Does Virginia Medicaid Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Virginia Medicaid Cover Incontinence Supplies?

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Are you a Virginia Medicaid recipient who needs incontinence supplies? If so, then there’s good news for you: Virginia Medicaid could cover the cost of your incontinence products.

Virginia is one of 45 states that currently offers coverage of incontinence supplies. This includes products such as bladder control pads, protective underwear (pull-ons), adult briefs and diapers, and booster pads. If you are enrolled in Virginia Medicaid and have a medical need for incontinence supplies, you are on your way to having the cost of the supplies covered!

Virginia Medicaid Requirements for coverage of Incontinence Supplies

In order for Virginia Medicaid to cover incontinence supplies, the supplies must be first considered medically necessary. This means that a doctor must confirm that you need incontinence products. The doctor will diagnose your type of incontinence and write an order for the most appropriate products.

Virginia Medicaid sometimes needs to pre-approve incontinence supplies before they can be received. This means that you cannot submit claims for reimbursement after you’ve received supplies.

Incontinence Coverage Details

Here are the types of benefits through which Virginia Medicaid is offered, and the requirements that need to be met in order to be eligible for coverage:

Types of Benefit:

  • Fee-For-Service
  • Managed Care

Requirements/Restrictions:

  • Supplies must be medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor.
  • Supplies may be covered for children under age 3, but only in certain circumstances.
  • Virginia Medicaid or your insurance provider may need to pre-approve your supplies before you can receive them.

How to Get Supplies

The first step to getting supplies is to visit your doctor and get a diagnosis. A diagnosis is required in order for your supplies to be considered medically necessary. Once the doctor has confirmed your need for supplies, you’ll be eligible for coverage of incontinence supplies.

After you’ve seen your doctor, just give us a call or enroll online. Home Care Delivered is the exclusive provider of incontinence supplies for Virginia Medicaid recipients. Our customer care representatives will set up your order and make sure the required paperwork is submitted to Virginia Medicaid on your behalf. Once you’re approved, we will also follow up with you every month to make sure your products are still meeting your needs.

If you’re looking for information on other states, see our complete guide to Medicaid and incontinence product coverage.

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You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

What is Overflow Incontinence?

What is Overflow Incontinence?

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Overflow incontinence is a condition in which the bladder does not properly empty, causing it to become too full. This kind of incontinence is far more common in men than women.

How Overflow Incontinence Happens:

Overflow incontinence begins with urine production in the kidneys. Urine leaves the kidneys and travels into the bladder where it waits to be emptied. Normally, the bladder contracts to release urine, but during overflow incontinence, this doesn’t happen. The bladder remains full and continues to fill until it reaches a point where it overflows and urine involuntarily leaves the body.

Causes and Risk Factors of Overflow Incontinence

Here are the most common causes and risk factors that can cause overflow incontinence:

Enlarged Prostrate

A common cause of overflow incontinence in men is the enlargement of the prostate. The prostate gland surrounds and makes contact with the urethra. As men get older, the prostate can enlarge and put pressure on the urethra, preventing the flow of urine. When the bladder becomes too full, the pressure is enough to push urine through and cause leakage.

Blocked Urethra

Any blockage in the urethra that prevents urine from leaving the body can lead to overflow incontinence. If the urine cannot leave the bladder, then it will continue to fill, eventually overflowing.

Nerve Problems

It’s possible for overflow incontinence to be the result of a nerve condition. If the nerves do not properly send signals to the bladder, then the bladder may not be able to empty. For some people, the signal may not be strong enough to fully contract and empty the bladder completely. For others, the bladder may not contract at all. In some cases, the feeling of a full bladder is not properly transmitted to the brain, resulting in an urgent need to visit the bathroom.

Solutions for Overflow Incontinence

The right product for overflow incontinence depends on the leakage level. If the output is small, then a bladder control pad may be enough protection. If there is a need for more absorbency, then either protective underwear or adult briefs may be required.

The good news is that all three of these products might be covered by an insurance plan. If they are, the right incontinence product for your needs could be delivered to you at little or no cost. To find out more about the coverage options of your plan, sign up online for incontinence supplies or contact us today.

image collage of incontinence products computer monitor and cell phone showing online way to see if you qualify for insurance covered incontinence supplies

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

What is Functional Incontinence?

