Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Incontinence Supplies?
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans may help cover incontinence supplies for qualified plan members. Find out what types of medical devices and supplies may be covered.
Incontinence is an issue that many older adults face. Consumable medical products for incontinence, such as adult diapers and incontinence liners, help you keep bladder or bowel control issues discreet and sanitary.
Although consumable incontinence supplies are inexpensive, the cost can add up if you use them daily.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically does not cover most incontinence supplies. Some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may help cover incontinence supplies or may include an allowance for covered over-the-counter (OTC) supplies such as Depends (or similar undergarments), catheters or other incontinence treatments and equipment. Plan availability and benefits can vary from one place to the next, however.
Types of Consumable Incontinence Supplies for Bladder Control
When it comes to consumable incontinence supplies, there are several options in the market. Your lifestyle, mobility and level of incontinence may determine which is best for you.
Some older adults purchase multiple types of incontinence supplies and might use them in different situations.
Adult Diapers
Adult diapers are worn under your clothes and collect urine or fecal matter that leaks from your body due to incontinence. There are many types of adult diapers available.
The two main types are disposable and cloth. Disposable adult diapers are convenient, as you simply throw them away after each usage, but they're more expensive over time since they're not reusable. Cloth diapers require more work, but they can be less costly in the long run.
Bladder Control Pads
Bladder control pads are flat pads made of cloth that females can wear over their genitals to absorb fluid leakage. Since they're less bulky than adult diapers, they are generally more comfortable to wear. You can also wear them discreetly under many types of clothing.
One potential downside to bladder control pads is that, because of their smaller size and thin material, they're not suitable for larger leaks.
Adult Briefs
Adult briefs, also known as pull-ons, are designed to be easy to put on and take off. They’re made from breathable fabrics, so they’re comfortable to wear for long periods.
Adult briefs can be useful if you struggle with mobility or have trouble using traditional fasteners such as buttons and zippers. Because they provide full coverage and form a tight seal against your skin, they may offer better leak protection than bladder control pads.
Male Guards for Incontinence
Male guards are the male counterpart to bladder control pads. They are worn over the male genitals and feature an absorbent core that captures urine and keeps it away from your skin. This core is typically surrounded by a moisture-proof barrier to prevent leaks.
External Catheters
External catheters, also known as condom catheters, are worn like a condom for males and fit around the urethra for females. They collect urine as it leaves your body and route it to a discreet pouch for collection.
External catheters can be helpful if you're bedridden or have difficulty getting up and down to use the restroom. They're also helpful for people who are unable to control their bladders.
External catheters require special care to ensure they don't cause infection.
Booster Pads for Incontinence
Booster pads provide a "boost" to increase the absorbency of regular underwear or adult diapers, which helps reduce leakage. They work by increasing the surface area of the pad that makes contact with the skin, which increases the coverage area and gives greater protection against leaks.
Like bladder control pads and male guards, booster pads come with an absorbent core to quickly soak up urine.
Under Pads
Under pads are used for cleanup after accidents. You can use them to protect furniture, mattresses and other surfaces from fluids and stains. They are also helpful for cleaning up accidents when traveling or on the go.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Some Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans plans may cover certain incontinence supplies, such as adult diapers and bladder control pads. You should talk to your insurance plan provider directly regarding your plan benefits, and be sure to talk to your doctor about how any treatments or medical equipment will be covered by Medicare.
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