5 Ways To Cut Your Incontinence Supplies Cost
Adult incontinence supplies are a regular health expense for more than 25 million Americans. The frequent, recurring cost of adult diapers and pull ups, adult protective underwear, liners and pads and more can add up quickly, becoming a burden to retired adults and family caregivers. Like with many other healthcare costs, there are ways to defray the financial burden and save on some of these supplies:
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Depending on your health insurance plan, you may be eligible to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer. Both of these accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars that can be used for any qualifying medical expense. HSAs are offered in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance plan. With an HSA, the funds roll over from year to year, so you never lose your contributions (consider it an IRA for medical expenses.) An FSA is offered in conjunction with a higher-premium/lower-deductible health insurance plan. With FSAs, your annual contribution does not roll over from year to year, so it’s important to have a pretty good estimate of what your annual expenses will be when you enroll each year. Before setting up an FSA or HSA, be sure to familiarize yourself with what are FSA and HSA eligible expenses.
- Tax deductions: According to the IRS, the amount you spend on diapers or diaper services may be tax-deductible if “they are needed to relieve the effects of a particular disease.” If your physician or your loved one’s physician can diagnose medical incontinence, the incontinence supplies you purchase may be tax-deductible, so long as they are not fully reimbursed by an HSA or FSA. For more information on what medical and dental expenses are tax-deductible for the 2013 tax year, read IRS Publication 502.
- Buying in Bulk: While buying perishable items in bulk can be hit or miss, purchasing incontinence supplies and other non-perishable items in bulk can be a huge money-saver. Retailers and manufacturers frequently charge more per unit for smaller amounts than for larger amounts; part of this has to do with packaging, shipping and presentation costs. A package of 18 Large Prevail Adult Pull-Ups can cost $17-$20 or more – or anywhere from $0.96 to $1.11 per diaper. A case of 72 Large Prevail Adult Pull Ups, however, can cost as low as $46 – less than $0.64 per diaper. That’s approximately 40% cheaper! Over time, buying incontinence supplies wholesale can accumulate in significant savings. Be sure to do some price comparisons before settling on a retailer, however; that $46 case of Prevail diapers can cost you $64 or more at another store.
- Online shopping: Shopping for incontinence supplies online has many benefits. First of all, prices are often more competitive. Online retailers know that it’s easy for a shopper to compare prices online, making it even more important that they offer low, competitive prices. In addition, many online retailers don’t have brick-and-mortar stores, which can reduce their overall costs and allow them to pass those savings onto their customers. Front door delivery and free shipping is offered by some online retailers, and this can add up to significant savings – both in time and gas money. Items purchased online may also be tax-free, if a national retailer doesn’t have a physical location in your state. Finally, online shopping allows for maximum discretion. Buying incontinence supplies can be embarrassing for many people, who don’t want to be seen standing in the incontinence aisle or buying products in front of people they know. Online shopping allows for maximum privacy regarding your medical needs.
- Couponing: Many retailers offer regular coupons when you create an account on their website or sign up for their newsletters. These coupons and ongoing promotions can be significant, taking off $5 at checkout or even a percentage off your order. Coupon and promotional savings can make a difference, especially over time. Look for samples that come with a coupon, or try an online search for “Home Care Supplies” coupons or promo codes.
To browse our full line of low-cost incontinence supplies, visit the Total Home Care Supplies web store.
Click here for our latest Adult Diaper Coupon.
