Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Assigning Editor Holly Carey
Assigning Editor | Medicare
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Original Medicare doesn’t cover adult diapers and other incontinence supplies [0]
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . Incontinence supplies & adult diapers. Accessed Aug 7, 2023.
. Unfortunately, that leaves many older adults paying out of pocket for incontinence items that could run a few hundred dollars a month.
Incontinence products include bladder control pads, protective underwear, adult briefs and underpads, and some older adults go through multiple items a day. About a quarter to a third of U.S. adults experience urinary incontinence, according to the Urology Care Foundation [0]
Urology Care Foundation . What is Urinary Incontinence?. Accessed Aug 7, 2023.Most Medicare Advantage plans offer some type of over-the-counter (OTC) benefit, which members may be able to put toward incontinence products [0]
KFF . Medicare Advantage 2023 Spotlight: First Look. Accessed Aug 7, 2023.. Over-the-counter options may include men’s guards, protective pads, underwear, barrier ointment and wipes.
Call your provider if you have questions about coverage.
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private health insurers. It covers the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B.
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Get a quote on NerdWalletWe will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed.
States available 49 states and Washington, D.C. Members in high-rated plans Medium (50% to 89%) Member satisfaction (855) 821-0556 Call UnitedHealthcare
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Get a quote on NerdWalletWe will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed.
States available 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico Members in high-rated plans High (90% or more) Member satisfaction Above average (855) 432-0512 M-F 9am-9pm ET, Sa 10am-9pm ET Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org See more plansAlthough Original Medicare doesn’t cover incontinence products, if your doctor prescribes or recommends a certain treatment for incontinence, Medicare may cover it. Some examples include:
Pelvic devices: In 2021, Medicare started covering Elitone, a device that uses external pelvic stimulation to help women reduce symptoms of incontinence. Medicare may also cover internal pelvic floor electrical stimulators if you’ve tried and failed at pelvic floor training. You’ll need a prescription.
Catheters: If your doctor has prescribed catheters because you have permanent urinary incontinence or urinary retention, Medicare will reimburse up to 200 catheters a month. Other medical requirements may apply in order to qualify.
Biofeedback therapy: Medicare may cover biofeedback-assisted pelvic muscle exercise training to try to improve awareness of pelvic floor muscles if you’ve tried and failed at pelvic floor training.
Incontinence control devices : Medicare might cover a treatment like a collagen implant to treat stress urinary incontinence.
Surgical treatment: Medicare might cover a recommended surgery such as a bladder sling surgery.If your doctor recommends a treatment or surgery for incontinence and Medicare doesn’t cover it, you can file an appeal .
Depending on your state and Medicaid plan, you may get some coverage of incontinence items if they’re medically necessary . If you’re on Medicare and Medicaid, you may be able to get all incontinence products covered [0]
National Association for Continence . Incontinence Products & Insurance. Accessed Aug 7, 2023. . You can find Medicaid information for your state at Medicaid.gov .If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
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Kate Ashford is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and personal finance writer at NerdWallet specializing in Medicare and retirement topics. See full bio.
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