Medicare Part B covers diabetic test strips, but only if your doctor has documented that you have diabetes and prescribed them as medically necessary

Yes, Medicare Part B pays for test strips used to check blood sugar at home. The program covers the strips themselves, lancets (the small needles you use to prick your finger), and lancing devices. You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible, and Medicare pays the rest.

The catch is that your doctor must write an order saying you need them. Medicare will not cover strips if you buy them on your own or if your doctor has not documented your diabetes diagnosis in your medical record. The strips also have to be for a meter that Medicare recognizes — not every brand qualifies.

Coverage rules changed in 2021 and again in 2023, so if you have been turned down before, the answer may be different now. The best first step is to ask your doctor's office to submit the order to your Medicare plan and let you know what your out-of-pocket cost will be.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order for test strips and document your diabetes diagnosis for Medicare to cover them.
  • Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the approved cost after your deductible; you pay 20 percent.
  • You can get strips through a Medicare-approved supplier, and your doctor's office can help you find one.
  • If you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, different rules may explore — ask your doctor which devices Medicare will cover for your situation.

How to get test strips through Medicare

Start by calling your doctor's office and asking them to send a written order to a Medicare-approved supplier. Your doctor does not need to send it to Medicare directly — the supplier handles that part. You can find approved suppliers by searching "DMEPOS" (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) on Medicare.gov, or your doctor's office may already have a preferred supplier they work with.

Once the supplier receives the order, they will contact you with pricing and delivery details. Before you place the order, ask the supplier what your out-of-pocket cost will be. This matters because different suppliers charge different amounts, and you are responsible for the 20 percent coinsurance. Some suppliers offer discounts or bulk pricing that can lower your cost.

The supplier will also ask which meter you use. This is important because Medicare only covers strips that match your meter brand. If you have been using a meter that is not on Medicare's approved list, you may need to switch meters — your doctor can recommend one that is covered.

What happens if your doctor has not ordered strips yet

If you have diabetes but your doctor has never prescribed test strips, schedule an appointment to discuss blood sugar monitoring. Bring a list of questions: how often you should test, which meter brand they recommend, and whether they will send the order to a supplier. Some doctors assume patients will buy strips out of pocket, so you may need to ask directly whether Medicare will cover them.

If your doctor says you do not need to test at home — for example, if you take only oral diabetes medication and your blood sugar is stable — Medicare will not cover strips even if you want them. Coverage is based on medical necessity, not on your preference. In that case, you can still buy strips without a prescription, but you will pay the full retail price.

Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps

If you use insulin, Medicare may cover a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) instead of or in addition to test strips. A CGM is a small sensor you wear on your skin that checks your blood sugar automatically throughout the day. Medicare covers some CGM brands for people on insulin, though the rules are strict about which types may have access to.

Talk to your doctor about whether a CGM makes sense for you. If your doctor thinks it will help, they can submit an order to Medicare. The approval process takes longer than it does for test strips — usually two to four weeks — so plan ahead if you are switching from strips to a monitor.

If you use an insulin pump, you may still need test strips to check your blood sugar before meals and at bedtime, even though the pump delivers insulin automatically. Your doctor will tell you how often to test and whether Medicare will cover both the pump supplies and the strips.

What to do if Medicare denies your request

If a supplier tells you that Medicare will not cover your strips, ask them to explain why in writing. The most common reasons are: your doctor did not submit an order, your meter is not on the approved list, or your diagnosis is not documented in your medical record. Each of these can be fixed.

If the problem is a missing order, ask your doctor to submit one right away. If it is the meter, ask your doctor which brand Medicare covers and whether you can switch. If it is the diagnosis, call your doctor's office and ask them to make sure your diabetes is recorded in your chart — sometimes it is listed under a different name or code.

You also have the right to appeal. Ask the supplier for the appeal form and instructions. You will need to include your doctor's statement that the strips are medically necessary. The appeal process takes time, but many people succeed on appeal.

Cost and how to keep expenses down

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on three things: the approved amount Medicare sets for your strips, whether you have met your Part B deductible, and which supplier you use. After your deductible, you pay 20 percent. If your deductible is not met, you pay the full approved amount until it is.

To keep costs down, compare prices between Medicare-approved suppliers before you order. Some suppliers charge less than others for the same strips. You can also ask your doctor whether a less expensive meter brand would work for you — some meters have cheaper strips. If cost is a real barrier, tell your doctor; they may know about patient information programs run by the meter manufacturer.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coinsurance may be lower than 20 percent. Check your plan documents or call your plan to find out what you will owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription to buy test strips without Medicare?

No. You can buy test strips over the counter at any pharmacy or online retailer without a prescription. You will pay the full retail price, which is usually higher than what Medicare approves. If you do not have insurance or Medicare does not cover your strips, buying them without a prescription is an option, though it costs more.

What if I use a meter I bought myself — will Medicare cover the strips?

Only if your meter is on Medicare's approved list. If you bought a meter at a drugstore or online without checking Medicare's list first, the strips may not be covered. Ask your doctor which meters Medicare covers, and if you need to switch, ask whether Medicare will cover a new meter as well as the strips.

How often can I order test strips?

Medicare limits how many strips you can get based on how often your doctor says you should test. If you test once a day, you can order about 100 strips per month. If you test more often, you can order more. Your supplier will know the limit for your situation and will not let you order more than Medicare allows.

Does Medicare Part D cover test strips?

No. Part D covers prescription drugs, not medical supplies. Test strips are covered under Part B as durable medical equipment. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents to see whether it covers strips the same way Part B does, because some plans have different rules.

Can I use my Medicare coverage at any pharmacy?

Test strips must come from a Medicare-approved DMEPOS supplier, not from a regular pharmacy. Some large pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens have DMEPOS programs and may be approved suppliers, but you have to order through their medical supply department, not the regular pharmacy counter. Ask your doctor's office which suppliers they recommend.