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If you’re a Medicaid recipient, you may already know that many state Medicaid plans cover incontinence supplies for adults. But what about children? Can you get diapers for your kids with Medicaid? The answer depends on a few different factors.

Medicaid coverage of children’s diapers is available, but for Medicaid to provide coverage, the diapers must first be considered medically necessary. This means that a doctor or physician must confirm that the diapers are part of a treatment plan for a specific condition.

Many state Medicaid plans also have age restrictions for covering children’s diapers. Generally speaking, children must be older than 3 or 4 years old to be eligible to receive diapers. For more information about your specific state requirements, check out our Guide to Medicaid Coverage of Incontinence Supplies.

To get children’s diapers with Medicaid benefits, you should first check to see if your state Medicaid will cover the supplies. After that, you need to visit a doctor and get a diagnosis. A diagnosis from a physician means diapers are a medical necessity for your child and are part of a treatment plan for their condition. Once your child has been diagnosed, Medicaid benefits may cover their cost (depending on specific state rules).

After they’ve seen their doctor, contact us about getting diapers for your child. We’ll collect the paperwork and submit it to the Medicaid office on your behalf. If your child is eligible, we’ll be able to send you diapers each month and bill Medicaid for the cost.

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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Choosing the right incontinence pad should be a simple, straightforward task, right? You just look at the products, compare their features, and pick the one you think is right for you. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

Incontinence pads are not so simple. They come in many different varieties and are often described with unfamiliar terms that can be misleading. Companies also use different words to describe similar products, making comparisons even more difficult.

But don’t worry. This guide will help you cut through the confusion and get to what matters: finding a pad that’s right for you. We’ve put together some important tips that will help you know what those words on the package really mean, and how to know if it’s the right product for your needs.

Incontinence pads are thin, absorbent pads designed to manage light urine leakage. Other names for incontinence pads are:

• Bladder Control pads
• Incontinence diapers
• Adult liners
• Insert pads

Generally, incontinence pads are made of soft, absorbent fabric that’s filled with a liquid-absorbing polymer. When urine touches the polymer, it becomes trapped, keeping the skin clean and dry. The back of the pad consists of a waterproof layer that keeps leakage from passing through

One thing that confuses people is the absorbency of incontinence pads. When shopping for products, you may see words like “super-absorbent,” “maximum,” or “ultimate” on the package. That does not mean that the incontinence pad can manage moderate or heavy flows.

No matter how they are described, incontinence pads (bladder control pads) can only handle light leakage. Light leakage is characterized by drops of urine or moderate heavy dribbles. If you experience leakage that’s heavier than a few drops, there are other types of incontinence products that are better suited to support you and your specific condition needs.

Here is the absorbency scale for the incontinence pads in this guide. Keep in mind that this range represents different levels of light leakage only, and not heavier types of leakage:

Knowing the right pad size can cause you some uneasiness as there are many words used to describe them: regular, moderate, ultra-long, classic, normal. How do you know which size is right?

The first thing to understand is that the team at HCD is here to work with you, understand your specific needs, and work with you and your physician to determine the right product and size to support you. Keep in mind, incontinence pad sizing is different for each manufacturer. Some brands use their own terms to refer to their sizes, so we are here to help navigate this process for you.

For example, one company may use the word “petite” to describe their small size. Other brands use the traditional “small,” “medium,” and “large,” but just like clothing, these sizes may be slightly different from one company to the next. What counts as a medium in one brand may be longer or shorter than a medium in another.

There are two ways to choose the correct size: The first is to focus on the actual pad length. Almost all incontinence pads are measured in inches, and most manufacturers put these measurements somewhere on the packaging. Using the actual pad length will help you know the exact size of the pad regardless of what a company calls it.

Another option is to go by the hip and waist size. Some incontinence pads are sized based upon the waist (just like when you buy pants). For these pads, choose one made for your waist size.

Although companies use different words to describe size and absorbency, there are some common terms you may see across brands.

Note: Some brands might use “ultimate” for their biggest size, so it’s important to look at the actual length and determine if that will meet your needs

It’s not only the size of the pads that can be difficult to choose, but also the style. Incontinence pads come in many different varieties: thin, lite, etc. Here are some of the most common styles of incontinence pads you’ll see.

As the name suggests, rectangular pads have a rectangular shape. They tend to be less bulky than other pads, but they don’t contour to the curves of the body as well. For this reason, they are best used for lighter leakage.

Shaped pads are the most common type of incontinence pad. Their shape aligns with the contours of the body, providing comfort and protection. While they can be a little bulkier than rectangular pads, they tend to provide more protection than rectangular ones.

When long is used with incontinence pads, it usually comes after another term (moderate-long, ultimate long, etc…) The “long” indicates that the pad is longer than the regular version, but has the same absorbency level. Generally speaking, a long pad is 1-3 inches longer than the regular version.

Male guards/shields are incontinence pads designed specifically for men. Their unique shape accommodates the anatomical needs of men while still providing protection against leakage. Just like normal incontinence pads, male guards come in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels.

Scented and odor-reducing pads are designed to help with unwanted odor that urinary incontinence might cause. Scented pads work by releasing perfumes when urine hits the polymer (similar to household odor sprays). Odor-reducing pads have materials that work to prevent the creation of odor-causing particles.

• Features an absorbent layer of polymer for better leakage absorption.
• Reduces odor and pulls moisture away from the skin.
  Features a special insert that helps the pad keep its shape, preventing it from bunching up.
• Made with comfortable, cloth-like material that’s latex free.
• Individually sealed with a wrapper that can also be used to dispose of the pad.

Did you know that Medicaid and some private insurance plans cover incontinence supplies? It’s true, and it could potentially save you money on the cost of your products.

If you have Medicaid, then you may be eligible right now to get incontinence pads as a covered benefit. Learn more about getting bladder control pads covered by Medicaid. We’ll find you the right product, deliver them discreetly to your door, and bill your insurance for the cost. It only takes a few minutes to enroll and could save you hundreds on your out-of-pocket costs.

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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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!

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.