What is Functional Incontinence?

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Functional incontinence occurs when physical or mental limitations result in leakage of urine or stool. People with functional incontinence may have a urinary or bowel system that works perfectly fine, but due to other circumstances, they cannot reach a bathroom in time.

How Functional Incontinence Happens

There are two primary factors that usually result in functional incontinence: physical immobility and mental impairment. People who have trouble moving, or who cannot move at all, may be unable to reach a bathroom when it is needed. Mental disorders can also cause people to struggle to use a bathroom, resulting in leakage.

Causes and Risk Factors

Here are some of the common causes and risk factors that lead to functional incontinence:

Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia

Alzheimer’s and Dementia often can lead to challenges with functional incontinence.

As the disease progresses, people lose more of the brain’s ability to interpret signals from the body. This could include the recognition that they need to find a bathroom, resulting in leakage.

The extent to which Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients experience this is different for every person. Some may not experience functional incontinence, while others experience it regularly.

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Physical Disability

Physical disabilities and limitations can also result in functional incontinence. For these individuals, the ability to get to a bathroom may be extremely difficult or impossible to do by themselves. Patients restricted to a bed or wheelchair can experience functional incontinence, as well as others with impaired mobility.

Slow/Painful Movement

Some individuals don’t have any physical impairments, but movement is still slow or painful. When this is the case, getting to a bathroom may be a challenge. Older or arthritic individuals are more likely to be affected by slow or painful movement.

Solutions for Functional Incontinence

The best product for managing functional incontinence is the adult brief (also called adult diapers). Adult briefs have the highest level of absorbency and are the only product designed to handle both urinary and fecal incontinence. Like protective underwear, adult briefs require the right sizing to work properly. The experts on our team can help anyone find the right fit and product for their specific needs.

The good news is that some insurance policies cover adult briefs as a healthcare benefit, so it could be possible to get them at little or not cost. To learn your coverage options, complete the online incontinence product finder below or contact us today.

image collage of incontinence products computer monitor and cell phone showing online way to see if you qualify for insurance covered incontinence supplies

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

What is Stress Incontinence?

What is Stress Incontinence?

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Stress incontinence is the involuntarily leakage of urine when extra pressure or force is put on the bladder. It’s the most common type of incontinence and occurs more in women than in men.

How Stress Incontinence Happens

Generally speaking, stress incontinence occurs when the sphincter or pelvic floor muscles weaken, making it harder for them to contain urine. When force is put on these weakened muscles, it causes them to momentarily relax, resulting in a tiny leak of urine. There are many everyday activities that can cause this kind of force, like sneezing, laughing, or coughing.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are many causes and risk factors that can lead to stress incontinence. Here are a few of the ones most commonly experienced:

Childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth can increase the chance of stress incontinence. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles and bladder often experience great strain, which can lead to a weakening of these muscle groups. If the weakened muscles do not recover, it could become more difficult for them to hold in urine.

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Damaged Muscle Tissue

Any damage to the pelvic floor muscles or to the sphincter can lead to stress incontinence. Damage to these muscles could make them weaker, resulting in more difficulty containing urine. Even though the muscles may heal from their injury, there’s no guarantee that they will fully regain the strength needed to resist extra force against the bladder.

Naturally Weak Muscles

The pelvic floor and sphincter muscles don’t need to be damaged for stress incontinence to occur. For some people, these muscles are naturally weaker. If this is the case, then stress incontinence could occur without the body experiencing any kind of injury.

Stress Incontinence Solutions

Stress incontinence causes light leakage, and the most common incontinence product used to manage light leakage is the bladder control pad. Bladder control pads are designed for lighter output, so they’re perfect for absorbing leakage from stress incontinence. They come in a range of designs and sizes and are made to accommodate both male and females.

It may be possible to get bladder control pads as a covered benefit through your insurance plan. Complete the incontinence product finder below to learn more about what coverage options are available to you.

image collage of incontinence products computer monitor and cell phone showing online way to see if you qualify for insurance covered incontinence supplies

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

Adult Diaper Rash – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Adult Diaper Rash – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

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Adult diaper rash is a skin condition that can turn incontinence management into a very painful and uncomfortable experience. It’s one of the most common challenges for people with incontinence

Luckily, adult diaper rash is easy to treat and prevent. Understanding why it happens and following some basic prevention techniques can help reduce the risk and provide a healthier, happier experience.

