Does Medicare Cover Bladder Control Products

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Control Products? 

Urinary incontinence can be quite common as we age. Seniors, especially women, can experience incontinence because of easily treated conditions, like a urinary tract infection. It can also be caused by certain medications. If you have been experiencing bladder control issues for a longer period of time, and on a more frequent basis, it could be because of chronic problems such as:
• Bladder muscles that are weak or overactive
• Weak muscles along the pelvic floor
• Nerve damage due to multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease
• An enlarged prostate that is blocking the urethra
• Pelvic organ prolapse 
• Prostatitis
• Surgical injury or damage to nerves or muscles in the pelvic region

You should visit your primary health care provider if you are experiencing bladder control problems. You don’t have to live urinary incontinence or reliance on bladder control products. Your doctor may be able to explore the cause of your issue and find long-term solutions. Your Medicare benefits can help with the cost your treatment of bladder control products.

Does Medicare Part B cover bladder control products?

The Medicare Part B durable medical equipment benefit offers coverage for some disposable supplies but unfortunately, it doesn’t cover any absorbent incontinence products. However, you can get coverage for items like commode chairs that you can use at home. This may help you if you can’t make it to the bathroom on time. 

If you have your health care coverage from a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your plan may include disposable bladder control products like pads, adult briefs or diapers, or pull-on garments. Because these are extra benefits, you must ensure that your provider includes them in your plan. If you aren’t sure about your coverage, you should call your provider and ask for details. Your provider may also require that you get your supplies from a supplier or pharmacy that is within the provider’s network. 

Medicare enrollees who also qualify for Medicaid as dual-eligible beneficiaries may be eligible for coverage for incontinence control products. Medicaid benefits vary from state-to-state because it is a state-run health benefits program, so you need to check whether your state offers this benefit. 

What are some treatment options for urinary incontinence?

If you have urinary incontinence, your physician may have a treatment option to help. The treatment depends on which of the four types of incontinence you have: stress, urge, overflow, or functional incontinence. You might be able to gain better control of your bladder by trying certain bladder training techniques. These techniques include:

• Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic muscles and give greater control of your bladder.
• Biofeedback sensors that alert you to signals from the body and help gain control over the bladder and urethra.
• Timed bathroom breaks help train your bladder to stop urge and overflow incontinence.
• Changes in lifestyle habits like quitting smoking, losing weight, drinking less alcohol and caffeine. Also, drinking more water rather than other liquid like soft drinks can help you get better control of your bladder. 

If you are living with chronic incontinence, life can seem difficult. Your Medicare benefits might help you find a medical solution to the problem instead of relying on bladder control products or allowing it to affect your lifestyle. Speak to your doctor and find out what options will be right for you.