Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips, but only if you have diabetes and meet specific conditions
Yes, Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips as durable medical equipment. However, the coverage comes with rules about how often you can get them, what type of meter you use, and whether your doctor has documented that you need them. Understanding these rules helps you avoid paying out of pocket for supplies you should receive covered.
Medicare covers the strips themselves, the lancets (the small needles you use to prick your finger), and the lancing devices. The coverage applies whether you use insulin or manage your diabetes with diet and medication alone. What matters is that your doctor has diagnosed you with diabetes and determined that you need to test your blood sugar at home.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers blood glucose test strips, lancets, and lancing devices when your doctor prescribes them for diabetes management.
- You typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible, unless you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan that covers more.
- Medicare limits how many strips you can receive per month based on how often your doctor says you need to test — usually between 50 and 100 strips monthly.
- You must order strips through a Medicare-approved supplier, and your doctor must send a written order to that supplier for coverage to explore.
- If your current meter is not on Medicare's approved list, you may need to switch meters to keep your strips covered.
How Medicare determines how many strips you can receive
Medicare does not cover unlimited strips. Instead, the amount you receive depends on how your doctor documents your testing needs. If you use insulin, Medicare typically allows up to 100 strips per month. If you do not use insulin, the limit is usually 50 strips per month. Your doctor's written order must specify the frequency — for example, "test four times daily" — and Medicare uses that to calculate your monthly supply.
If you test more often than Medicare's limits allow, you will have to pay for the extra strips yourself. Some people find that their actual testing needs do not match what Medicare covers, and they choose to buy additional strips out of pocket. Talk with your doctor about what frequency Medicare will cover and whether that matches how often you actually need to test.
What you pay out of pocket
After you meet your Part B deductible for the year, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for your strips. The exact cost depends on which supplier you use and which meter brand your doctor prescribes, because different suppliers charge different prices. Medicare sets an approved amount, and you pay a percentage of that amount, not the full retail price.
If you have a Medigap plan (supplemental insurance), it may cover some or all of that 20 percent. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan — some cover strips with a small copay, and others may have different rules. Check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service to find out what you will owe.
Which meters and suppliers Medicare accepts
Medicare maintains a list of approved blood glucose meters and suppliers. Your strips must match your meter, so if your current meter is not on the approved list, you may need to switch to one that is. The good news is that Medicare-approved meters are widely available and work the same way as other meters.
You must order your strips through a Medicare-approved supplier, not directly from a pharmacy or the meter manufacturer. Your doctor sends a written prescription to the supplier, and the supplier ships the strips to you. If you try to order from a non-approved supplier or without a prescription, Medicare will not cover the cost. Ask your doctor which suppliers they work with, or search the Medicare supplier directory on Medicare.gov to find approved suppliers in your area.
Getting your doctor to send a written order
Medicare requires a written order from your doctor before a supplier can send you strips. This is different from a verbal prescription — it must be on paper or electronic and sent directly to the supplier. If your doctor has not sent an order yet, call their office and ask them to send a written prescription for blood glucose test strips to your preferred Medicare-approved supplier.
Include the supplier's name, address, and fax number when you call, so the office staff knows exactly where to send it. Some suppliers can help you get the order if you give them your doctor's contact information — they will reach out and request it themselves. Once the supplier receives the order, they will contact you to confirm your address and ship your strips.
What happens if your strips run out before your next order
Medicare's monthly limits mean you may run out of strips before the next shipment arrives, especially if you test more often than expected or if there is a delay in your order. If this happens, you have a few options. You can buy strips out of pocket at a pharmacy or online retailer to bridge the gap. You can also contact your doctor and ask whether they can adjust your prescription to increase your monthly supply, though Medicare may deny the request if it exceeds their limits.
Some suppliers offer faster shipping if you call ahead, so it is worth asking whether your next order can arrive sooner. Planning ahead — ordering a few days before you run out — helps prevent gaps in your supply.
Medicare Part D and other coverage options
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) does not cover blood glucose test strips because Medicare Part B already covers them as durable medical equipment. You do not need to choose between the two — Part B is your coverage path for strips.
If you are not yet on Medicare or you have Original Medicare without Part B, you may not have coverage for strips. If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents to see whether strips are covered under Part B benefits or under a different part of your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans have different rules than Original Medicare, so it is worth confirming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a specific brand of meter to get Medicare coverage?
No, but your meter must be on Medicare's approved list. Medicare approves several brands, so you have options. If your current meter is not approved, you can switch to one that is. Ask your doctor or supplier which approved meters they recommend, or check the Medicare supplier directory to see which meters are covered in your area.
What if my doctor says I need to test more often than Medicare allows?
You can ask your doctor to request a higher limit from Medicare, though Medicare may deny it if it exceeds their standard limits. If denied, you can pay out of pocket for extra strips, or you can appeal Medicare's decision with your doctor's support. Some people do both — use their Medicare-covered strips and buy additional ones as needed.
Can I order strips from my local pharmacy instead of a Medicare-approved supplier?
Medicare will not cover strips ordered from a pharmacy or directly from the manufacturer. You must use a Medicare-approved supplier. Your pharmacy may be an approved supplier — ask them. If not, your doctor can help you find one, or you can search the Medicare supplier directory online.
Do I have to pay anything upfront, or does the supplier bill Medicare directly?
The supplier bills Medicare directly. You pay your 20 percent coinsurance after you meet your deductible, either when you receive the strips or when you are billed by the supplier. Some suppliers collect payment upfront, and others bill you later — ask your supplier about their payment process.
What if I switch Medicare plans — will my strips still be covered?
Original Medicare Part B covers strips the same way regardless of which Medigap plan you have. If you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage may differ, so check your new plan's documents. If you switch suppliers, make sure the new supplier is Medicare-approved and has a current written order from your doctor.