What is Adult Diaper Rash?

Adult diaper rash is a skin condition in which the surface of the skin becomes irritated or inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. It consists of a red or pink spot on the skin that is painful when touched or rubbed. Generally speaking, adult diaper rash is fairly minor and will heal within 24 hours if treated properly.

NOTE: While adult diaper rash is most common among people using incontinence products, it’s very possible for other people to experience it as well.

Symptoms

Here are some of the common symptoms affiliated with adult diaper rash:

  • Pink or red area on the skin
  • Inflamed or slightly raised skin
  • Area on the skin that’s painful when touched or rubbed.
  • Mild skin breakdown or deterioration.

Causes of Adult Diaper Rash

Adult diaper rash can be caused by numerous things. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

Friction

One of the most common causes of adult diaper rash is excessive rubbing or friction against the skin. If the adult diaper (or other fabric) rubs against the skin when worn, then this can cause the skin to inflame and become irritated. This irritation will form into adult diaper rash.

Wetness

Another common cause of adult diaper rash is wetness on the skin. When the skin is exposed to too much moisture, it becomes over-hydrated. Too much hydration weakens skin cells and makes them far more sensitive to friction and skin breakdown. Moisture that consists of substances other than water (such as sweat or urine), can also increase the sensitivity of the skin.

Allergic Reactions

Adult diaper rash can also be caused by an allergic reaction to a material in the diaper. A good sign of an allergy is if the rash encompasses a larger area, and is not isolated to a small spot. Allergic reactions can also develop much faster than rashes caused by friction.

Infection

Bacterial and fungal infections are another common cause of diaper rash. Bacteria and fungus spores love to grow in warm, moist environments, which makes adult diapers a risk area. Specifically, the bacteria that causes yeast infections (known as candida), is a frequent culprit of causing diaper rash among adults.

Treatment

Treating adult diaper rash is pretty simple and can be done at home. Most cases will clear up within 24 hours.

Apply a Medical Cream

There are some medical creams designed specifically to aid in the treatment of adult diaper rash. Specifically, Zinc Oxide barrier creams and skin protectants can help reduce irritation and assist in keeping the rash area dry. Use as directed by the product instructions.

Keep The Area Dry

Keeping the diaper rash area dry is a great way to encourage the healing of diaper rash. Gently pat the rash area with a soft, absorbent tissue or towel, and try to keep the affected area exposed to air as much as possible. This will keep moisture from weakening the cells and allow them to heal more quickly.

Limit Friction

One of the easiest ways to treat adult diaper rash is to avoid contact with the affected area. Contact with clothing or the diaper material could cause further irritation, so try to keep the area free from contact with these kinds of materials. This will prevent further irritation and give the rash time to heal.

Prevention

Here are some things you can to do help prevent adult diaper rash from developing:

Use the Right Product

One of the leading reasons that adult diaper rash is not using the right incontinence product. The wrong incontinence product, especially the wrong product size, can lead to increased friction and more wetness, both of which are leading causes of adult diaper rash. Making sure you are in the right product will drastically reduce your risk.

For a quick and easy way to see if you’re in the right product, try our incontinence product finder. You can also use it to find out if your insurance can help cover the cost of your products.

NOTE: Using the wrong incontinence product for your needs can increase risk for other skin conditions. Read about other incontience-related skin conditions and how to prevent them.

Change Frequently

Regular airflow to the skin can help prevent adult diaper rash from forming, so try to give your skin some time to “air out.” When possible, remove your product and let the skin breathe. You can also use this as an opportunity to wipe away any moisture that may have accumulated.

Expose Area to Air

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Wash Thoroughly

Be sure to thoroughly wash any skin covered by the incontinence product. Washing will help remove urine and stool that can lead to adult diaper rash. Use of a mild, pH balanced skin cleanser or plain water is usually recommended. Be sure to pat the area dry before securing a new product.

graphic illustrating online way to see if you qualify graphic of shipping truck over an arrow pointing to delivered HCD supply box

You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?

Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.

Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.

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