Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and prescription drug (Part D) plans cover different aspects of diagnosis and treatment for incontinence.

Your options depend on the part of Medicare you have and the type of incontinence supplies or products you need.

Part B is medical insurance. It covers outpatient services, including doctors’ visits to determine the underlying cause of incontinence and durable medical equipment (DME).

DME for incontinence may include:

  • internal or external pelvic floor stimulators
  • condom or indwelling catheters
  • external urinary collection devices

Part B does not cover adult diapers or other absorbent incontinence supplies. These items are considered disposable personal hygiene products, not DME.

In 2024, most people will pay a monthly premium of $174.70. Your premium may be higher depending on your income.

After you pay a $240 deductible, you’ll generally pay 20% of all Medicare-approved costs for covered services.

Part C plans are required to cover the same incontinence services as Original Medicare. Many Part C plans offer additional health and wellness benefits, including coverage for over-the-counter items.

That means you may be able to purchase adult diapers or other absorbent incontinence supplies and seek reimbursement from your Part C plan.

Part D is prescription drug coverage. It doesn’t cover adult diapers or other absorbent incontinence supplies. However, it can help cover the cost of certain medications used to treat incontinence.

Each Part D plan sets its own cost and coverage amounts. The amount of coverage each plan provides depends on its formulary and tier system.

What about dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid coverage?

Most Medicaid programs cover incontinence products, but the extent of coverage can vary from state to state. Some states may have copayments or limits on the number of supplies covered.

You can contact your local Medicaid office to learn more.

Medicare’s coverage for absorbent incontinence supplies is limited. You may be eligible for coverage under Part C, but most plans focus on DME, outpatient treatments, and prescription medications.

If you have questions about your coverage, you can call Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).

If you have a Part C or Part D plan, you may need to contact your plan provider directly. Look for a phone number on your plan’s card or a “Contact Us” page on your insurance provider’s website.