For most people, figuring out how many incontinence supplies you’ll need each month takes some trial and error. It’s normal to feel uncertain or even frustrated as you get started. This guide is here to help you confidently track your usage, build a checklist that works for you, and avoid the hassle of running out—or ending up with more than you can use.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule a free Conduit Health call to check your coverage eligibility and get a prescription, which includes a diagnosis, products, and quantities. Coverage depends on your plan and clinical needs.
- Get your supplies delivered to you.
- Track your usage for a week or two.
- If your needs change, just let us know. No new prescription needed.
1. Get a prescription
Getting incontinence supplies can feel overwhelming, especially when paperwork stands in the way of what you need. For your prescription to be approved, your provider must include the exact diagnosis, products, and monthly quantities; otherwise, your insurance may deny your order. A detailed note with a diagnosis code helps ensure you get your supplies as soon as possible, without extra hurdles.
Traditionally, this meant scheduling an appointment and traveling to a doctor’s office, adding more stress to an already sensitive process. But Conduit can handle the entire process for you.
A quick note on coverage
Most state Medicaid programs cover incontinence supplies when your doctor documents the diagnosis. Original Medicare does not cover absorbent products like briefs and pads. Some Medicare Advantage plans include an over-the-counter allowance that can help. For details, check out our guide to getting your incontinence supplies covered, or contact us to review your specific eligibility.
2. Choose the products you need
You likely won’t need every item listed—everyone’s needs are unique. Most people start with one or two products, try them for a few weeks, and adjust as needed. The goal is to have supplies on hand, so you’re not left without while you figure out what works for you. If you ever feel unsure, remember that Conduit’s care team is available to help you choose what’s right for your situation.
3. Track how much you use
Keep your tally somewhere handy, like a notepad by the bathroom or a note on your phone. Multiply your daily number by 30 to get your monthly total. If you can’t wait a week, count for a few days, order on the lower end, and adjust next month. Remember, it’s completely normal if your needs change as you go—this process is about finding what works best for you, at your own pace.
Most Medicaid plans set a monthly limit for each product. If you need more, your doctor can request an exception with supporting paperwork explaining why. Don’t guess low to play it safe—your comfort and dignity matter, and you deserve to have what you need.
Conduit’s clinical team reviews your situation, helps you pick the right starting quantities, and updates your order as your needs change. You don’t need a new call or prescription for routine changes.
Your monthly checklist
The first few orders are the hard part. After that, a few minutes each month keep you on track. Here’s what to check, and what Conduit handles for you.
- Check your shipment against your order. Make sure you have the right product, size, and quantity. Needs can change, especially in the first few months. It’s easier to fix a mismatch right away than months later.
- Track what you use. Your first order was based on a week of counting. After a month, you’ll know your numbers even better. Use them to guide your next orders. If you’re running out before your next shipment or building up a stockpile, reach out to your care team—we’re here to help, and we’ll adjust your next order together. If you need to try a different product type, we can help you switch to something that fits your needs.
- Tell your care team if your needs change. Routine changes to quantity or product type don’t need a new call or prescription. Your next order updates automatically.
- Keep an eye on your prescription date. Most Medicaid plans require your doctor to renew the order and paperwork periodically, even if nothing has changed. This is the step most people miss. Conduit tracks your renewal window and handles the paperwork before anything lapses, so you don’t have to manage the calendar.
- Report any changes to your coverage. A new Medicaid plan, address, or primary care provider can affect your next order. Let Conduit know when something changes. We update your file, so you don’t have to start over with a new supplier.
Ready to get your first month of supplies? Check your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your state and plan. New York Medicaid, for example, covers up to 250 disposable diapers and liners combined per month — a limit the state sets to allow for up to 8 changes a day. If your documented need exceeds your state's limit, your prescriber can request an exception with supporting documentation. We'll confirm your plan's specific limits before your first order.
You can buy supplies out of pocket without one, but Medicaid coverage requires a prescription that documents the diagnosis, the specific products, and the monthly quantities. A note that says only "patient has incontinence" usually gets denied. With Conduit, a licensed clinician writes that order during a free 15-minute telehealth call.
Tell your care team. Running short is a sign your order quantities need to change, and routine adjustments don't require a new prescription or a new call. If your needs exceed what your plan covers each month, your prescriber can request an exception with documentation explaining why the larger quantity is necessary.
