How to Get Adult Pull-Ons & Adult Diapers Through Medicaid

This piece has been reviewed for accuracy by Mica Phillips, Vice President of Aeroflow Urology.

Incontinence is a common condition in adults, and Aeroflow Urology is here to help you get the supplies you need, like adult diapers, adult protective underwear, and more covered by Medicaid and other Medicaid Managed Care Plans.

To find out if you qualify for free adult incontinence supplies, fill out our secure Eligibility Form. 

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Medicaid Health Plan Coverage

Medicaid may be able to cover incontinence supplies for you or your loved one if the products are deemed medically necessary.

While your or your loved one’s coverage is dependent on the state you live in and your individual health plan, many people who are diagnosed with incontinence may require proof of incontinence to have free supplies every month. This means that you will most likely need to make an in-office appointment with your healthcare provider. They will also be required to write you a prescription for incontinence that also lists your underlying condition.

Medicaid incontinence supplies include a range of products designed to manage bladder or bowel incontinence. These can include:

  • Adult diapers (adult briefs).
  • Pull-ups (protective underwear).
  • Bladder control pads
  • Underpads
  • Gloves and wipes.

What Is Required to Get Adult Incontinence Supplies Covered by Medicaid?

In order to qualify for diapers, pull-ups, and more through Aeroflow Urology, you need 1 or a combination of the following items:

  • A prescription from your healthcare provider within the last 12 months.
  • You may be required to provide a letter of medical necessity (LMN) in addition to a prescription, depending on what your insurance plan requires. 
  • Your insurance company may require a copy of your medical history from your healthcare providers to ascertain any underlying conditions related to your continence issues.
  • The quantity of products per month that you and your healthcare provider agree are required to best manage your continence issues (i.e. 3 protective underwear, 2 underpads, 1 bladder control pad).

We know that gathering the above information and dealing with Medicaid can be overwhelming, but our Continence Care Experts are specially trained to work with you to get all the information with ease. All you have to do to receive our help and free supplies every month is fill out our secure Eligibility Form.

woman with adult diaperwoman with adult diaper

What Health Conditions Cause Adult Incontinence?

There are a variety of underlying conditions that are causes of urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence in adults. 

Click on a condition name for more details.

Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities, such as autism or Down syndrome, often have incontinence due to communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and other factors.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)

SCI occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord. SCI can cause incontinence but it depends on the level of damage to the spinal cord. Injuries above or at the sacral nerve can cause urinary incontinence due to a diminished ability to communicate with or control the bladder muscles.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Enlarged Prostate

BPH occurs when glandular tissue, smooth muscle cells, and connective tissue change within the transition zone (located in the center around the prostatic urethra) of the prostate gland. This can cause tissue enlargement. Enlarged prostate and BPH can cause symptoms of urinary incontinence in men due to the enlarged prostate squeezing the urethra, blocking urine from emptying.

Pregnancy or Childbirth

Symptoms of urinary incontinence may occur in women who are pregnant due to extra pressure from a baby being placed on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles and hormone fluctuations. Urinary incontinence symptoms like leaking urine can also follow vaginal childbirth because the pelvic floor muscles are weakened during the process.

Menopause

During menopause, women’s hormones- specifically estrogen and testosterone- fluctuate and decrease. This can cause urinary incontinence in women.

Hysterectomy or Prostate Surgery

Certain surgeries like hysterectomies and prostate surgeries can cause symptoms of incontinence to arise in individuals due to the effect they can have on pelvic muscles and support to the bladder.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder defined as difficulty recovering after witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety. PTSD has been associated with incontinence in adults due to increased stress and axiety.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are infections of the urinary system and can cause symptoms of urinary incontinence, such as frequent urination.

Kidney or Bladder Stones

Kidney stones and bladder stones form from urine that crystalizes. These stones can cause pain and may lead to urinary incontinence since they can block the flow of urine.

Neurological Diseases

Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and spina bifida, can cause incontinence due to a loss of communication with the brain and the bladder or loss of mobility. Individuals with these conditions may experience accidents because they can’t find the bathroom or recognize their bodily signals of needing to void the bladder or bowels.

Weight Gain

Obesity may cause urinary incontinence symptoms in some individuals due to the pressure excess weight can place on the pelvic floor and bladder.

Constipation

Constipation can cause urinary incontinence symptoms due to the extra fecal matter pushing on the bladder.

Diet

Certain foods, such as spicy foods, synthetic dyes, tomato-based products, alcohol, and caffeine are bladder irritants. When your bladder is irritated, it can cause urinary incontinence symptoms, like sudden urges to urinate and frequent urination.

Medications

Certain medications may cause bladder leaks for a variety of reasons. These can include diuretics, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, narcotics, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants. 

