What You Need to Know About Shower Chairs and Tub Transfer Benches with Insurance

For many people, bathing is one of the first daily activities to become difficult and even dangerous as mobility changes. Wet, slippery surfaces combined with the balance and strength needed to stand or step over a tub wall create real fall risk. The good news: a simple piece of durable medical equipment can make bathing safe again — and at Carolina Healthcare Products, we’re proud to serve patients throughout Brunswick County and Southeastern North Carolina, helping them get the right equipment covered and delivered right to their door

Two Options, One Goal: Safer Bathing

Not every mobility challenge looks the same, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We typically recommend one of two products depending on a person’s needs.

Bath/Shower Chair (E0240) A bath/shower chair sits inside the bathtub or shower, allowing someone to bathe comfortably in a seated position. This option is generally the right fit for someone who can still get into the tub or shower safely on their own, but can no longer stand for the duration of a shower.

Tub Transfer Bench (E0247) A tub transfer bench is designed differently — it extends across the side of the tub, with part of the bench inside the tub and part outside. This allows a person to sit down outside the tub and then slide across into the bathing area, rather than having to step over the tub wall at all. This is typically the better option for someone who has difficulty or is unsafe getting into or out of the tub itself.

How Do I Know Which One I Need?

It comes down to one key question: can you safely get in and out of the tub?

• If standing to bathe is the issue, but getting in and out isn’t a problem, a shower chair is usually appropriate.
• If getting over the tub wall is the unsafe part, a tub transfer bench is usually the better choice.

Your doctor or physical/occupational therapist can help confirm the right fit based on your specific mobility and safety needs.

Serving Patients Across Southeastern North Carolina

As a locally owned durable medical equipment (DME) provider, Carolina Healthcare Products is proud to serve families throughout Brunswick County, North Carolina, including Supply, Southport, Shallotte, Oak Island, Bolivia, Leland, and the surrounding Southeastern North Carolina communities. Whether you’re located along the coast or further inland, our team understands the unique needs of the local community and is committed to making the process of getting bathing safety equipment as easy as possible.

Is It Covered by Insurance?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer depends on your insurance:

• Medicare: Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover bath/shower chairs or tub transfer benches. These are classified as non-covered items under Medicare guidelines.
• NC Medicaid: The good news for NC Medicaid beneficiaries — these items are covered, with eligibility for a replacement once every 3 years.

If you have other insurance, our team can check your specific plan’s coverage for you.

How to Get Started

Getting a shower chair or tub transfer bench through Carolina Healthcare Products is simple:

1. Talk to your doctor. Because these items must be considered medically necessary, we’ll need a prescription and supporting chart notes documenting why standing or tub transfers are unsafe for you.
2. Have your provider fax the documentation to us. Your doctor’s office can send the prescription and chart notes directly to 910-230-5616.
3. We take it from there. Once we receive your documentation, our team will verify your coverage and get your equipment ordered and delivered.

Visit or Contact Us

We proudly serve the community from two convenient locations:

Supply, NC 20 Medical Campus Dr, STE 102 Supply, NC 28462 910-755-6767

Southport, NC 1635 N. Howe St, STE H Southport, NC 28461 910-454-4545

Bathing safety doesn’t have to be a source of stress or risk. If you or a loved one is struggling to bathe independently, reach out to our team at Carolina Healthcare Products —we’re here to help you find the right equipment and navigate the coverage process every step of the way.