant (For Veterans)
The Department of Veterans Affairs Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit pays for permanent home modifications for veterans with service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities.
| Grant amount | Up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Up to $2,000 for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities. |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need home modifications for medical purposes. Walk-in tub installation qualifies when medically indicated. |
| How to apply | Contact your local VA Medical Center Social Work Service or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Apply via VA Form 10-0103. |
| Processing time | Typically 2–4 weeks after submitting complete documentation. |
| Key requirement | Modification must be medically necessary. Your VA physician or OT must document the need. |
If you are a veteran: Contact your local VSO (Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, DAV) before calling any contractor. VSO representatives assist with HISA applications at no charge and can dramatically speed up the process.
Program 3 — Medicare (Limited Coverage)
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover walk-in tub installation as a standard benefit — it is classified as a home modification, not durable medical equipment.
However:
- Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include home modification benefits. Check your plan’s Summary of Benefits under “supplemental benefits” or “home safety benefits.” Call your plan directly at the number on your card.
- Medicare Part B may cover grab bars and certain safety equipment if prescribed by a physician and installed by a Medicare-approved supplier — but this does not extend to walk-in tub units themselves.
Program 4 — State and Local Grants
In addition to Medicaid waivers, several state-specific and local programs exist:
✓USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grants — for low-income rural homeowners over 62. Grants up to $10,000. Apply through local USDA Rural Development offices.
✓HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) — administered locally. Many cities and counties use CDBG funds for senior home modification programs. Contact your local housing authority.
✓State housing finance agencies — many states have low-interest home improvement loan programs specifically for seniors. Search “[your state] housing finance agency home repair” for your state’s program.
✓Area Agencies on Aging — local AAAs often administer small home modification grant programs funded through the Older Americans Act Title III-B. Call 1-800-677-1116 to find your AAA.
Contractor Financing
If you do not qualify for any assistance program, most contractors in our network offer financing options — monthly payment plans with fixed terms. Ask about financing options during the free in-home visit. There is no obligation to take financing if you prefer to pay in full.
Recommended Order of Steps
- Call your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116) to ask about HCBS waiver eligibility in your state.
- If you are a veteran, contact your VSO to discuss VA HISA grant eligibility.
- Check your Medicare Advantage plan’s supplemental benefits if you have Part C.
- Ask your local housing authority about CDBG or city/county home modification programs.
- Call (833) 477-9060 for a free in-home assessment and written quote — with or without assistance funding.
Primary Sources
- CMS Medicaid HCBS Waivers: medicaid.gov
- VA HISA Benefit — How to Apply: va.gov
- Eldercare Locator (find your local AAA): eldercare.acl.gov
- USDA Section 504 Home Repair: rd.usda.gov
- HUD CDBG Program: hud.gov
Get Your Free Written Quote First
Know your total cost before applying for assistance. Free in-home assessment, written fixed-price quote.
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