How often is it covered?
Medicare covers up to two Fasting Blood Glucose tests each year.
Who's eligible?
Medicare covers these tests for people who have any of the following risk factors: high blood pressure (hypertension), history of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia), obesity, or a history of high blood sugar (glucose). Medicare also covers these tests if you answer yes to two or more of the following questions:
- Are you age 65 or older?
- Are you overweight?
- Do you have a family history of diabetes (parents, brothers, sisters)?
- Do you have a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds?
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay nothing for the test if your doctor accepts assignment.
Diabetes Glucose Monitors, Test Strips, and Lancets
How often is it covered?
Medicare covers blood sugar testing monitors, blood sugar test strips, lancet devices and lancets, blood sugar control solutions, and therapeutic shoes (in some cases). Insulin is only covered if used with an external insulin pump.
Note: Insulin and certain medical supplies used to inject insulin, such as syringes, and some oral diabetic drugs may be covered by Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Who's eligible?
All people with Medicare who have diabetes.
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible.
Diabetes Self-Management Training
How often is it covered?
Medicare covers diabetes self-management training.
Who's eligible?
This training is for certain people with Medicare who are at risk for complications from diabetes. You must have a written order from a doctor or other health care provider.
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible.
Diabetes Resources
- National Diabetes Education Program This site contains a library of information on the program, campaigns, calendar of events, and publications.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention This site contains facts, frequently asked questions, and reports about diabetes prevention and treatment.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Features a wide range of resources including publications, resources to get financial help, listing of national organizations serving patients and professionals concerned about diabetes, and a newsletter. Order forms are available online and several publications are available in Spanish.
- American Diabetes Association Contains sections on the organization, diabetes, membership, books, magazines, clinical practice, research, and legal issues.
- National Diabetes Eye Exam Program Contact information about an available eye exam program for Medicare beneficiaries age 65 or older who have diabetes and have not had a medical eye exam in the past three years.
- Healthfinder This site helps consumers find reliable health information from many Federal Agencies and non-for-profit organizations that can help them stay healthy, understand diagnosis, explore treatment options, find support, and generally become informed about health and medical topics of interest to them.
- National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Clearinghouse This site provides access to available publications and lists a toll free number to call with questions. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse is part of the National Institutes of Health.