Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically does not cover adult diapers or incontinence pads. With Original Medicare coverage, you will typically pay the full price of adult diapers and non-covered incontinence supplies out of pocket.
While Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can cover benefits Original Medicare doesn’t offer, such as coverage for items like adult diapers, plans with these types of benefits may not be available where you live.
It’s important to note that if plans in your area cover adult diapers, there may be additional costs required.
Compare plans online or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you learn about the Medicare Advantage plan benefits offered in your area and their costs and limitations.
We offer plans from Humana, UnitedHealthcare®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield*, Aetna, HealthSpringSM, or Kaiser Permanente.
Does Medicare cover incontinence supplies?
Original Medicare can cover male external catheters and female pouches, but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) excludes adult diapers from its list of covered “external urinary collection devices.”
Medicare covers bedpans but also excludes adult diapers from the list of covered bowel management devices.
Because incontinence pads and adult diapers are not designed to withstand repeated use, however, they don’t meet the definition of what qualifies as durable medical equipment (DME) that Medicare will cover.
In some cases, a urinary collection and retention device that a doctor orders you to use for permanent urinary incontinence may be covered by Medicare as a prosthetic device.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about your options for adult diapers and incontinence supplies.
How much do adult diapers cost with Medicare Advantage?
Since adult diapers are not typically covered by Medicare, you will likely have to pay 100 percent of the costs for most incontinence supplies out of pocket.
Medicare Advantage plans may offer allowances for over-the-counter supplies
Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans can offer an allowance for health products like adult diapers, but these types of benefits aren’t available with all plans.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare the benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans in your area.
Compare plans today.
Speak with a licensed insurance agent