Diabetes screenings
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diabetes screenings if you’re eligible.
Coverage details
Part B covers up to 2 blood glucose (blood sugar) laboratory test screenings each year if your doctor determines you’re at risk for developing diabetes. These screenings may be fasting or non-fasting glucose tests, A1C tests, or other glucose tests approved by Medicare as appropriate.
Who's eligible
Part B covers these screenings if you have any of these risk factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- History of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia)
- Obesity
- History of high blood sugar
Part B also covers these screenings if 2 or more of these conditions apply to you:
- You’re 65 or older.
- You’re overweight.
- You have a family history of diabetes (parents or siblings).
- You have a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
Costs
You pay nothing for these screenings if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment .
How often
If you qualify to get diabetes screenings, you can get up to 2 each year (within 12 months of your most recent screening).
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