Available Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm ET  |  Call 800-970-1964

800.970.1964   |   Contact Us   |   Client Portal

Time for your insulin injection of senior woman

What Diabetic Supplies Are Covered by Medicare?

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in seniors today. In the United States, 29.2%, or 15.9 million seniors, have diabetes, and that number continues to grow.

Without proper management, diabetes can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, which can be life-threatening for seniors. It affects many parts of the body, from your vision to your circulation to your feet.

It’s essential for seniors with diabetes to manage their condition with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and diabetes medication if needed. Keeping blood sugar levels in check can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.

If you are either diabetic or pre-diabetic (meaning you are at high risk of developing diabetes), it’s essential to know what coverage you can expect from Medicare. In this article, we’ll talk about what are those diabetic supplies covered by Medicare. We will split these supplies into four broad categories:

  • Blood sugar self-testing equipment and supplies,
  • Insulin pumps,
  • Other insulin-related supplies, and
  • Therapeutic shoes or inserts

Blood Sugar Self-Testing Equipment and Diabetic Supplies

Diabetic Supplies. Senior woman checking blood sugar level using a home glucometer.

In order to maintain balanced blood sugars, you would need to test your blood glucose levels, whether or not you require insulin.

Depending on what kind of diabetes you have, your doctor may recommend that you test your blood sugar up to ten times per day. Each time you do so, you will need to use your blood sugar monitor and lancet device, as well as single-use blood glucose test strips and lancets.

Medicare Part B covers blood sugar testing equipment and diabetic supplies, but there are limits. Generally speaking, you are covered for the following:

  • 300 test strips and lancets every three months if you use insulin
  • 100 test strips and lancets every three months if you do not use insulin.

Given that some people with diabetes require testing several times per day, 300 test strips would not cover three months. However, if your doctor deems it medically necessary, Medicare will allow you to get additional strips and lancets. You may need to record how often you test yourself, although fortunately, many monitors are able to track that information.

There are also therapeutic continuous blood sugar monitors that can be covered for those who:

  • require frequent adjustments to your insulin dosages
  • require more than four blood sugar checks per day, and
  • need to either administer insulin or use an insulin pump three or more times per day.

How do I get covered for these diabetic supplies?

In order for Medicare to cover your blood sugar testing and diabetic supplies, you will need a prescription every 12 months that include the following:

  • whether you have diabetes,
  • what monitor do you need and why,
  • whether you use insulin,
  • how often you are to test your blood sugar, and how many strips and lancets you require.

What do you pay?

That will depend on whether or not your pharmacy or supplier accepts assignment, meaning they agree to receive the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. If they do, then you will pay no more than your coinsurance amount. If they don’t accept assignment, you may have to pay more out of pocket.

It’s also important to check that your pharmacy and supplier are approved by Medicare. You can search online or call the Medicare hotline (1-800-MEDICARE) for a list of approved suppliers.

Finally, make sure to always use your Medicare card at the pharmacy so that you can get the best rate possible.

Insulin Pumps

Insulin Infusion Pump on Patient Body Electronic Medical Digital Technology Device Therapy Diabetes Sugar Blood Automatic Control by Programming and Monitoring Glucose with Bio Sensor

Insulin pumps are devices that deliver insulin directly into the body. They are recommended for those who require frequent adjustments to their insulin dosages and are especially beneficial for those with type 1 diabetes since they help you maintain more consistent blood sugar levels.

Medicare Part B may cover the cost of specific insulin pumps if your doctor deems it medically necessary and provides a prescription.

What will I pay?

Under Original Medicare, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible. Medicare will pay 80% of both the pump and the cost of the insulin that you use.

Other insulin-related supplies

If you inject or inhale insulin, you require other supplies, including syringes, needles, and other injection devices. Part D may cover these supplies. Your copayment will depend on your plan. Speak to your pharmacist or insurance provider to find out more.

Therapeutic Shoes

Some people with diabetes require therapeutic shoes or inserts, especially those who have nerve damage or a lack of sensation in their feet and are unable to feel if something is causing them pain. Most often, therapeutic shoes are required for persons with diabetes who are at risk of developing foot infections or ulcers.

Part B will cover one pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts. If you cannot wear depth-inlay shoes, you will be covered with one pair of custom-molded shoes and three pairs of inserts.

How do I get covered for therapeutic shoes?

In order to get covered by Medicare, your doctor must confirm that:

  • You have diabetes
  • one or both feet have partial or complete foot amputation, past foot ulcers, calluses that could become foot ulcers, nerve damage caused by diabetes, poor circulation or a deformed foot
  • your doctor has put a comprehensive diabetes care plan in place.

Either a podiatrist or other health care provider must provide the shoes, and you must have them fitted by a doctor, pedorthist, orthotist, or prosthetist.

Choosing the right Medicare coverage to care for your diabetes

Diabetes is a complicated disease that affects many aspects of your life. It’s essential to choose a health care coverage that can help you manage your diabetes and keep you healthy.
Knowing which Medicare Advantage and Part D plan covers diabetic supplies, insulin-related products, and therapeutic shoes can help you find the best coverage for your needs. At The Medicare Family, we are a family-owned business that specializes in helping you find the best Medicare coverage for your diabetes-related needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!

Sylvia Gordon, aka Medicare Mama®, is an expert on all things Medicare and Social Security. She is the 2nd Generation here at The Medicare Family and has served on the advisory boards of major insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare®, Cigna, and Anthem. In her free time, she can be found taking care of her animals (dogs, goats, peacocks, chickens), and reading a good book. Learn More.
5-stars
5-Star Rated

“This was the best experience I’ve ever had dealing with Medicare information.” – Darrell P.

About Us

For 40 years, our family has been helping seniors understand their Medicare benefits and find the best plan for their unique situation – the best part? Our service is always 100% free to you!

Wouldn’t this be

Easier on video?

Reading about Medicare can be confusing…Thats why we took all the important parts and put them into an easy, free video. 

Get Our FREE Medicare & Social Security Cheat Sheet 

Download this FREE printable cheat sheet to get the information you need in one place. You’ll never worry about forgetting a number, date, or deadline again. UPDATED FOR 2024!

Popular Articles

Beginner's Guide to Medicare

Learn how Medicare works, when and how to sign up, and a breakdown of all the coverage options in this easy guide.

3 Common Medicare Mistakes

There are several severe penalties to make sure you avoid when dealing with Medicare. If you get them, they can stay with you for life.

Medicare Costs for 2024

The costs for Medicare change each year. In this article we break down the costs for Medicare premiums and co-pays.