Diabetes self-management training
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient diabetes self-management training to help manage the disease.
Description
Diabetes self-management training 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 services.
Coverage details
To get this training, 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 health care provider says you would benefit more from having individual training sessions.
Who's eligible
Part B covers diabetes self-management training if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
Costs
After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount .
How often
Medicare may cover up to 10 hours of initial training – 1 hour of individual training and 9 hours of group training. You may also qualify for up to 2 hours of follow-up training each calendar year after the year you got your initial training.
Facility
Through January 30, 2026, you can get diabetes self-management training at any location in the U.S. through telehealth. Starting January 31, 2026, you must live in a rural area and go to an office or medical facility that’s also in a rural area (in the U.S.) to get this training through telehealth.
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