What Medicare Covers for Blood Glucose Test Strips

Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips, but only if you have diabetes and meet specific conditions

Medicare Part B pays for blood glucose test strips as durable medical equipment — the same category as wheelchairs or oxygen. You do not pay the full cost yourself. However, the program does not cover strips for everyone with diabetes, and the amount Medicare pays depends on which type of testing device your doctor prescribes.

The key requirement is that your doctor must document that you have diabetes and that you use insulin or certain other medications. Medicare will not cover strips if you manage your diabetes through diet and exercise alone, or through oral medications only (with rare exceptions). You also need a prescription from your doctor, not just a purchase from a pharmacy.

Once Medicare approves coverage, you typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible. The actual cost to you depends on which supplier you use and what Medicare's approved amount is in your area — this varies by location and by supplier contract.

Key Takeaways

Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips only if your doctor prescribes them and documents that you have diabetes and use insulin or certain injectable medications.
You need a written prescription from your doctor; straightforward buying strips over the counter does not trigger Medicare coverage.
After you meet your Part B deductible, you pay 20 percent of Medicare's approved amount for the strips.
Medicare covers strips through a network of approved suppliers, and you must order through one of those suppliers to receive the benefit.
If you use only oral diabetes medications or manage diabetes through diet alone, Medicare typically does not cover strips, though your doctor can request an exception.

How to get Medicare coverage for test strips

Start by talking to your doctor about your blood glucose testing needs. Your doctor must write a prescription that specifies the type of meter you use and how many strips per day you need. Medicare has limits on quantity — typically 100 strips per month for people who test once daily, and up to 300 per month for people on insulin who test multiple times daily. Your doctor's prescription should reflect your actual testing pattern.

Once you have the prescription, you cannot straightforward go to a pharmacy. You must order through a Medicare-approved Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier. You can find these suppliers by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or by searching the Medicare supplier directory online. When you contact a supplier, have your Medicare number and your doctor's prescription ready.

The supplier will verify your Medicare coverage, confirm your prescription, and handle the paperwork with Medicare. They will also tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be based on your deductible status and the approved amount in your area. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks.

What Medicare will and will not cover

Medicare covers test strips for people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes managed with insulin, and Type 2 diabetes managed with certain injectable medications (such as GLP-1 agonists). The program also covers strips for people with gestational diabetes who use insulin during pregnancy.

Medicare does not cover strips for people who manage Type 2 diabetes through diet, exercise, and oral medications alone — such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or SGLT2 inhibitors. This is the most common reason for coverage denial. If your situation falls into this category but your doctor believes you need regular testing, your doctor can submit a request for an exception, though approval is not may provide.

Medicare also does not cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in the same way it covers test strips, though some CGMs are covered under different rules. Ask your doctor whether a CGM might be an option for you, as the coverage rules are separate.

Your costs after Medicare approves coverage

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on where you are in your Medicare Part B deductible cycle. For 2024, the Part B deductible is $240 per year. Once you have paid that amount toward any Part B services or equipment, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount for test strips, and you pay 20 percent.

The "approved amount" is not the same as the retail price. Medicare sets an approved amount for each type of strip in each region, and that is what the 80/20 split is based on. If a supplier charges more than the approved amount, you are responsible only for your 20 percent of the approved amount — the supplier absorbs the difference.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower. Medigap plans often cover the 20 percent coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans vary — some cover test strips with a copay, others cover them as part of the plan's DME benefit. Check your plan documents or call your plan to confirm what you will pay.

Switching suppliers or changing your prescription

You can change DME suppliers at any time. If you are unhappy with delivery speed, customer service, or the strips themselves, contact a different Medicare-approved supplier and give them your prescription. The new supplier will handle the transition with Medicare.

If your testing needs change — for example, if your doctor increases your insulin dose and you need to test more frequently — ask your doctor to write a new prescription reflecting the new quantity. Submit the updated prescription to your current supplier or to a new one. Medicare will adjust your coverage based on the new prescription.

If you switch from oral medications to insulin, or if your doctor prescribes a new injectable medication, tell your doctor that you will need test strips covered. Your doctor can update your prescription at that time, and you can begin ordering through a DME supplier.

What to do if Medicare denies coverage

If a DME supplier tells you that Medicare has denied coverage for your strips, ask for the reason in writing. Common reasons include: your prescription does not meet Medicare's criteria, your doctor did not document insulin or injectable medication use, or the quantity requested exceeds Medicare's limits for your situation.

If the denial is because you do not use insulin or injectable medications, your doctor can file a redetermination request (also called an appeal) with Medicare, explaining why regular testing is medically necessary in your case. This is not automatic, and Medicare does not always approve these requests, but it is worth pursuing if your doctor believes testing is important for your care.

You can also contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) for help understanding the denial or preparing an appeal. SHIP is free and can walk you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medicare coverage at any pharmacy?

No. You must order through a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not a retail pharmacy. Your pharmacy may be able to refer you to a DME supplier, or you can find one by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Some large pharmacies operate their own DME divisions and may be approved suppliers.

What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

If you have both programs (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicare is your primary payer for test strips. Medicaid may help cover your coinsurance or deductible, depending on your state's rules. Contact your Medicaid office to learn what additional coverage you may have.

Does Medicare cover test strips for prediabetes?

No. Medicare covers strips only for people with a diagnosis of diabetes. If you have prediabetes or are at risk for diabetes, your doctor may recommend testing, but Medicare will not pay for it. You would pay out of pocket or check whether your supplemental insurance covers it.

How often can I reorder test strips through Medicare?

Your DME supplier will set up automatic refills based on your prescription and testing frequency. Most suppliers send a new supply before your current one runs out. If you run out early or need strips sooner, contact your supplier — they can often expedite a shipment.

What if my doctor prescribed a specific brand of strips?

Medicare covers the strips themselves, not a specific brand. Your doctor can prescribe a particular meter and strips, and the DME supplier will provide that brand if it is available. If it is not available through that supplier, ask whether the supplier can special-order it or whether you should contact a different supplier who carries it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.