Are Adult Diapers and Other Incontinence Supplies FSA Eligible? What You Need to Know
Managing the costs of essential supplies like adult diapers for incontinence can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. Many individuals rely on these products daily for comfort, confidence, and dignity, but the financial strain can add up quickly. Luckily, an Flexible Spending Account (FSA) may offer some relief by covering the cost of certain incontinence supplies.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the FSA eligibility of adult diapers and other related products, helping you better understand what qualifies and how to access these benefits. If you’re navigating this for the first time or looking to maximize your FSA funds, keep reading as we provide clear, supportive information to make managing adult incontinence just a little bit easier.
What are FSAs?
An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) is an employer-sponsored savings account designed to help cover eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income and saving you money on taxes. Many employers also contribute funds to your FSA, giving you an added financial boost toward covering qualified costs.
Here’s how it works: You choose an amount to contribute, and this is deducted from your paycheck before taxes. Often, FSA accounts come with a card that you can use, like a credit card, to pay directly for eligible expenses, eliminating the need for reimbursement in many cases.
If you do need to submit claims, your FSA administrator processes them and reimburses you for qualified costs. Note that the IRS sets annual limits on contributions — $3,200 for 2024 — so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Eligibility of Incontinence Supplies
When it comes to using your FSA funds for incontinence supplies, not all products qualify. The IRS defines eligible expenses as those that are necessary to treat, manage, or mitigate a medical condition.
Specific Eligibility of Incontinence Supplies
Incontinence products like adult diapers, absorbent pads, protective undergarments, and bed protectors often qualify if they are necessary for managing conditions such as urinary or bowel incontinence.
To confirm eligibility, the product must be deemed medically necessary and should directly address the needs of the individual’s medical condition. If your situation requires regular use of these products, obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider can strengthen your claim for approval during the reimbursement process.
Examples of Eligible and Non-Eligible Products
Incontinence falls under the medical condition category, meaning it’s typically covered by your FSA and is eligible for reimbursement.
Eligible Products
When managing incontinence, several products qualify for FSA reimbursement if they meet the criteria of being medically necessary. Here’s a list of commonly eligible items:
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Adult Diapers: Designed for urinary or bowel incontinence due to a medical condition.
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Incontinence Pads: Absorbent pads to manage light to moderate leakage.
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Protective Undergarments: Reusable or disposable garments that provide added protection, such as incontinence liners and incontinence underwear.
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Bed Protectors: Waterproof mattress covers and underpads for nighttime use.
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Catheters and Related Supplies: Necessary for medical incontinence management.
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Skin Barrier Creams: Products used to protect the skin from irritation caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.
Non-Eligible Products
Anything can be disqualified for reimbursement if they are not intended for medical use, including incontinence products. This means you will need a healthcare provider’s diagnosis to confirm you need these supplies to manage the symptoms of incontinence. Here’s a list of products that are generally not covered:
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General Hygiene Wipes: Standard wipes used for cleaning, unless prescribed for a medical condition.
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Cleaning Sprays: Products for general cleaning purposes rather than medical necessity.
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Cosmetic Products: Items such as scented sprays or lotions that are not required for incontinence management.
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Convenience Products: Supplies used for non-medical reasons, like travel or extended outings.
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Over-the-counter medications: Unless specifically related to incontinence and accompanied by a prescription.
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Reusable Garments Without a Medical Purpose: Products like washable underwear that are not designed for incontinence care.
How to Use Your FSA for Incontinence Supplies
To make things easier, many FSA plans now offer debit cards that can be used to directly purchase your incontinence products or other medically-approved items. Here’s how to use it:
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Activate Your Card: Follow the instructions your FSA provider gave you to ensure your card is activated and ready to use.
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Use the Card to Purchase Your Incontinence Supplies: Now, you can use your debit card to purchase your supplies online or in-store.
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Keep Receipts: Just like for business credit card accounts, it’s important to store all your receipts in a safe place for record-keeping or for any future audits.
If your FSA plan doesn’t come with a debit card, you’ll need to submit a claim for reimbursement. Here’s how to claim your reimbursement:
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Purchase the supplies you need with your own money.
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Keep your receipts or paperwork.
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Fill out the FSA reimbursement claim form your provider gave you accurately and with details about the purchase date, amount, and other relevant information.
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Submit your form to your administrator, either in person, by mail, or online.
Other Ways to Pay for Incontinence Supplies
If you do not have an FSA but still do not want to pay out-of-pocket for incontinence supplies, an HSA (Health Savings Account) is a great alternative. Similar to a FSA, an HSA account is a tax-advantaged savings account that helps you save for future medical expenses.
While some private insurance companies may not directly pay for incontinence supplies, you may be able to get coverage for related treatments. Some Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans may help reimburse incontinence supplies, but be sure to talk to your provider to go over all of your options.
Your local community healthcare or diaper banks may also be able to provide free incontinence supplies — simply contact your local government or search online to get more information.
Resources for More Information
If you have a question or need more clarity about what’s covered, contact your FSA administrator or Human Resources, as they can provide the most up-to-date information. You can also explore the IRS website, the general FSA website, or your current health insurance provider for more information.
We’ve included some helpful links to get you to the right people:
Find the Incontinence Supplies You Need at Parentgiving
At Parentgiving, we carry only the most high-quality, durable, and top-rated incontinence products out there. If you or a loved one suffers from bed wetting or urinary and/or bowel incontinence, our online store provides a multitude of options with plenty of samples to try.
If incontinence products are a medical necessity for you, Parentgiving is your one-stop shop for high-quality solutions delivered right to your door. Explore our online store today and discover how we can help make managing incontinence simpler, more affordable, and more convenient.