Do I Need a Prescription to Get Free Diapers with Medicaid?
Yes, you need a prescription to get free diapers with Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and you’ll need a prescription for other incontinence supplies through Medicaid too.
Here’s why, with more answers to common questions about Medicaid diaper prescriptions, including:
- Why Are Prescriptions Required for Free Diapers Through Medicaid?
- How Do I Get a Prescription for Incontinence Supplies Through Medicaid?
- How Often Do I Need to Renew My Medicaid Diaper Prescription?
- What Details Must Be in My Medicaid Diaper Prescription?
- What Should I Discuss with My Doctor When It Comes to Medicaid Incontinence Supplies?
- When Do Diaper Prescriptions for Medicaid Need “Prior Authorizations”?
- How to Get Help Getting Free Incontinence Supplies Through Medicaid in WA, OR & ID
This guide to Medicaid prescriptions for diapers and incontinence supplies is geared towards answers pertaining to Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Crafted to walk you through the essentials in under ~3 minutes, the information below can help you navigate your Medicaid coverage — and get the durable medical supplies you need — with greater ease, confidence and peace of mind.
For more answers or expert support getting free diapers and incontinence supplies with Medicaid in WA, OR, or ID, contact MyMedSupplies by clicking the button below or calling 888-441-1312.
Our Medicaid experts are ready to share more answers and help whenever you need it.
Why Are Prescriptions Required for Free Diapers Through Medicaid?
Medicaid requires prescriptions for incontinence supplies as a way to verify medical need for diapers, briefs, pull-ups (and pull-ons), pads, pant liners, bed pads, underpads, and more.
These prescriptions serve as a more formal document that lets Medicaid, as your health insurance provider, authenticate the facts that:
- You have a medical condition that causes temporary or permanent incontinence or bladder control issues.
- You need specific incontinence supplies to address your medical condition.
- Your doctor has diagnosed your condition and affirmed your need for diapers and/or other incontinence supplies.
This requirement for diaper and incontinence supply prescriptions is intended to prevent misuse while ensuring those with legitimate, verified medical necessity are able to get the medical products they need.
Please keep in mind that this holds true for in Medicaid in:
- Washington, including via Community Health Plan of WA, Coordinated Care, Molina, and United Healthcare
- Oregon, including through CareOregon, Trillium, Pacificsource, Moda, Columbia Pacific, and Yamhill
- Idaho, including via Molina and Blue Cross of Idaho.
How Do I Get a Prescription for Incontinence Supplies Through Medicaid?
To get a Medicaid diaper or incontinence supply prescription:
- Visit your doctor: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) or a specialist for your condition, like a urologist.
- Discuss your condition: When you meet with your doctor, share as many details as possible about your symptoms and how your condition impacts your daily life. Talk about past treatments, current ways you manage your condition, and any options that could help you address incontinence better going forward.
- Request a prescription: Your doctor can write you a prescription that details your needs, helps establish medical necessity, and gets you one step closer to getting free diapers and incontinence supplies through Medicaid.
This can be a relatively simple process when your condition has been diagnosed. It may take a little more time if a diagnosis is still pending or more elusive. Nevertheless, consulting with your physician is a key first step to getting the process started and obtaining the required prescription.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Medicaid Diaper Prescription?
How long will my diaper prescription for Medicaid last? That’s a question that may not come up when you visit your doctor, but it’s crucial to understand because Medicaid diaper and incontinence supply prescriptions will NOT last forever.
On the contrary, these prescriptions expire after 12 months and, therefore, need to be renewed every year.
While that may seem like an extra layer of “red tape” to deal with year in and year out, it can be important because:
- Your condition can change over time: While treatments or time could reduce the need for incontinence supplies for some people, others may have progressive conditions that worsen over time.
- Your needs for incontinence supplies can evolve: Improving or advancing conditions can impact the need for incontinence supplies. That can make a current prescription inappropriate or insufficient for your future needs.
Consequently, renewing your Medicaid diaper prescription annually can actually be to your advantage, giving your assurance that your prescription and incontinence supplies remain up to date and appropriate for your actual needs.
What Details Must Be in My Medicaid Diaper Prescription?
Generally, your Medicaid prescription for diapers and incontinence supplies should include:
- Your full name: The prescription should clearly state the name of the person who needs the supplies.
- Your diagnosis: The medical condition that necessitates the use of incontinence supplies must be listed (e.g., urinary incontinence, overactive bladder).
- The type and quantity of supplies needed: The prescription should specify the type (e.g., adult diapers, pull-ups) and the quantity required (e.g., 150 diapers per month).
- Your healthcare provider’s details: The prescription must include the physician’s name, contact information, National Provider Identifier (NPI) number, and signature.
Here, it’s crucial to know that:
- Prescriptions are NOT the only documentation you need to get free diapers and incontinence supplies with Medicaid.
- You do not have to navigate the process alone. The Medicaid experts at MyMedSupplies are here to guide you through every step, helping you get the incontinence supplies you need whether you’re covered through Washington Medicaid, Oregon Medicaid, or Idaho Medicaid.
What Should I Discuss with My Doctor When It Comes to Medicaid Incontinence Supplies?
When it’s time to consult your doctor and talk diapers and incontinence supplies, here are some helpful tips for productive conversations:
- Be honest: Don’t hold back. Be open and set aside any emotions or anxieties you have about talking about your condition. The more detailed you can be in your talks with your doctor, the better (s)he can help you assess your needs. That can result in faster diagnoses and better-written, more precise prescriptions.
- Ask about different types of supplies: Diapers can be an ideal solution for many people, but they are not the only option available. So, discuss different types of incontinence products with your doctor, including options for at home, overnight, and your daily life.
- Clarify frequency and amount: Talk numbers when it comes to diapers and incontinence supplies, dialing into the quantities you’ll need each month.
- Discuss the renewal process: Ask about follow-up appointments and check-ups. Depending on your condition, you may need more or less visits to your doctor after you get your prescription; regardless, you will need an annual appointment to get your prescription renewed.
When Do Diaper Prescriptions for Medicaid Need “Prior Authorizations”?
A “prior authorization” refers to an extra Medicaid approval for certain incontinence supplies and diapers. Most Medicaid diaper prescriptions will not require prior authorizations.
Typically, the ones that do are those associated with higher quantities of diapers or incontinence supplies, meaning someone needs more than the monthly maximums set by Medicaid (please note that these monthly maximums vary by state and incontinence product).
If you need a prior authorization — or you’re concerned that you may need one — talk to your doctor, as your physician will have to start and submit a prior authorization with Medicaid if you do, in fact, need one.
Once that happens, Medicaid will review and respond to your request for prior authorization, notifying you of approval, denial, or the need for further documentation after the initial review.
Given that this process can take time, it’s usually prudent to get it going as soon as you’re aware that your medical supply needs have changed.
Expert Help Getting Free Incontinence Supplies Through Medicaid in WA, OR & ID
When it’s time to get free diapers and incontinence supplies through Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, it’s time to contact MyMedSupplies.
With decades of experience in the medical supply industry, MyMedSupplies is a trusted medical supply store in Spokane, WA, that’s known as a go-to destination for incontinence supplies and diapers for adults and children covered by Medicaid in multiple states.
Formerly known as Geneva Woods Health Supplies, LLC, MyMedSupplies accepts Medicaid in Idaho, as well as Washington and Oregon. We are also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) to provide services for Durable Medical Equipment, Respiratory Services, and Medical Supplies. Contact our professional coordinators for expert help now.