Medicare Diabetic Supplies

If you are currently receiving health insurance through Medicare, diabetic supplies and equipment are covered under your plan. A proactive approach to the treatment and management of diabetes is essential, so take the time to familiarize yourself with the benefits available to you.

Medicare Diabetic Supplies and Equipment

• glucose (blood sugar) testing monitors
• test strips
• lancets and lancet devices
• blood sugar control solutions

Therapeutic shoes are also covered in some cases (see below). Under Medicare Part B, insulin is only covered when used in conjunction with an insulin pump. However, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) covers insulin and related supplies, including syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, and insulin inhaler devices.

Under Medicare, diabetic supplies are covered at 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. You pay the remaining 20% (after the annual Part B deductible).

To obtain benefits for Medicare diabetic supplies and equipment, you’ll need a prescription from your physician. The prescription should include:

• diagnosis of diabetes
• type of monitor needed (if a special monitor is medically necessary)
• number of test strips and lancets required per month
• recommended frequency of blood-sugar testing
• prescribed treatment (insulin or self-management)

Your prescription can be filled at any pharmacy or medical equipment supplier that is enrolled in Medicare. If you place an order with a supplier or pharmacy that is not enrolled in Medicare, you will be required to pay the entire cost – so make certain you confirm enrollment before ordering.

Finally, keep track of the number of refills you have left and when your prescription will expire. You must obtain a new prescription for your test strips and lancets every 12 months.

Therapeutic Shoes and Inserts
Patients with severe diabetic foot disease and/or diabetes-related nerve damage may be eligible for foot exams and treatment – including therapeutic shoes and inserts – under Medicare Part B.

You are eligible to receive therapeutic shoes and inserts through Medicare if your doctor certifies that you meet all three of following conditions:

• You have been diagnosed with diabetes.
• You have any of the following conditions in one or both feet: existing or past foot ulcers; calluses that could result in foot ulcers; poor circulation; foot deformity or amputation; or diabetes-related nerve damage.
• You are currently receiving treatment under a comprehensive diabetic care plan.

To receive this benefit, you must obtain a prescription for therapeutic shoes and/or inserts from a podiatrist or other qualified doctor, and the shoes/inserts must be fitted and provided by a doctor, prosthetist, orthotist, or pedorthist.

Medicare will cover one pair of depth-inlay footwear and three pairs of inserts per year. If you are unable to wear depth-inlay shoes due to a foot deformity, Medicare will cover one pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts and two additional pairs of inserts each year. In both instances, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. You pay the remaining 20% (after the annual Part B deductible).

Other Services for Diabetics
Are you taking advantage of all the benefits available through Medicare? Diabetic supplies and equipment are the most commonly used benefits, but you may also be eligible for diabetes screenings, diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, foot exams, glaucoma tests, and other services. In general, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these services after your yearly Part B deductible.

Additional information and downloadable brochures are available from Medicare and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Click here to see if you qualify for free diabetic supplies