Statistics Show Low Utilization of Health Savings Accounts for Incontinence Products

Summary

• Over 25 million Americans are affected by urinary incontinence, making it a common issue in the United States.
• Despite the prevalence of incontinence, only a small percentage of individuals utilize their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase incontinence products.
• The market for incontinence products in the United States is growing steadily, with an increasing number of options available to consumers.

Urinary incontinence is a widespread issue in the United States, affecting millions of Americans of all ages. According to the National Association For Continence (NAFC), over 25 million adults in the United States are affected by urinary incontinence. This condition can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and decreased physical activity.

Types of Incontinence

There are several types of incontinence, including:

1. Stress incontinence, which occurs when pressure on the bladder leads to leakage, often during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
2. Urge incontinence, which involves a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
3. Overflow incontinence, which occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine.

Prevalence by Age and Gender

While incontinence can affect individuals of any age, it is more common among older adults. The NAFC reports that one in three women over the age of 60 experience incontinence. Men are also affected by this condition, with one in ten men over the age of 65 experiencing urinary incontinence.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are financial tools that allow individuals to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. These accounts can be used to purchase a wide range of eligible healthcare products, including incontinence supplies such as adult diapers, pads, and protective underwear.

Barriers to Utilization

Despite the prevalence of incontinence and the availability of HSAs and FSAs, many individuals do not utilize these accounts to purchase incontinence products. There are several barriers that may prevent people from using their HSA or FSA for these expenses, including:

1. Lack of awareness: Some individuals may not be aware that incontinence products are eligible expenses under their HSA or FSA.
2. Stigma: There is still a stigma associated with incontinence, which may prevent individuals from seeking help or using their accounts for related expenses.
3. Cost: Incontinence products can be expensive, and individuals may not have enough funds in their HSA or FSA to cover these costs.

Statistics on Utilization

Despite these barriers, some individuals do choose to use their HSA or FSA to purchase incontinence products. According to a report by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), only 17% of individuals with FSAs use their account to purchase incontinence supplies. The percentage is even lower for HSAs, with only 12% of account holders using their funds for these expenses.

The market for incontinence products in the United States is growing steadily, driven by the increasing prevalence of incontinence and the aging population. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global market for incontinence products was valued at $9.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $15.9 billion by 2028, with North America accounting for a significant portion of the market.

Product Options

There are a wide variety of incontinence products available to consumers, including:

1. Adult diapers
2. Disposable pads
3. Protective underwear
4. Breathable briefs
5. Belted undergarments

Consumer Trends

Consumers are increasingly seeking more discreet, comfortable, and environmentally friendly incontinence products. Manufacturers are responding to these trends by developing products that are thinner, more absorbent, and more sustainable. Companies such as Kimberly-Clark, SCA, and Ontex are leading the way in innovation in the incontinence product market.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence is a common issue in the United States, affecting millions of individuals across all age groups. Despite the prevalence of incontinence, only a small percentage of people utilize their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase incontinence products. However, the market for incontinence products is growing steadily, with an increasing number of options available to consumers.

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