Are Wipes Covered by Medicaid?
Medicaid covers several incontinence supplies, and that coverage varies by state. Generally, however, the incontinence supplies covered by Medicaid are absorbent products, intended to address sudden leaks and an inability to control bladder or bowel function. That tends to raise fair questions about whether cleaning wipes are covered and, if so, the monthly limits for them in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Addressing these issues, here are some helpful answers and details regarding:
- Does Medicaid Cover Wipes?
- What Incontinence Supplies Are Covered by Medicaid?
- What Incontinence Supplies Are NOT Covered by Medicaid?
- Medicaid Coverage Differences Across States
This guide to wipes and Medicaid shares useful info in under ~3 minutes. Whenever it’s time for expert assistance getting incontinence supplies with Medicaid in WA, OR, or ID, simply contact MyMedSupplies.
As a medical supply provider of choice throughout the Northwest U.S., MyMedSupplies is recognized for our expertise, our customer-focused service, and the highest-quality incontinence products.
Does Medicaid Cover Wipes?
Wipes may be used in various applications, from treating open wounds to cleaning the skin before piercing it with a needle. Those alcohol and iodine wipes are not the same as cleaning wipes that may be needed to manage urinary and fecal incontinence. That difference is crucial to know because:
- Some states do cover alcohol and iodine wipes. For example, Washington Medicaid covers 200 alcohol wipes and 100 iodine wipes per month.
- Washington, Oregon, and Idaho do NOT cover cleaning wipes as incontinence supplies because state policy does not deem cleaning wipes to be “medically necessary” for addressing incontinence.
Effectively, that means that:
- You do not need to include wipes on prescriptions for incontinence supplies via Medicaid.
- You will have to buy wipes, paying out of pocket, if you need them as part of your care and maintenance routine.
Please be aware, however, that Medicaid coverage for cleaning wipes could change in the future, as Medicaid routinely updates its coverage. To find out if your coverage will change in 2025, click here or contact MyMedSupplies for more answers.
What Incontinence Supplies Are Covered by Medicaid?
Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho generally covers the following incontinence supplies for eligible individuals with documented medical necessity:
- Adult Diapers: Essential for managing urinary and bowel incontinence, adult diapers are usually limited to 200 to 240 units per month in ID, WA, and OR.
- Pediatric Diapers: Children 3 and up can be eligible for free pediatric diapers with Medicaid in OR, WA, and ID. The same monthly limits for adult diapers apply to pediatric diapers.
- Pull-Ups: Less bulky and more convenient for managing some forms of incontinence, pull-ups are another incontinence supply that Medicaid covers. In many cases, pull-ups share the same limits as diapers. For example, a Medicaid recipient who wants adult diapers and pull-ups can split the total limit, getting 100 diapers and 100 pull-ups per month.
- Underpads: Used to protect bedding and furniture from leaks, underpads with Medicaid are typically limited to 100 to 180 per month in WA, OR, and ID.
- Gloves: Necessary for caregivers managing incontinence, gloves are also covered by Medicaid, with WA offering up to 100 pairs of gloves per month while OR and ID provide up to 50 pairs of gloves a month.
- More: Pant liners, male guards, catheters, skin barrier creams, and other items may also be covered incontinence supplies with Medicaid.
Here’s a breakdown of the monthly limits for other incontinence supplies covered by Medicaid.
If you need more incontinence products that the monthly limits in your state permit, it’s time to pursue a prior authorization with the help of your healthcare provider.
What Incontinence Supplies Are NOT Covered by Medicaid?
Cleaning wipes for incontinence are not covered by Medicaid in WA, OR, and ID, and they aren’t the only items you’ll need to purchase out of pocket if you need them.
Other products that are not usually covered by Medicaid include (and are not limited to):
- Diaper rash creams
- Plastic sheets or furniture coverings
- Mattress protectors
- Disinfectant sprays
- Specialized clothing
- Any incontinence products that you do not have a specific prescription for
These exclusions are often due to Medicaid’s focus on providing medically necessary items, rather than incontinence products that are considered generally convenient or not “medically necessary.”
Medicaid Coverage Differences Across States
As previously noted, Medicaid coverage for incontinence supplies varies significantly by state. Effectively, that means that:
- Eligibility requirements can vary too.
- Monthly limits for incontinence supplies differ by state.
- If you move to a new state, you’ll need to apply for Medicaid in that state and review what coverage entails — and what it excludes.
- State Medicaid programs and policies are reviewed and updated annually, meaning what is covered in one year may change the next.
Given the facts above, it is essential to:
- Review your coverage every year during the renewal process.
- Promptly open and review any correspondence Medicaid sends you.
- Work with an approved Medicaid supplier to get covered incontinence supplies and stay informed about potential changes.
- Keep an eye on the expiration date of current coverage, planning to renew it before it lapses, so you’re reliably covered.
A Better Way to Get Incontinence Products with Medicaid in WA, OR & ID
Navigating Medicaid’s incontinence supply coverage can be complex, especially when requirements change or you’re relocating to a new state. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
MyMedSupplies is here to help, support you, and simplify the process.
Our team is knowledgeable about Medicaid policies in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, ensuring you get the right products discreetly delivered to your door. We’ll help you:
- Understand the latest coverage updates.
- Obtain approvals and necessary documentation.
- Access high-quality supplies every month without hassles, delays, or worries about discreet shipments.
With 40+ years’ experience in the medical supply and Medicaid space, we’re fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) to provide Durable Medical Equipment, Respiratory Services, and Medical Supplies. We are also dedicated to putting our customers’ needs first, going the extra mile to deliver outstanding service and reliable access to top-quality incontinence products.
That’s why MyMedSupplies continues to be one of the best-rated, most well-reviewed medical supply stores in the Pacific Northwest.
To find out more — or get help getting free incontinence products with Medicaid — simply talk to a professional coordinator at MyMedSupplies. We are here for you, ready to help.