Medicare and Adult Diapers
Does Medicare pay for adult diapers? This seems to be the first question most seniors ask. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of seniors living outside of nursing homes, Medicare does not pay for adult diapers. There are a few other incontinence supplies that are covered, such as catheters. But disposable absorbent products are largely, if not entirely, the financial responsible of the individual. Unfortunately, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, sometimes called Medigap policies, also do not cover these supplies.
Did You Know?In Europe, there are long duration adult diapers that last 8 hours, 3x longer than normal. There are also diaper liners that can double the duration. Both can be purchased online.
Other Financial Assistance for Incontinence Supplies
Having eliminated Medicare as a possible payer for incontinence supplies, many seniors are left with the question who pays for adult diapers? Fortunately, there are 3rd parties who offer assistance.
Veterans’ Administration (VA) Health Care
The VA is one 3rd party that provides help. While the VA does pay for adult diapers, many veterans advise caution with regards to the quality. Specifically, the standard issued brand of adult diapers is not considered to be of high quality. However, if a veteran has a preferred brand, such as Attends, Depend, Prevail, Tena or Tranquility, it is possible to have those paid for by the VA. However, a physician prescription or statement of medical justification that explains the medical reasons for which a particular brand of adult diaper is required is necessary.
Veterans Home and Community Based Services
For some veterans, Home and Community Based Services, also called Veterans Directed Care is an option. This program provides financial assistance for care and the flexibility to direct the financial assistance as the veteran feels is best for their needs. Incontinence supplies would most certainly be an eligible expense. However, this description over-simplifies the program. For more details, read here.
Medicaid
Medicaid for individuals in nursing homes will supply adult diapers and other disposable, absorbent products. Most Medicaid Waivers, that provide assistance to individuals living at home or in the community also provide assistance. This typically falls under the category of home care supplies. However, Medicaid Waivers and rules change from state to state. And in some states the program may limit the brands or quantities of product available to an individual for a set period of time. Individuals on Medicaid should check with their local Medicaid office. Those wishing to qualify for Medicaid can read more here.
Did You Know? In Japan, sales of adult diapers exceed those of children’s’ diapers.
Non-Profit Diaper Banks
In certain areas of the country, there are non-profit organizations known as diaper banks. These “banks” supply other local non-profits with adult diapers to be given away to seniors that reside in the geographic area. Although many diaper banks do not supply individuals directly, they can provide a list of local non-profits that they provide adult diapers. And those organizations can be contacted directly. Find a list of non-profit diaper banks here.
Other Options to Lower Costs on Adult Diapers
When all opportunities for financial assistance have been exhausted and one must pay out-of-pocket for adult diapers, the following is advised.
1) Look for adult diaper coupons. One can search by brand for coupons here.
2) Use a discount prescription drug card. Often times, medical supplies, as well as prescriptions are discounted. One free card can be downloaded here.
3) Keep all receipts. The total cost for adult diapers are tax deductible. Learn more about medical expense deductions here.
4) Shop online. Purchasing in bulk online can reduce the cost by as much as 50%, or even 80% over purchasing in a local pharmacy or grocery store. Furthermore, products can be shipped free of charge and in discreet packaging. The lowest prices our organization has found for adult diapers and other incontinence supplies is from DiscountMedicalSupplies.com.
5) Request free samples. Many adult diaper
companies, including well-known brands, provide samples free of charge. This often includes free shipping. (An easy way to find companies that offer free samples is to Google “free adult diaper samples”).
