How Much Do Incontinence Pads and Other Supplies Cost Without Insurance?
Key takeaways:
Incontinence supplies for one person cost $50 to $200 per month on average, but they can be more.
Diaper banks, food banks, and other organizations may have free incontinence supplies.
Some incontinence supplies sold by manufacturers and durable medical equipment suppliers perform better than retail products. These options may give you greater value.
Table of contents
Urinary incontinence is involuntary leakage from the bladder. It affects millions of people in the U.S. But it is most common in older people, especially women over 50. The cost of adult diapers and other incontinence supplies can add up when you’re paying out of pocket.
Urinary incontinence tends to worsen with age. It doesn’t always respond to treatment, which means it’s a long-term condition.
Accidental leaks and frequent changes, as well as wet clothes and furniture, can lead to social isolation. That’s why having the right incontinence products can be life changing. Finding quality products with the right absorbency can help a person regain their confidence.
Search and compare options
What are incontinence supplies?
Incontinence pads and other supplies help manage wetness, leaking, and rashes. There are many products designed to manage the loss of bladder control. Disposable and reusable products include:
Adult diapers
Bladder control inserts
Bladder control pads
Protective underwear
Waterproof pads
Incontinence products made specifically for male or female anatomy require a prescription. Some of these products are considered durable medical equipment (DME).
Male anatomy
Drip collector: This small pocket device collects small amounts of leaked urine. It fits over the penis and is worn with tight-fitting underwear.
Condom catheter: This device fits over the penis like a condom. It is connected to a collection bag attached to the leg.
Cunningham clamp: This reusable device is fitted over the penis. It keeps the urethra closed until you are ready to empty your bladder.
Female anatomy
Foam pads: These disposable pads are very small and fit between the labia. They are replaced each time a person urinates.
Urethra cap: This reusable silicone cap fits in place over the urinary opening.
Plastic shaft: This single-use device is only for short-term use. It is inserted into the urethra and has a balloon on one end and a tab on the other. It needs to be removed to urinate.
Pessary: This is a reusable round silicone or latex disk. It is inserted in the vagina for bladder support. It requires washing as well as a prescription and fitting by a healthcare professional.
Wicking device: This external catheter suctions urine from the vagina. The liquid is collected in a canister. It is usually used to keep a person dry while in one place for an extended period of time, such as while sleeping.
Cost of incontinence pads and other supplies without insurance
The cost of incontinence supplies can add up. According to one manufacturer, most people spend $50 to $200 per month on incontinence products. One-third say their monthly costs are more than $200.
Even without insurance, you may have an FSA. A flexible spending account is an employee benefit that helps you save tax-free money for healthcare expenses, including incontinence supplies.
Free or low-cost incontinence supplies. The same community organizations that provide free baby diapers, such as diaper banks and food banks, may also stock incontinence supplies.
Urinary incontinence may not be forever. Some people with urinary incontinence can be treated with medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Incontinence supplies such as adult diapers and underwear are sold in retail stores. But some products are sold by DME suppliers, also known as medical supply stores. Certain higher-absorbency brands bought from DME suppliers may provide better performance and value.
Incontinence pads are one of the most popular products. Pads can refer to underwear liners or underpads, known as chucks. These protect furniture.
The cost of incontinence pads worn inside your underwear varies. It depends on the style, absorbency, and quantity purchased. Some bladder control pads in 30-count packages can be bought for less than $5 online. Popular retail options for men are thin and tout protection from “larger surges.” These sell for about $50 for a pack of 168, which is about 3 cents per pad. Some options cost much more. For example, plant-based products without fragrances or dyes for people with female anatomy cost almost 50 cents per pad.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
The cost for disposable chair pads or chucks ranges from 2 cents to nearly $2 each. Reusable chair pads can range from $5 to $20 apiece.
Having the right product
When purchasing incontinence products, it’s important to consider your options and needs. These include:
Absorbency
Convenience
Fit
People with slight urinary incontinence can use pads and briefs with light absorbency. These are sold in pharmacies, big-box retailers, and grocery stores. People who need maximum-absorbency products may need to shop at a specialty store or buy from a manufacturer (or their distributor).
