Medicare and Diabetes Testing Supplies

Being diagnosed with diabetes is a scary experience.  You imagine a life of poor health and hospital stays.  Once you realize that you can maintain this disease and your quality of life at the same time, you start to worry about other things, like the ongoing cost of medication and diabetic supplies.  If you are a senior citizen and are on Medicare, you will be relieved to know that Medicare Part B covers most of your necessary diabetic testing supplies.

What is covered?

Medicare covers the following diabetic supplies, even for those who do not take insulin:

• Blood sugar monitors
• Blood sugar test strips
• Lancets
• Solutions needed to test the accuracy of your equipment

The amount of diabetic supplies they will cover per six-month period may vary depending on whether or not you are taking insulin.



What do you need from your doctor?
In order for your diabetic supplies to be covered by Medicare, you must have a prescription from your doctor.  The prescription must confirm your diabetes diagnosis and spell out instructions for the specific monitor you need to buy, whether or not you are taking insulin, and how often you should test your glucose level.  Your diabetic supplies will be covered according your physician’s orders.

Where do you purchase your diabetic supplies?
You have two choices for purchasing your diabetic supplies through Medicare.  You can order them from your pharmacy, or you can order them from a medical equipment and supply store.  If you choose to work with a medical supply store, you will need to place your order yourself for your diabetic supplies, but you will still need you prescription to ensure coverage. If you don't have insurance, there are several online retail stores that supply diabetic testing supplies at everyday low prices.

Keep in mind
Be sure to track when you last ordered your diabetic supplies and how long you have until you run out.  You are responsible for ordering your own refills.  For diabetic supplies like lancets and test strips, you will need a new prescription from your doctor every year.