Diabetes self-management training

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient diabetes self-management training (DSMT) if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Medicare may cover up to 10 hours of initial DSMT – 1 hour of individual training and 9 hours of group training. You may also qualify for up to 2 hours of follow-up training in each calendar year that falls after the year you got your initial training.

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount .

Note:

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

What it is

DSMT teaches you to cope with and manage your diabetes. The program may include tips for eating healthy and being active, monitoring blood glucose (blood sugar), taking prescription drugs, and reducing risks. Some patients may also be eligible for medical nutrition therapy training.

Things to know

To get DSMT, you must have a written order from your doctor or other health care provider.

Some exceptions apply if group sessions aren’t available in your area, or if your doctor or qualified non-doctor provider says you would benefit more from having individual training sessions.

If you’re in a rural area, you may be able to get DSMT services from a provider (like a Registered Dietitian) virtually through telehealth.