Medicare Covers Diabetes Self-testing Equipment & Supplies

Medicare covers blood sugar meters, test strips, and lancets (devices to stick your finger).

In the Original Medicare Plan, also known as "fee-for-service" Medicare, you only have to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. If you are in a Medicare health plan, check with the plan about whether there is a co-payment. Either way, remember that Medicare helps pay for part of the cost of your diabetes equipment and supplies.

To get your diabetes equipment and supplies under Medicare, you need a prescription from your doctor.

Prescription Should Say

• You have been diagnosed with diabetes.
• How many test strips and lancets you need in a month.
• What kind of meter you need. For example, if you need a special meter for vision problems, the doctor should say that and state the medical reason why you need a special meter.
• Whether you use insulin or not.
• How often you should test your blood sugar.

If you receive blood sugar meters, test strips, or lancets from a supplier without ordering them, Medicare will not pay the cost.

Points To Remember

• Ask your doctor or health care provider if regular blood sugar testing is right for you.
• You need a prescription from your doctor to get your diabetes equipment and supplies under Medicare.
• Learn the correct way to use your blood sugar meter properly. Your pharmacist, doctor, diabetes educator or another health care provider can help you.
• Keep track of your blood sugar readings and share them with your doctor or health care provider at regular visits.
• Do not accept shipments of diabetes equipment and supplies that you did not ask for.

Written by Anita Austin, RPh, CDE

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