Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Diagnosis incontinence stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Dec 22, 2022

Find out how to save on your incontinence supplies

Over 50% of people aged 65+ experience incontinence.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
People can manage the condition with incontinence supplies, but costs add up over time and can become a long-term burden.
Luckily, there are several ways to save money on these products. Keep reading to find out how.

What is Incontinence? 

Incontinence is the loss of control over one's bladder or bowel movements. 

What Causes Incontinence?

The following factors can cause incontinence:
  • Muscle or nerve damage
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Prostate problems
  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth
  • Certain medications
  • Age-related changes — weakened muscles or decreased sensitivity in the bladder
  • Medical conditions — diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease

What Products Can I Use to Manage Incontinence?

Incontinence products provide extra protection from leaks. You can use the following supplies to manage incontinence:
  • Incontinence pads
  • Absorbent briefs
  • Protective underwear 
  • Bed and chair protection
  • Catheters and penile sheaths
  • Skincare and hygiene products
  • Specially adapted clothing and swimwear

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Typically, no. Medicare doesn't cover adult diapers, incontinence pads, protective underwear, or bedwetting products.
Why? Medicare doesn't consider incontinence supplies to be durable medical equipment (DME).

Does Medicare Cover Other Incontinence Services?

Yes. Medicare Parts B might cover some incontinence services, including:
  • Outpatient care — your doctor visits
  • Durable medical equipment (DME) — bladder scanners, urological supplies, catheters and collection devices, intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) machines and their accessories, enteral nutrition pumps, or ostomy products
  • Home health services 
  • Incontinence-related preventive services
Depending on your condition, Medicare might also cover the following:
Note: Medicare covers these treatments only if your doctor declares them medically necessary.

Will My Medigap Plan Help Cover Incontinence Supplies?

No. Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement plans, are extensions of Original Medicare and help cover some of your out-of-pocket costs left after Medicare coverage.
Since Original Medicare doesn't cover incontinence supplies, Medigap plans don't either.

How Can I Get Coverage for My Incontinence Supplies?

While Medicare doesn't cover incontinence supplies — like adult diapers, incontinence pads, protective underwear, and bedwetting products — you can still get coverage for these items.
Here's how:

1. Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage plans (AKA Medicare Part C) are offered by private insurance companies. They cover the same services as Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) but some have added benefits.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover incontinence supplies — like disposable adult briefs or pull-ups, bladder control pad guards, and bed underpads. 
However, exact coverage varies depending on your plan.
  • If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, ask your insurance provider if your plan covers incontinence supplies
  • If you’re not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, reach out to your insurance provider for information on available plans in your area and the coverage rules for each one

2. Enroll in Medicaid

Medicaid

is a joint federal and state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. If you fall under the low-income category, you may be eligible for Medicaid benefits.
However, Medicaid coverage for incontinence supplies varies by state. In other words, some states cover these supplies through their Medicaid program, while others do not. In addition, some states may have brand restrictions or monthly limits on the number of incontinence supplies covered under their Medicaid program.

3. Get Veteran’s Health Care

If you’re a veteran

diagnosed with incontinence, you might get coverage for your incontinence supplies through your VA health benefits. 
However, the VA usually supplies a standard type of adult diaper that may not meet your individual needs. In this case, your doctor can prescribe or provide a medical justification for a different brand that's more suitable for you and explain why it's a better option.

How Can I Save Money on My Incontinence Supplies?

Here are a few ways you can save money on your incontinence supplies:

1. HSA and FSA

Money in a Health Savings Account (HSA) is not subject to federal income tax. It can be used to pay for "qualified medical expenses" as determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Incontinence supplies are considered a qualified medical expense. So you can use this tax-free fund to pay for your incontinence supplies, potentially saving money.
Similarly, money in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not subject to federal, state or social security taxes and can be used to buy incontinence supplies.
Note: If you’ve delayed enrolling in Medicare because you're on

private insurance

and contribute to an HSA within 6 months of your Medicare enrollment, you might face a tax penalty.
If you’re enrolling once you turn 65, you need to stop making contributions a month before your start date.

2. Charitable Organizations

Non-profit organizations — diaper banks, food banks, senior centers, or other community resources — may provide adult diapers for little to no cost.

3. Use coupons and discounts

Many manufacturers offer coupons and discounts for adult diapers and incontinence products. You can find them on company websites or in stores.

4. Buy in bulk

Buying larger quantities of incontinence supplies can help you save money in the long run.

Can I Get Free Adult Diapers?

Yes. You can access free adult diapers in the following ways:
  • Medicaid — Medicaid programs in some states provide free incontinence supplies under certain conditions
  • Charitable organizations — Some non-profit organizations (e.g., diaper banks, food banks, senior centers, or other community resources) may provide adult diapers for free
  • Manufacturer samples — Some manufacturers offer free samples of their products to try before you buy

Takeaway

Incontinence is a common condition that can be challenging to manage, especially for older adults. Incontinence supplies can provide relief but can be expensive over time. Medicare does not typically cover incontinence supplies — such as adult diapers, pads, and undergarments.
However, if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or are eligible for Medicaid, you might get coverage for your incontinence supplies.
You can also save money on these products by finding discounts, seeking help from local non-profits, or using your HSA or FSA.
Contact your insurance provider regarding the coverage options for incontinence supplies under your plan. You can also talk to our advisors at 1-888-376-2028 if you need assistance. We can explain the intricacies of Medicare and respond to any questions you may have.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Upset senior woman crying stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Nov 30, 2022
Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?
Dec 9, 2022
Illustrated representation of medical marijuana, using a prescription bottle with a marijuana leaf on the front.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
Jan 6, 2023
senior man holding out his medicare card stock image
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
Dec 22, 2022
Cover image
Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?
Aug 28, 2023
Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
Jan 4, 2023
scientist mixing chemical compounds stock image
Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?
Apr 4, 2023
Senior woman receiving an ear exam stock photo
Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?
Nov 22, 2022
senior gentleman wearing a suit working on his laptop outside of his office stock photo
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Sep 27, 2022
heart surgery stock image
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
Jan 27, 2023
Sleep apena stock image
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 27, 2022
Vitamin in a syringe stock photo
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Aug 15, 2022
Cover image
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
Aug 14, 2023
Teenager Helping his Grandfather at Home stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Dec 7, 2022
Senior woman having vision problems stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Nov 28, 2022
male driver taking notes from behind the wheel stock image
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Dec 1, 2022
woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Nov 19, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare 101

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M