Does Cigna Healthcare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

While Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) doesn't cover most incontinence supplies, some private health insurance plans may help cover them.

Private Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans like the ones offered by Cigna Healthcare may help some beneficiaries pay for incontinence supplies, though you should check directly with your plan provider to review your Cigna Medicare Advantage plan coverage.

While a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan may or may not include medical coverage for incontinence supplies, some Medicare Advantage plans from Cigna may include an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit that plan members can use to pay for incontinence supplies such as pads, adult diapers, bedpans, underpads or disposable underwear. 

Consumable vs. Durable Medical Equipment to Treat Incontinence

Cigna Healthcare covers consumable supplies to treat incontinence only in certain situations, such as:

• Inpatient hospital services
• Outpatient hospital facility services
• Home health services
• Diabetic services
• Breast reconstruction and breast prostheses

Consumable medical supplies share the following features:

• They are usually disposable
• They shouldn't be used or worn by more than one individual
• They serve a medical purpose
• They shouldn't be used in the absence of an illness or injury
• They may be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor

These supplies differ from durable medical equipment. Durable medical equipment has the following characteristics:

• It serves a medical purpose
• It is intended for everyday use
• It is reliable, typically having an expected life span of at least 3 years

In other words, the two types of equipment are similar in their uses. But one is meant to be disposed of and replaced regularly, and the other is expected to last for years. Many patients with incontinence prefer consumable supplies because they are less bulky, less obtrusive, more comfortable and more discreet.

If a piece of equipment (such as catheters) is covered by Original Medicare, then a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan will also cover the incontinence product.

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