Paying For Incontinence Care

Incontinence supplies can be very expensive
and may not be in the budget.

Incontinence supplies can be very expensive, and for many seniors, an expense they cannot truly afford. However, when absorbent products are needed, individuals must find a way to pay for them. The cost does not only include the absorbent products, but often includes things like paying for additional laundry, cleaning supplies, extra care, and more. The cost can be, on average $750 + a year, and typically rests on the individual. If this is not in the budget, what are the options?

1. Medicare

Medicare is not an option for incontinence supplies as they are not considered Durable Medical Equipment because they are thrown away after use. However, there are exceptions when adult diapers and liners are covered by Medicare Part A. If you are admitted to a skilled nursing facility or are hospitalized, they can be covered. Medicare Part B will cover external urinary collection devices and disposable catheters, but not disposable absorbent products. And, Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies does not cover them either.

2. The Veterans Administration

This is a third party that may pay for incontinence absorbent products, however, typically they provide only a standard issue brand, which is widely considered a low quality option. If a prescription for a specific brand, such as Attends, Depend, Prevail, Tena or is obtained, and it justifies a medical reasons for why that brand of adult diaper is necessary, the VA will pay for them.

3. Medicaid
For those that who qualify for Medicaid, certain brands and quantities of absorbent products may be obtained. The allowed products and amounts vary from state to state and program to program. However, this is only available to those who qualify based on income and assets.

4. Diaper banks

Some areas have diaper banks that supply adult diapers to seniors. The senior must reside in a specific geographic region, and may need to meet certain program requirements.

5. Tax breaks

There are some tax breaks available to seniors to help offset the cost of incontinence products.

Learn more about incontinence supplies and tax deductions.

Many caregivers take on the burden of this cost themselves, not wanting their senior loved ones to worry about money. It is important for individuals suffering from incontinence and caregivers alike to recognize that there are some resources and options available to them. In addition to help in paying for the products themselves, costs can be cut by selecting the right products. Consumers buying incontinence products the first time can easily be confused which product, brand, style, size or absorbency to purchase. And once the package is opened, they can’t be returned, so mistakes can be costly. Here are some helpful resources to help you avoid this problem:

1. Explanation of product types: pull-ons, adjustable underwear, briefs, undergarments and more.

2. Incontinence Product Finder: Helping you to quickly and easily sort though nearly 500 choices.

3. Samples: Allows you to try before you buy, you can choose from more than 100 samples.
 

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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