It’s back-to-school season, and with it comes a laundry list of things to buy and organize. For families managing childhood incontinence, the right supplies are just one more item on that already long list.
The good news is that getting your child stocked and ready for the school year is easier than you might expect, and could cost much less.
Here’s what you need to know about getting your child set up for school before the first bell, and how insurance and Medicaid can help those with incontinence get the supplies they need at little to no cost.
What Does A Child with Incontinence Need for the School Day?
Every child needs specific things for the school day, whether they’re writing on paper or learning on tablets. But the child with incontinence needs a few extra supplies that help them feel comfortable and supported throughout the day:
- Enough daytime pull-ups or diapers (in the right size for them) for the full school day, plus a spare set in their backpack
- Sanitary wipes for quick, private changes after accidents
- A small and discreet change kit for the backpack or nurse’s office
- A list of numbers to call should a child need extra clothes or supplies during the day
Make sure to have all of these ready to go before the school year starts. As needed, refill them and make sure everyone knows where they are and how to access them should an accident occur.
The more prepared you and your child feel before the first day, the better!
Did You Know Medicaid May Cover Incontinence Supplies for Children?
Many parents and families don’t realize that these supplies may already be covered. With a qualifying diagnosis (such as autism or ADHD) and documentation from your child’s doctor,
Medicaid in many states may cover diapers, pull-ups, and wipes at little or no cost to you. Plus, they can be set up for delivery to your door each month!
Coverage will vary depending on your state and your plan, as well as the medical necessity of the supplies. Many states cover children older than three or four years old.
If you aren’t sure about your coverage, contact our team at UroStat. We can walk you through what may apply to your family, including verifying your child’s coverage and coordinating paperwork with your doctor.
UroStat can also help you set up monthly deliveries of supplies if you qualify.
Want to learn more? See more online about getting supplies covered through Medicaid and about the free diaper and pull-up program for children with autism.
How Do You Prepare For Incontinence Before School Starts?
The best time to prepare for a school year with childhood incontinence is now, before the doctor’s offices fill up with back-to-school visits and processing timelines get longer.
Most families can get covered in three easy steps:
- Get Documentation: Talk with your child’s doctor and ask them to document that incontinence supplies are medically necessary for the school year.
- Get Verified: Let UroStat verify your benefits and gather what your plan requires for coverage. If your child needs overnight protection as well, we may be able to help you get insurance-covered overnight diapers.
- Get (and Stay) Prepared: Once qualified, set up monthly home delivery of incontinence supplies, so they arrive on time and give you time to test them out before school starts.
Many parents and guardians are surprised at how little they have to do once the process is underway. Knowing that you have the right supplies arriving at the right time can take much of the stress out of back-to-school prep!
How Do You Get School Ready for the Day?
Having the right supplies is one part of the process. The other is having the right support at school.
A quick conversation before the school year begins with your child’s teachers and other school administrators can go far to help everyone feel comfortable and prepared for ht year ahead.
Most schools are more than happy to help once they know what your child needs, and giving everyone a heads-up can keep everyone calm and ready should an accident occur.
Before the first day, reach out to the school nurse and your child’s teacher and discuss:
- Where your child’s spare change kit will be located throughout the day, whether that’s in a cubby, locker, backpack, or the nurse’s office
- Whether or not a discreet “signal” is appropriate to let teachers know when your child may need a break, so they don’t feel embarrassed in front of the class
- Any words or ways of discussing your child’s experience with them, so they feel supported and cared for throughout the year
If your child has a 504 plan or an IEP, you can add bathroom access and private changes to it, so the full support process is documented for everyone involved.
What If My Child Has Outgrown Regular Diapers or Pull-Up Sizes?
Incontinence timelines are as unique as children themselves. Many outgrow the challenges with daytime or nighttime accidents, but some children may take longer than others, particularly those with autism or ADHD.
Older children and teens shouldn’t have to squeeze into products that are made for much smaller bodies. UroStat carries youth and teen sizes made for bigger bodies, available for children roughly ages 5 to 21 through qualifying plans.
Get Your Child Covered for the School Year with UroStat
A new school year means a new start, and that should be one full of excitement rather than anxiety. With so much to plan for and buy, incontinence supplies shouldn’t add to the stress.
Call UroStat today at 888-845-8698 to learn more about potential coverage and delivery options. You can check your child’s eligibility online to see if supplies are available at little to no cost to you, well before the school year begins.