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When a condom catheter slips, irritates the skin or is hard to fit: the alternatives for men, by day and by night, and which to try first.
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Short answer: Often, yes — but not automatically. Medicare Part B can cover an external urine-collection system such as PureWick as durable medical equipment when a Medicare-enrolled clinician prescribes it for home use, the person has permanent urinary incontinence and no indwelling catheter, and it is supplied by a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. You then pay the Part B deductible and, usually, 20% coinsurance. Buying direct from PureWick's own web store is cash only — BD states those sales are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
What Medicare looks for
- A prescription from a Medicare-enrolled doctor or practitioner, for use at home.
- Documentation of permanent urinary incontinence.
- No indwelling catheter at the same time.
- Supply through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier that bills Medicare — not a retail purchase.
There is no single national coverage rule written just for these systems; claims are reviewed by the regional DME contractors, so documentation matters. If a claim is denied, ask the supplier which document was missing before paying out of pocket.
The billing codes suppliers use
| Code | What it is |
|---|---|
| E2001 | Suction pump for an external urine management system (home use). Replaced K1006 from 1 January 2024. |
| A6590 | External urinary catheters, disposable, with wicking material, for use with a suction pump — billed per month. |
| A6591 | External urinary catheter, non-disposable, for use with a suction pump — billed per month. |
Useful when you call a supplier or your plan: ask whether they bill E2001 and A6590 and what your share will be.
What it costs without insurance
| System | Starter (cash) | Refills |
|---|---|---|
| PureWick™ women's | $538.70 · $608.70 with battery · $794.69 portable (incl. 30 catheters) | From $209.70 per 30 |
| PureWick™ men's | $779.00 · $849.00 · $1,034.99 (incl. 30 catheters) | Men's packs cost more than women's |
| Surity® | $386.00 · $428.00 · $497.00 (catheters separate) | From $176.70 per 30 (women's) |
| Quietdry Night System | US$299, all fits | None on a schedule — washable cup and briefs |
Seller list prices checked 30 September 2026.
Medicaid and Medicare Advantage
Medicaid coverage depends on the state program; Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers but can require prior authorization and in-network suppliers. Call the plan and ask specifically about E2001 and A6590.
If you're paying cash
If the person doesn't qualify, or you're waiting on an approval, the refill bill is the biggest cost. A reusable system like the Quietdry Night System swaps the disposable wick for a washable silicone cup, so there is no monthly pack to buy. Quietdry is not billed to Medicare or insurance; many HSA/FSA plans reimburse incontinence supplies, but your plan administrator decides. Compare all three side by side: PureWick vs Surity vs Quietdry.
Questions
Does Medicare cover PureWick for men?
The same Part B DME rules apply to the pump and to external catheters for male anatomy; ask the supplier how they bill the male catheter under your plan.
Can I buy PureWick on purewickathome.com and claim it back from Medicare?
BD's web store states its sales are cash only and not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. For coverage, go through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.
Does Medicare cover Quietdry?
No. Quietdry is a direct cash purchase and is not billed to Medicare or insurance.
This article is general information, not billing or medical advice. Coverage rules change; confirm with Medicare (medicare.gov), your plan and your DME supplier. PureWick™ is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company; Surity® is a trademark of its owner; Quietdry is not affiliated with either.