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause incontinence in a few different ways. Diabetes medications can irritate the bladder, nerve damage can occur in diabetics (neuropathy) leading to a neurogenic bladder, and high blood sugar can lead to UTIs which can also cause incontinence. 

Mobility Issues

Mobility issues can sometimes cause incontinence. For example, a person with limited mobility may not physically be able to make it to the restroom in time due to their restrictions, leading to accidents. 

What Are the Types of Adult Incontinence?

There are several types of urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control), each with its own unique symptoms.

  • Urge Incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder (OAB), people with urge incontinence will feel a strong impulse to urinate that occurs suddenly, sometimes resulting in urine leaks. Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and others can contribute to this type of incontinence.
  • Overflow Incontinence: People with overflow incontinence may not experience an urge to go, but still experience leaks caused by a weak bladder muscle or blockage when the bladder becomes too full.
  • Stress Incontinence: If you sometimes experience urine leaks when sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or exercising, you may have stress urinary incontinence.
  • Functional Incontinence: People with functional incontinence typically have a normal bladder and urethra function, but due to a mobility issue or physical or mental impairment, cannot reach the toilet in time to avoid urine leakage.
  • Mixed Incontinence: Mixed incontinence occurs when patients have more than one type of incontinence.
  • Fecal Incontinence: Unintentional loss of fecal matter.

How Is Adult Incontinence Diagnosed?

When you visit your healthcare provider, you may be asked questions about whether you experience leakage while laughing or sneezing, or how much caffeine or alcohol you drink. A bladder control diary can be incredibly helpful to have. Record the type and how much fluid you drink, how often you pass urine, the amount of urine you pass, and how many urine leakage episodes you experience.

Based on your medical history and symptoms, tests may be performed to rule out certain conditions that cause incontinence. Common tests include a cystoscopy to look inside of your bladder for abnormalities, measuring the pressure level in your bladder and stomach, a dipstick test to see if you have a urinary tract infection, a urodynamic test, and more.

Based on the results, your doctor will be able to create a treatment plan. Urinary incontinence treatment options vary based on the type and severity you are diagnosed with. Some options include simple lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and spicy foods, doing kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, or taking medication.

What Do You Need to Qualify for Adult Incontinence Supplies Covered by Medicaid With Aeroflow Urology?

To qualify for Medicaid coverage of adult diapers and other incontinence supplies, you'll generally need:

  • A prescription: Your healthcare provider needs to write a prescription for the specific incontinence products you require.
  • Proof of medical necessity: This may involve a letter from your doctor or documentation of a qualifying medical condition.
  • State-specific requirements: Medicaid coverage varies by state, so it's important to check your state's guidelines.

Navigating Medicaid and gathering the required documentation can be confusing. Aeroflow Urology's Continence Care Experts are here to help you every step of the way. We'll work with you and your healthcare provider to:

  • Obtain the necessary paperwork.
  • File your claim with Medicaid.
  • Ensure you receive your incontinence supplies on a regular basis.

Fill out our Eligibility Form to get started today!

man holding adult diaperman holding adult diaper

Which Incontinence Products Will Medicaid Cover for Adult Incontinence?

Once you begin to experience bladder control problems, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. In the meantime, you can explore options for absorbent products to help manage symptoms. Incontinence supplies are typically covered by Medicaid and managed care plans for those with a qualifying diagnosis.

There are a wide variety of discreet incontinence products available with different features and levels of absorbency.

  • Adult Pull-Ons: Also called protective underwear, may work better for those who need a moderate level of absorbency and can be pulled on and off, similar to standard underwear
  • Bladder Control Pads: Sometimes referred to as an incontinence pad, these products are an option for those who need a product that is similar to a menstrual pad that can be secured to undergarments, but can hold more fluid. 
  • Adult Briefs: Adult briefs may work well for some who need an overnight product or one that can handle heavy bladder or bowel leakage. They are also commonly used by people with mobility issues who require the help of a caregiver as they are designed for easy application and removal. 
  • Underpads & Other Supplemental Items: There are also absorbent products like underpads or bed pads available to help protect bedding and furniture.

Many people will find that some combination of incontinence products and treatments works well for their particular diagnosis, and it's important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best solution. No matter what type of adult incontinence you have, with the right products you can remain confident, clean, and most importantly, in control.

Many people will find that some combination of incontinence products and treatments works well for their particular diagnosis, and it's important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best solution. No matter what type of adult incontinence you have, with the right products you can remain confident, clean, and most importantly, in control.

Mica Phillips

Mica has been at Aeroflow for over six years. He brings creativity to a sometimes stagnant and complacent industry and tries his best to uncomplicate the complex world of Insurance. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. In addition to his daily responsibilities as Vice President of Aeroflow Urology, he’s contributed to numerous articles for online journals regarding senior care, incontinence, and navigating insurance benefits. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to live music, visiting breweries, and traveling the world with his wife.

Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology website is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.