Does Medicare Cover Glucose Monitors?

Yes, Medicare covers blood glucose monitors and testing supplies under Part B as durable medical equipment (DME). If you have diabetes, Medicare helps pay for the monitor, test strips, lancets, and control solutions you need to manage your condition.

The bottom line is that Medicare recognizes diabetes management as essential. However, the amount of supplies covered depends on whether you use insulin. If you use insulin, Medicare typically covers up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every three months. If you don't use insulin, the coverage is usually limited to 100 test strips and 100 lancets every three months.

When it comes to costs, Traditional Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for these supplies after you meet your annual Part B deductible. You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

This is where the paper promises meet reality. If you're relying solely on Traditional Medicare, that 20% coinsurance can add up quickly, especially if you need frequent testing. You need to protect what you've earned, and that means understanding how to cover that gap.

This brings us to the two paths of Medicare. The real choice isn't between a supplement and an Advantage plan; it's between Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C).

If you choose the Traditional Medicare path, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can step in to pay that 20% coinsurance. By law, Medigap plans are designed to fill the gaps left by Traditional Medicare. If Medicare approves the claim for your glucose monitor and supplies, your Medigap plan must pay its share. This gives you predictable costs and the freedom to use any supplier that accepts Medicare assignment.

If you choose the Medicare Advantage path, your plan must provide at least the same level of coverage as Traditional Medicare. However, Advantage plans often have their own networks of preferred suppliers and specific brands of monitors they cover. You may have different copays or coinsurance amounts depending on your specific plan's rules.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are also covered by Medicare Part B if you meet specific criteria, such as requiring frequent adjustments to your insulin regimen. The coverage rules for CGMs are stricter, but they are available for those who qualify.

You don't have to figure this out alone. We're on your side of the table, ready to walk you through every option. Whether you need a Medigap plan to cover the coinsurance or want to compare Advantage plans, we'll help you find the right fit. Compare free, no obligation.