Medicare Coverage for Which Glucose Meter Models
A glucometer, essentially a device that measures blood sugar or glucose, is something Medicare might cover. Here's the skinny on it:
If you've got diabetes, use the thing at home, and your doctor vouches for your ability to operate it, Medicare might just foot the bill. But, if you're fancy and want an implantable device, your doctor's gotta prove you're on insulin, prone to low blood sugar episodes, or experiencing severe incidents that mess with your brain function.
Now, there are two main types of these blood sugar monitors: ones that spit out results on the spot using a blood drop and continuous glucose monitors that keep a 24/7 eye on your levels. And guess what? Medicare likes both types, treating them as durable medical equipment under Part B.
Once you've hit the Medicare Part B deductible, you'll be on the hook for 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for these blood sugar monitors. In 2025, that deductible is $257. But, if you've got Medicare Advantage (Part C) instead of Original Medicare (parts A and B), your out-of-pocket costs might vary by plan. You can find plans in your region using the Medicare online search tool.
And guess what else? You can get your hands on more than just the monitor. Part B also covers diabetic supplies like blood sugar test strips and up to two blood sugar tests annually if you're at high risk of diabetes (high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, obesity, or a family history of diabetes).
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What about coverage limits and costs?
Essential blood glucose testing supplies for diabetic patients, such as blood sugar monitors, blood sugar test strips, lancet devices, and lancets are covered under Part B. Healthcare providers can verify the accuracy of test strips using glucose control solutions.
Typically, if you're using insulin, Medicare covers up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every three months. For those not on insulin, the coverage is limited to up to 100 test strips and 100 lancets every three months. If more supplies are necessary, your healthcare provider must document that it's medically necessary. These supplies usually come with a 20% co-pay, after meeting the Part B deductible.
[1] "Blood Glucose Meters." Medicare.gov. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2022.[2] "Coverage for Blood Glucose Testing Supplies." Medicare.gov. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2022.
- Medicare might cover the costs of a glucometer for diabetic patients, but the use of a continuous glucose monitor requires a doctor's proof of insulin usage, frequent low blood sugar episodes, or severe brain function issues.
- Medicare views both types of blood sugar monitors as durable medical equipment under Part B, which means once you meet the Part B deductible, you'll be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved cost.
- In addition to the glucometer, Medicare Part B also covers diabetic supplies like blood sugar test strips, lancet devices, and lancets, with a limit of 300 test strips and 300 lancets every three months for those using insulin, and 100 test strips and 100 lancets every three months for those not on insulin.
- If you need more supplies than the coverage limit, your healthcare provider must document that the additional supplies are medically necessary, and you'll typically pay 20% of the cost, after meeting the Part B deductible.
