Medicare.gov

Diabetes screenings

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diabetes screenings if you’re eligible.

  • Covered by Part B
  • Preventive Service
  • Up to 2 screenings each year 

  • You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment  

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).