Medicaid reimbursement for diapers

Parents often take comfort in knowing the expense of diapers and training pants typically doesn’t last more than two or three years. When a child reaches the “potty-training milestone,” that diaper money frees up some of the budget for other resourcess.

However, when a child with special needs or developmental delays struggles with incontinence, the cost of diapers and trainers can extend into the preschool years – and sometimes, depending on the medical condition, is a permanent fixture in the budget. Unfortunately, as a child ages, expenses like preschool, after-school care, larger clothing sizes, and more pricey toys start to strain the budget, as well. On top of that, medical bills for a child with a developmental delay or health condition begin to add up.

The good news is that some brands of diapers are actually eligible for reimbursement through Medicaid.

The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) is a package of services in each state’s Medicaid plan, provided to each enrolled child from birth through age 21. This means children enrolled in Medicaid may be qualified to have the cost of diapers reimbursed.

The EPSDT states that diapers and trainers are reimbursed only for the treatment of diagnosed medical conditions. In other words, diapers will only be prescribed when the child has a medical reason for his or her incontinence.

*States with special requirements

• Colorado: If enrolled in the Denver Health Medicaid Choice, a two-month supply is provided at birth, with additional diapers provided throughout the first 15th months if/when mothers go for doctor visits
• District of Columbia: No age restriction; subject to medical necessity
• Maryland: Under 3 if medically necessary
• Minnesota: Under 4 years old with diagnosis of excessive urine or fecal output requiring more than 10 diapers per day
• New Hampshire: Not specified
• New Jersey: Varies by Medicaid HMO
• South Dakota: 2 ½ years old
• Utah: Appears to be no age limit, but the request must be due to a disability
• Vermont: At birth for diapers in excess of 150/month

The first step is typically to obtain a detailed prescription or letter of medical necessity from your child’s doctor. You can use this letter to ask for approval from your child’s local Medicaid office.

Please note that simply stating your child’s need is not enough – for eligibility, you must have a medical diagnosis and document from a doctor.

In many states the only way to receive reimbursement for your diapers, trainers, and medical supplies is by ordering through an approved home health vendor or pharmacy.

While the process of gaining eligibility and selecting a vendor may sound overwhelming, don’t be daunted. Once you’re set up in the system, there are many benefits to this system:

• A vendor can deliver medical supplies directly to your front door.
• The medical supplies, diapers, and trainers can arrive in unmarked boxes for your privacy.
• The reimbursement may cover a large percent, if not all, of your diapers and trainers.
• This essentially means the supplies you need will arrive at your front door, at very low, or no, cost.
• We offer an easy tool for finding a vendor in your area, and Comfees® diapers are all eligible for reimbursement.

Comfees® Cares about Families with Children with Developmental Delays

From sponsoring great non-profit organizations like the National Autism Society, to providing donated diapers and supplies to families in need, one of the core values of Comfees® is taking care of these families who face unique challenges due to medical conditions. We’ll deliver straight to your door, and all our products are eligible for Medicaid Reimbursement. Explore our vendor finder today, or give us a call, and let us help make your life a little easier.