Diabetes screenings
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diabetes screenings if you’re eligible
Description
Diabetes screenings are blood tests that check if you have or are at risk for diabetes. These screenings may be fasting or non-fasting glucose tests, A1C tests, or other Medicare-approved glucose tests.
Coverage details
Part B covers diabetes screenings if your doctor or other health care provider determines you’re at risk for developing diabetes.
Who's eligible
You must have at least one of these risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- History of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Obesity
- History of high blood sugar
Of if you have 2 or more of these conditions:
- 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 if your health care provider accepts assignment .
How often
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