What TRICARE doesn't cover, and what to do instead
Incontinence supplies, stair lifts, humidifiers and grab bars. The honest answers.
What medical equipment doesn't TRICARE cover?
TRICARE doesn't cover "expendable items, such as incontinent pads, diapers," or "non-medical equipment, such as humidifiers, electric air cleaners, stationary bikes, safety grab bars." It doesn't cover stair lifts or chair lifts either. There are still routes: incontinence supplies through ECHO for families who qualify, and bath rails or safety beds through Medicare for TRICARE For Life members.
Some things families need at home aren't covered by TRICARE. Knowing that early saves time and surprise bills, and there are often other routes worth asking about.
Steps
- Incontinence supplies. Pads and diapers count as expendable items, which TRICARE doesn't cover. The exception is ECHO, the Extended Care Health Option, which lists incontinence supplies among its benefits.
- Who can use ECHO. ECHO is for active duty family members and some other groups with a qualifying condition. You must be enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, register with a TriWest case manager, and get approval first.
- Stair lifts and chair lifts. TRICARE doesn't cover elevators or chair lifts. They're changes to the house, and TRICARE covers equipment that mainly serves a medical purpose. If stairs are the problem, ask the doctor whether a covered item, like a hospital bed on the main floor, would help.
- Humidifiers and air cleaners. TRICARE names humidifiers and electric air cleaners as non-medical equipment it doesn't cover.
- Bath rails and grab bars. TRICARE doesn't cover bath rails or safety grab bars. If you have TRICARE For Life, Medicare may cover bath rails.
- Deluxe features. TRICARE doesn't pay for deluxe or luxury features. You may be able to pay the extra cost for them yourself.
- Ask before you buy. Call TriWest or intake before paying for anything yourself. We tell you plainly, before anything is ordered, when an item isn't covered.
Checklist
- Checked whether it's medical equipment or a change to the house
- Active duty family: asked about ECHO for incontinence supplies
- TRICARE For Life: asked Medicare about bath rails or safety beds
- Asked the doctor about a covered item that meets the same need
- Called TriWest or intake before paying
Grab bars still matter for safety. If you put them in yourself, they must be screwed into wall studs or proper anchors. The bathroom safety guide explains how.
In TRICARE's words
Expendable items, such as incontinent pads, diapers, ace bandages, etc.
Non-medical equipment, such as humidifiers, electric air cleaners, stationary bikes, safety grab bars, etc.
TRICARE doesn’t cover certain non-medical equipment like bath rails or safety beds, but they may be covered by Medicare.
Q&A: How TRICARE covers durable medical equipment — TRICARE Newsroom
Incontinence supplies (diapers)
Equipment in this guide
Follow the instructions from your doctor and the equipment maker.