Medicare covers blood sugar (glucose) test strips for people with diabetes under Part B (medical insurance) if you get them from a Medicare-approved supplier. You may need to meet certain criteria.
If you have diabetes and meet Medicare’s requirements, Part B covers self-testing supplies so you can monitor your blood sugar level. Covered supplies include:
- blood sugar testing meters
- blood sugar test strips
- lancets and lancet holders
- glucose management solutions that help make sure your testing materials are accurate
Keep reading to learn about the requirements you need to meet for Medicare to cover the supplies, as well as the estimated costs and other need-to-know information, like how many test strips it will cover and where to get them from.
For Medicare to cover self-testing supplies, including blood sugar test strips, they must be prescribed by your treating physician. The prescription must include:
- your diagnosis of diabetes
- the type of device or supplies you need to monitor your blood sugar level
- whether or not you use insulin to manage your diabetes
- how often the doctor recommends you test your blood sugar
- how many test strips and lancets you need each month
You will need a new prescription every 12 months and will also have to request refills before you run out.
How many blood sugar test strips does Medicare cover?
The number of test strips Medicare covers depends on whether or not you use insulin.
If you use insulin, Medicare covers up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every 3 months, and 1 lancet device every 6 months.
If you don’t use insulin, Medicare covers up to 100 test strips and 100 lancets every 3 months, and 1 lancet device every 6 months.
If you need additional supplies and a doctor says they’re medically necessary, Medicare will cover additional test strips and lancets. However, you may need to keep records of how often you test your blood sugar.
While Medicare Part B provides coverage for blood sugar test strips, they’re not free. Medicare pays 80% of the cost of durable medical equipment, including blood sugar testing supplies, when purchased from a supplier that accepts assignments, or the Medicare-approved cost of the supplies.
This means you pay 20% of the cost of your supplies out of pocket after you meet your deductible.
In some instances, you may have to pay the full cost up front and wait for Medicare to reimburse you for its portion.
If your supplier isn’t approved by Medicare, you may be responsible for the full cost of your supplies.
If you order test strips from a supplier that doesn’t accept assignments, you may be responsible for the difference between what they charge and what Medicare covers.
It’s best to only order supplies from a pharmacy or medical supplier that accepts assignments and is enrolled in Medicare.
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary medical supplies, including supplies that help manage diabetes. This can include:
- blood sugar self-testing equipment and supplies, including continuous glucose monitors if necessary
- insulin pumps, including the insulin delivered by the pump
- therapeutic shoes or inserts
You must meet specific criteria for these items to be covered.
If you have a Medicare Part C (Advantage) plan, it should cover at least as much as Original Medicare (parts A and B) covers. To learn more about your specific coverage, check with the insurance company that sells your plan.
You can either have your prescription for blood sugar testing supplies filled at a pharmacy or by a medical equipment supplier.
Before you order your supplies, make sure the pharmacy or supplier is enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignments, or the Medicare-approved cost of your supplies.
You can also search for approved suppliers on the Medicare website.
Medicare covers durable medical equipment for managing diabetes, including blood sugar test strips, if prescribed by your treating physician.
If your supplier accepts the Medicare-approved price for your supplies, you’ll be responsible for 20% of the cost after meeting your deductible.
Before ordering medical supplies, it’s best to make sure the supplier is enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignments. If they’re not, you may have to pay the full cost or an additional cost.
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