Medicare covers test strips, but the amount depends on your blood sugar testing method and which Medicare plan you have

Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips as durable medical equipment when you have diabetes and a doctor prescribes them. However, Medicare limits how many strips you can receive each month based on how often you test. If you use insulin, Medicare typically covers up to 100 strips per month. If you do not use insulin, the limit is usually 100 strips per month as well, though some plans may cover fewer. The exact number depends on your specific situation and what your doctor documents as medically necessary.

You will need a prescription from your doctor that states how often you test your blood sugar. Medicare uses this prescription to determine your monthly allowance. If your doctor prescribes testing four times daily, for example, Medicare calculates roughly 120 strips per month (30 days × 4 tests). You cannot straightforward order as many as you want — the prescription drives the coverage amount.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers test strips through a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier. You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may have different coverage rules and copayments, so you will need to check your specific plan's formulary or call the plan directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips when prescribed by your doctor, with monthly limits based on how often you test.
  • You must order strips through a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not directly from a pharmacy or online retailer.
  • Original Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved amount after your deductible; Medicare Advantage plans have their own copayment structures.
  • Your doctor's prescription must specify how many times per day you test to determine your monthly strip allowance.
  • Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have different coverage rules and may require prior authorization from Medicare.

How to order test strips through Medicare

You must order your strips from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not from a pharmacy or directly online. Medicare maintains a list of approved suppliers in your area. You can find them by visiting the Medicare website and using the DME supplier locator, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for suppliers near you.

When you contact a supplier, have your Medicare card and your doctor's prescription ready. The supplier will verify your coverage, confirm your monthly allowance, and arrange delivery. Most suppliers ship strips to your home. You typically pay your 20 percent coinsurance at the time of order, though some suppliers may bill you later. Ask the supplier about their billing process before you order.

If you switch suppliers, make sure the new supplier is also Medicare-approved. Some people find that different suppliers have different delivery schedules or customer service experiences, so it is worth comparing a few before you settle on one.

What happens if your doctor prescribes more strips than Medicare allows

If your doctor believes you need more test strips than Medicare's standard limits, your doctor can request a prior authorization or submit documentation of medical necessity. This means your doctor writes to Medicare explaining why you need additional strips — for example, if you have unstable blood sugar, are adjusting insulin doses, or have other health conditions that require frequent testing.

Medicare reviews these requests and may approve additional strips beyond the standard monthly amount. However, this is not automatic. Your doctor's office usually handles this paperwork, but you can ask them to submit the request if they have not already. The process typically takes one to two weeks.

If Medicare denies the request, you have the right to appeal. Your doctor's office can help you file an appeal, or you can contact 1-800-MEDICARE for guidance on the appeals process.

Continuous glucose monitors and other testing devices

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) like Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre have different Medicare coverage rules than traditional test strips. Medicare Part B covers CGMs for people with diabetes who use insulin, but coverage varies depending on the specific device and your plan. Some CGMs require prior authorization before Medicare will cover them.

If you use a CGM, you may still need some test strips for backup testing or to calibrate your device, depending on the type of monitor. Ask your doctor and your CGM supplier whether Medicare covers strips alongside your monitor, because the rules differ by device.

Medicare does not cover lancets (the small needles you use to prick your finger) or lancing devices separately, but some DME suppliers include them free with strip orders. Ask your supplier what is included in your shipment.

Medicare Advantage plans and test strip coverage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage for test strips may differ from Original Medicare. Some Advantage plans cover strips through their pharmacy benefit rather than as DME, which means you might order from a pharmacy instead of a DME supplier. Others use DME suppliers but charge different copayments.

The best way to know your coverage is to call your plan's customer service number, which is on your insurance card. Have your doctor's prescription handy and ask: How many test strips does my plan cover per month? Do I order through a DME supplier or a pharmacy? What is my copayment? Some plans also have preferred suppliers, and using them may lower your out-of-pocket cost.

What to do if you cannot afford your share of the cost

If your 20 percent coinsurance or your plan's copayment is difficult to afford, several programs may help. The manufacturer of your test strips may offer patient information programs that provide strips at reduced cost or free. Contact the manufacturer directly to ask about these programs.

Some nonprofit organizations that focus on diabetes also help people pay for supplies. The American Diabetes Association and JDRF (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) maintain lists of resources. Your doctor's office may also know of local programs in your area.

If you may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may cover some costs that Medicare does not, including copayments. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what is covered under your state's plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order test strips from my pharmacy instead of a DME supplier?

Original Medicare requires you to order through a Medicare-approved DME supplier to receive coverage. If you order from a pharmacy, Medicare will not pay for the strips. However, Medicare Advantage plans sometimes allow pharmacy orders, so check your plan's rules. If your plan covers strips through a pharmacy, you can order there instead.

What if I travel and need test strips while I am away from home?

You can order strips to be shipped to a temporary address, or you can purchase strips out of pocket while traveling and submit a claim to Medicare when you return home. Keep your receipts. Medicare may reimburse you for strips purchased from a non-approved supplier if you can show they were medically necessary and you were unable to access an approved supplier.

Do I need a new prescription every time I reorder strips?

No. Once your doctor writes a prescription, the DME supplier can refill your order each month without asking for a new prescription, as long as the prescription is still valid. Most prescriptions are good for one year. Your supplier will contact your doctor for a renewal before the prescription expires.

Why does Medicare limit the number of strips I can receive?

Medicare bases the limit on how often your doctor prescribes you to test. The assumption is that if you test four times daily, you need roughly 120 strips per month. If you genuinely need more — because your blood sugar is unstable or your doctor wants you to test more frequently — your doctor can request prior authorization to increase your allowance.

Are there any test strips Medicare does not cover?

Medicare covers standard blood glucose test strips prescribed by your doctor. Some specialty strips designed for specific devices or situations may have different coverage rules. Ask your doctor or supplier whether the specific strips you use are covered under Medicare, especially if they are a newer product or a brand you have not used before.