Having the right incontinence products can save money in the long run. Not using the right incontinence products can lead to increased moisture and the need for barriers and lotions to manage rashes. Frequent leaks can increase your laundry while causing additional financial and emotional burdens.
Where to get free and low-cost incontinence products
Check with diaper banks, food banks, and other organizations that provide free children’s diapers. They often stock adult diapers and incontinence supplies. The National Diaper Bank Network is a nonprofit with more than 240 community-based diaper banks. They collect, store, and give away free diapers.
State and federal programs may also offer help with incontinence products.
The Veterans Health Administration offers a benefit for veterans.
Active duty military members and their families may be eligible for benefits through Tricare Extended Care Health Option.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a coordinated-care replacement for Medicare and Medicaid, provides incontinence products.
Can I get free incontinence supplies through Medicaid?
Some people without insurance qualify for Medicaid. Most state Medicaid programs cover incontinence products when deemed medically necessary. Eligible recipients include toddlers, older children, and adults with conditions that cause incontinence. Medicaid programs are not required to offer this benefit, so coverage varies by state.
Qualifying for Medicaid is usually based on a low income. Medicaid-eligible children and adolescents under age 21 can get free incontinence products through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment benefit.
State rules for incontinence coverage may not be easy to find. Policy updates, state waiver programs, demonstration programs, and lawsuits can result in coverage changes. It’s best to work with a manufacturer or a DME supplier for information about Medicaid coverage.
You may have the best success with a mail-order healthcare supply company. Its representatives may be familiar with the Medicaid program where you live. They can help you determine Medicaid coverage for incontinence products. But Medicaid programs often have a monthly maximum on the number of products and spending, which may not cover your needs.
Does Medicare cover incontinence supplies?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover absorbent incontinence products. But your Medicare Advantage plan may cover them. Medicare Part B will cover certain nonabsorbent urological supplies as DME. These include urinary catheters and external urinary collection devices. Your Medicare Advantage plan would also cover these products.
To qualify for urological supplies coverage, you will need:
A diagnosis of permanent urinary incontinence or permanent urinary retention
A prescription from your healthcare professional
A way to order covered products through a Medicare-approved supplier
Frequently asked questions
Some people are also unable to control their bowels. This is called fecal incontinence. Incontinence supplies include products that capture bowel movements and control their odor.
Many prescription medications are FDA approved to treat overactive bladder. Two oral tablets, Myrbetriq and Gemtesa, work by relaxing the bladder muscles. This allows the organ to store more urine. Another treatment option is urological surgery — and several types can resolve urinary incontinence. For instance, sling procedures help the urethra close completely to prevent leaks.
Even if you don’t have health insurance, you may have a flexible spending account (FSA). With an FSA, you can save tax-free dollars for healthcare expenses. FSA funds can be used for adult diapers and other incontinence supplies. But make sure your plan considers your purchases eligible expenses. You may need to contact your plan administrator for clarification. Some FSA expenses require a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare professional.
The bottom line
Incontinence supplies can cost $50 to $200 per month without insurance and sometimes more. Costs can add up. Check with diaper banks, food banks, and other organizations that offer free children’s diapers because they may also stock incontinence supplies.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover absorbent incontinence supplies, such as diapers. But some Medicare Advantage plans may offer this benefit. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover certain nonabsorbent urological products with a qualifying diagnosis. Medicaid offers coverage for incontinence supplies. Eligibility rules vary based on your state.
Why trust our experts?
References
Home Care Delivered. (n.d.). Incontinence supplies for veterans – how to reduce the cost.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Urinary incontinence in women.
Malzone, L. (2023). Medicare coverage for incontinence supplies. Medigap.com.
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Urinary incontinence products.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Urinary incontinence products - self-care.
National Association for Continence. (n.d.). The true impact of incontinence.
National Association for Continence. (n.d.). Therapies and procedures.
National Diaper Bank Network. (n.d.). Index.
National Diaper Bank Network. (n.d.). Member diaper banks.
Septak, M. (2023). How much does incontinence cost? Aeroflow Urology.
Tricare. (2023). Benefits.
Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). What is urinary incontinence?
Urology Care Foundation. (2023). What is stress urinary incontinence (SUI)?
