Are incontinence supplies something you need? Are you wondering, “Does Medicaid cover incontinence supplies?” If you are, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans need incontinence supplies regularly to manage specific conditions, and when paying out of pocket, these supplies can add up fast.
In this blog, we’ll dive into Medicaid’s relationship to this standard supply need and explore how you may be able to divert some or all of the cost through your Medicaid coverage.
Why Incontinence Supplies Are Used
In the United States, there are currently about 13 million people that have incontinence of some kind. When these men and women experience incontinence, they cannot control or have difficulty controlling bowel or urinary processes. The patient or caregiver uses incontinence supplies to manage the condition and continue living a healthy and active lifestyle.
Getting Incontinence Supplies Through Insurance
Because incontinence is a prevalent medical condition for millions of Americans, insurance often covers it as a medically necessary supply. Health insurance coverage is significant when supplies are needed since costs can add up quickly.
Does Medicaid Cover Incontinence Supplies?
A common question regarding insurance coverage is, “Does Medicaid cover incontinence supplies?” Fortunately, the answer to this question is often “yes.” However, this answer will vary from state to state and program to program. Currently, 45 states in the United States allow eligible Medicaid participants to receive some incontinence supplies covered when prescribed and medically necessary. Each state’s program determines the requirements for incontinence supply coverage, which means supplies you qualify for in one form may not qualify for another. There also will most likely be quantity limitations that differ between programs.
What Kind Of Supplies Can I Get?
Generally speaking, no two incontinence supply needs are alike. Fortunately, plenty of different supply options can be covered by Medicaid when prescribed by a physician and medically necessary.
Below are some of the most commonly used supplies to help manage incontinence. The amount and type of supplies you can get covered will vary depending on the Medicaid program and your medical necessity as prescribed by your physician.
- Booster Pads: Booster pads can be placed inside a diaper or pulled up for additional absorbency and to give incontinence users confidence that they can avoid leaks and have the protection they need.
- Cream: When barrier cream is applied to a patient’s skin while using incontinence supplies, it can help keep moisture from resting on the skin and causing rashes, irritation, or skin breakdown.
- Diapers/Briefs: This is a more traditional style of incontinence supply that caregivers often prefer for easy use; briefs are used for moderate to heavy incontinence and have tape tabs on the side for secure fitting.
- Gloves: Gloves used by the patient or their caregiver help increase sanitation and prevent the further introduction of bacteria while changing incontinence supplies.
- Pads/Liners: Pads and liners can be used inside a patient’s underwear for light to medium incontinence support. These types of supplies come in various sizes, shapes, and absorbencies.
- Pull-Ups: Pull-ups are a form of disposable underwear used by men and women for moderate to heavy incontinence. Pull-ups are convenient to put on and wear for patients and caregivers and include an elastic waistband.
- Underpads: Underpads can protect beds and seating surfaces from any incontinence-related leaking.
- Wash: For some patients or caregivers, cleansing can be more accessible during changes by using an incontinence spray wash. With this cleanser, spray it onto the skin and wipe it clean.
- Wipes: Incontinence wipes are used for cleansing in between changes to keep the patient’s skin clean and to reduce bacteria.
What Is The Process Of Getting My Supplies Covered By Medicaid
Your Medicaid coverage of incontinence supplies is not only determined by each state’s program, but also by your medical necessity and what your physician determines will best help you manage your condition.
To be considered medically necessary, incontinence supplies must be regarded as directly needed to support and treat qualifying medical conditions prescribed by your physician. When your prescribing physician provides a prescription and paperwork supporting your need for incontinence supplies, it will need to specify the following:
- Will incontinence supplies be required on a daily or monthly basis?
- What type of incontinence supplies are necessary?
- Why are incontinence supplies required?
You and your physician can expect to need to provide the following documentation to get incontinence supplies covered through Medicaid:
- Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
- Certificates of Medical Necessity (CMN)
- Chart notes or medical records
- Letters of Medical Necessity (LMN)
- Prescriptions
Would you like to receive incontinence supplies each month? Contact us today to get started.
Am I Eligible For Getting Incontinence Supplies Covered Through Medicaid?
Each Medicaid, Medi-Cal in California, plan will have its requirements and stipulations. These requirements can include, but are not limited to:
- Age
- Disability status
- Family size
- Income
For those who would like more information on qualifying for Medicaid health benefits, you can do the following:
- Apply in the federal health insurance marketplace here
- Check with your state’s Medicaid official website
How Active Life Medical Products Can Help You Incontinence Supplies
You need a trusted incontinence product supplier when you require incontinence supplies. Active Life Medical Products makes ordering the entire incontinence supply process easy. Our Product Specialists can help you get your prescribed incontinence supplies covered through most insurances. Everything will be delivered directly and discreetly to your front door.
Call Active Life Medical Products at (800) 319-2336 to place your order.
