Medicare is a health insurance program run by the government for people over 65, under 65 with disabilities, and with End-Stage Renal Disease. It helps pay for doctor visits, and supplies like blood sugar test strips. Medicare also gives prescription drug coverage.
Medicare covers various services and supplies under different parts. However, not everything is covered. You may have to pay a share of the cost for many services unless you have another insurance plan. Different sections, such as Part A, Part B, Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap, provide different coverage.
Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, nursing facilities, hospice care, and home health services. Medicare Part B can pay for blood sugar monitors and test strips, lancet devices, lancets, and glucose control solutions for people with diabetes. The coverage amount may differ, even if you don’t use insulin.
Costs in Original Medicare
If you are eligible for the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts the assignment. Medicare covers various types of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in different ways based on the equipment type.
Make sure your doctors and equipment suppliers are part of Medicare. If they do, they can only charge the approved amount by Medicare. If they don’t, you might have to pay the full cost.
Read more on our Blog: 10 Warning Signs of Diabetes.
Are Blood Sugar Test Strips free with Medicare?
Medicare Part B pays for blood sugar test strips, but you still have to pay. If you got a trusted seller, Medicare covers 80% cost of the medical equipment such as blood sugar testing supplies.
If the supplier isn’t Medicare-approved, you pay full cost. If the supplier doesn’t accept assignments, you cover the price difference from Medicare.
Medicare Coverage Requirements for Blood Sugar Test Strips
If you get Medicare Part B, it will pay for 80% of your blood sugar test strips if you:
- Have diabetes.
- Have met the Annual part B deductible.
- Need supply refills.
- Can order and pick up your supplies at a pharmacy or supplier.
Insulin users can get up to 300 test strips and lancets every three months and a lancet device every six months. If you don’t use insulin, you’re eligible for up to 100 test strips and lancets every three months, plus a lancet device every six months.
Medicare will cover extra supplies if your doctor says you need them. Remember to track how often you check your blood sugar.
What other Diabetic Supplies does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers the following supplies for diabetes:
- Testing equipment such as blood sugar monitors, continuous glucose monitors, lancets and lancet devices, and glucose control solutions. Glucose control solutions are liquids used to check the accuracy of test strips and equipment.
- Insulin pumps and the required insulin.
- Therapeutic shoes and inserts.
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs and supplies for diabetes such as syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, insulin inhalers, antidiabetic meds, and injectable insulin or disposable patch pumps.
Conclusion
Medicare has a tool called the “plan finder” to help you find and compare Medicare prescription drug plans. You can use this tool on the Medicare website. Medicare beneficiaries can also get free health insurance counseling and personalized assistance through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
To find the SHIP office nearest you, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.shiptacenter.org.
FAQs
How many diabetic test strips will Medicare pay for?
If you don’t use insulin, Medicare pays for 100 test strips and 100 lancets every 3 months. You also get a lancet device every 6 months.
Does Medicare cover diabetes costs?
Medicare Part B helps pay for insulin pumps and supplies (like insulin) for people with diabetes who meet certain rules.
Does Medicare cover diabetes tests?
Medicare covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. It includes up to 2 blood sugar tests each year if your doctor thinks you might get diabetes.
