Blood sugar monitors
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers blood glucose (sugar) monitors that your doctor prescribes for use in your home
Coverage details
Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type of equipment:
- You may need to rent the equipment.
- You may need to buy the equipment.
- You may be able to choose whether to rent or buy the equipment.
- Some items become your property after you’ve made a certain number of rental payments.
Provider requirements
Make sure your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. It’s also important to ask a supplier if they participate in Medicare before you get DME.
Costs
After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (if your supplier accepts assignment ).
If suppliers are participating in Medicare, they must accept assignment (which means, they can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible for the Medicare approved amount).
Facility
However, you may have to pay coinsurance , and the Part B deductible may apply if your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit that Medicare doesn't cover under this preventive benefit. If Medicare doesn't cover the additional tests or services (like a routine physical exam), you may have to pay the full amount.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service