If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare provides tests and supplies for those who currently have the disease. Medicare also covers many other preventive tests and screenings for seniors
Test and Supplies
Part B covers blood sugar self-testing equipment and supplies including glucose testing monitors and test strips, lancet devices, lancets, and glucose control solutions for testing the accuracy of the equipment. There may be limits to how much, or how often you can get these supplies. You may be required to use specific suppliers. If you use insulin, you may be able to get more strips and lancets than someone who does not. Part B also covers foot exams and treatment (including therapeutic shoes or inserts). Yearly eye exams and glaucoma tests, insulin pumps and the insulin used by the device, nutritional therapy services, and diabetes self-management training to help you learn how to better manage your disease.
Cost
The amount that you need to pay for many of these services and supplies varies. However, some factors can influence your cost. For instance, where you receive treatment, and whether or not your doctor accepts Medicare can impact your cost. Medicare does not cover all recommended diabetes treatments. If your doctor suggests you receive additional supplies or services beyond what it covers, you may pay some or all of those costs.
National Mail Order
As long as you use a Medicare national mail-order contract supplier, you can have diabetes testing supplies delivered right to your home. Medicare pays for test strips and lancets to be sent to you by mail. Or, you can pick them up locally at a pharmacy near you. In either case, you pay the same, whether you receive your testing strips in the mail or purchase them elsewhere. Local stores that accept Medicare cannot charge more than your 20 percent coinsurance, and any unmet deductible.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/diabetes-supplies-and-services.html
https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11022-Medicare-Diabetes-Coverage.pdf pg. 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf pg. 2
MUC64-2017-BCBS
