What Medicare Covers for Diabetes Supplies and Equipment

Medicare covers some diabetic supplies, but not all of them, and the coverage depends on which part of Medicare you have and what type of supply you need.

Medicare Part B covers blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and lancing devices if you have diabetes and a doctor has ordered them. It also covers insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) under certain conditions. However, insulin itself is covered differently — Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) covers insulin, not Part B. Supplies like syringes, alcohol swabs, and glucose tablets may or may not be covered depending on your specific plan.

The amount you pay out of pocket varies. After you meet your Part B deductible, you typically pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered supplies. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your costs may be lower. The key is knowing which supplies your plan covers and ordering from a Medicare-approved supplier.

Key Takeaways

Medicare Part B covers blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and lancing devices when ordered by your doctor, but you pay 20 percent after your deductible.
Insulin is covered under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), not Part B, so your costs depend on which drug plan you chose.
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors are covered, but only if your doctor documents medical necessity and you use a Medicare-approved supplier.
You must order supplies from a Medicare-approved Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier, or Medicare will not pay its share.
Coverage rules and costs change each year, so check your plan documents or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm what your specific plan covers.

What Part B Covers: Blood Glucose Monitors and Test Strips

Medicare Part B covers a blood glucose monitor and test strips if your doctor has documented that you have diabetes and prescribed these items. The monitor itself is typically covered once every five years. Test strips are covered in quantities that depend on how often your doctor says you need to test — usually between 50 and 100 strips per month, though this varies by individual need.

Lancets and lancing devices are also covered under Part B. You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your annual Part B deductible (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). You must order from a Medicare-approved Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier. If you order from a non-approved supplier, Medicare will not pay, and you will owe the full cost.

To find a Medicare-approved DME supplier near you, visit the Medicare Supplier Directory at dmepos.cms.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your doctor's office can also provide a list of approved suppliers they work with.

Insulin Coverage Under Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Insulin is a prescription medication, so it is covered under Medicare Part D, not Part B. Your out-of-pocket cost for insulin depends on which Part D plan you chose during your enrollment period. Some plans cover insulin with a low copay; others require you to pay a percentage of the cost (coinsurance). A few plans cover certain insulins at no cost.

If your current Part D plan charges a high copay for your insulin, you can switch to a different plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year). Starting in 2024, Medicare limits your monthly copay for insulin to $35, regardless of which Part D plan you have. This applies only to insulin covered by Part D, not to insulin pumps or related equipment covered by Part B.

Check your plan's formulary (the list of covered drugs) to see which insulins are covered and at what cost. You can compare plans at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for help.

Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors

Medicare Part B covers insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) if your doctor documents that you have diabetes and that these devices are medically necessary for your care. For an insulin pump, your doctor must show that you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes that requires intensive insulin therapy. For a CGM, your doctor must document that you use insulin and that the monitor will help manage your blood sugar.

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible. The pump itself is typically covered once every five years, and replacement supplies (infusion sets, reservoirs, batteries) are covered as needed. CGM sensors are usually covered monthly. Again, you must use a Medicare-approved supplier.

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover these devices with different cost-sharing rules. Check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service number to learn your specific costs.

Supplies Medicare Does Not Cover

Medicare does not cover syringes, alcohol swabs, glucose tablets, or other over-the-counter items used to manage diabetes. It also does not cover blood pressure monitors, scales, or other general wellness equipment, even if you have diabetes. Glucagon emergency kits are not covered by Medicare Part B or Part D.

Some of these items may be covered under a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, so check your plan documents. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any of these supplies are available through a different coverage route — for example, some community health programs or pharmaceutical information programs offer free or low-cost supplies to people with diabetes.

How to Order Supplies and Avoid Coverage Problems

Before you order any diabetic supplies, confirm that your doctor has written an order for them. Medicare requires a written order (called a "prescription" or "order for medical equipment") from your treating physician. Without this order, Medicare will not pay.

Next, find a Medicare-approved DME supplier. You can search by zip code at dmepos.cms.gov. Call the supplier and give them your Medicare number and your doctor's order. The supplier will verify your coverage and tell you what you owe out of pocket. Some suppliers will bill Medicare directly and collect your copay or coinsurance from you; others may ask you to pay upfront and submit a claim yourself.

Keep copies of your order, your supplier's invoice, and any receipts. If Medicare denies a claim, you will need these documents to appeal. If you believe Medicare should have covered something it denied, you have the right to request a review.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Supplemental Coverage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage for diabetic supplies may differ from Original Medicare. Some Advantage plans cover additional items that Original Medicare does not, such as certain over-the-counter supplies or gym memberships. Others may have lower copays for test strips or monitors. Check your plan's coverage documents or call your plan's customer service line to learn what is covered.

If you have a Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan, it helps pay your share of costs for supplies that Original Medicare covers, but it does not cover items that Medicare itself does not cover. For example, Medigap will help pay your 20 percent coinsurance for test strips, but it will not cover syringes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a specific brand of glucose monitor or test strips?

No, but your Medicare-approved supplier may carry only certain brands. Ask your supplier which brands they stock and whether they are all covered by Medicare. If your doctor recommends a specific brand that your supplier does not carry, ask the supplier to special-order it or find a different approved supplier that stocks it.

What happens if I order supplies from a non-approved supplier?

Medicare will not pay, and you will owe the full cost. Always verify that your supplier is Medicare-approved before you place an order. You can check the supplier directory at dmepos.cms.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm.

Can I get more test strips if my doctor says I need them?

Yes, but your doctor must document the medical reason. If you test more frequently than the standard amount, ask your doctor to write a note explaining why and submit it to your supplier. Medicare will review the request and may approve a higher quantity.

Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes or special socks?

Yes, but only if you have diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and your doctor orders them. Medicare covers one pair of shoes and three pairs of socks per year. You must use a Medicare-approved orthopedic shoe supplier. This is covered under Part B, so you pay 20 percent after your deductible.

What if my Part D plan does not cover my insulin?

You can switch to a different Part D plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). You can also ask your doctor about generic or lower-cost insulin options that your plan does cover. If you cannot wait until the enrollment period, you may be able to request a coverage exception from your plan if your doctor documents medical necessity.

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.