Medicare Part B covers glucose meters and test strips, but only if your doctor says you need them for diabetes management

Medicare Part B pays for blood glucose monitors and the test strips that go with them under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit. You do not pay the full cost yourself — Medicare covers 80 percent after you meet your Part B deductible, and you pay the remaining 20 percent. The catch is that your doctor must write an order saying the meter is medically necessary, and you must buy it from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not from a pharmacy or online retailer of your choice.

The meter itself is covered as a one-time purchase. Test strips are covered as an ongoing supply, but Medicare limits how many you can receive per month based on how often your doctor says you need to test. If you test more frequently than that limit, you pay out of pocket for the extra strips. Lancets (the small needles used to prick your finger) are also covered under the same rules as strips.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write a written order for the glucose meter before Medicare will pay for it — you cannot straightforward buy one and submit a receipt.
  • You must purchase from a Medicare-approved DME supplier; buying from a pharmacy or big-box retailer means Medicare will not cover the cost.
  • Medicare covers the meter as a one-time purchase and test strips as a monthly supply, but the number of strips per month is set by your doctor's order and Medicare's rules.
  • You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible; the exact dollar amount depends on which meter and supplier you choose.
  • If you use insulin, Medicare may cover more test strips per month than if you manage diabetes with diet or oral medication alone.

How to get a glucose meter covered by Medicare

Start by asking your doctor for a written order for a glucose meter. The order must state that the meter is medically necessary for your diabetes care. Your doctor's office can fax or mail this order directly to a DME supplier, or they can give it to you to take to the supplier yourself.

Next, find a Medicare-approved DME supplier. You can search for suppliers in your area on the Medicare website by entering your ZIP code, or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for a list. When you contact the supplier, give them your doctor's order and your Medicare number. The supplier will verify your coverage, tell you which meters they stock, and explain your out-of-pocket cost before you buy anything.

Once you choose a meter, the supplier will bill Medicare directly. You will receive the meter and an initial supply of test strips. The supplier will also set up automatic refills of strips based on your doctor's prescription — typically every 30 days if your doctor says you need daily testing.

Medicare's limits on test strips per month

Medicare does not cover unlimited test strips. The number you receive each month depends on your diabetes type and treatment. If you use insulin, Medicare typically covers up to 100 test strips per month (about 3 per day). If you do not use insulin, the limit is usually lower — often 50 strips per month or fewer, depending on your specific situation.

Your doctor's order sets the baseline, but Medicare's own rules may reduce that number. If your doctor writes an order for 200 strips per month and you do not use insulin, Medicare will only pay for the amount it considers medically necessary for your situation. You can request a higher limit, but your doctor will need to document in your medical record why you need more frequent testing.

If you run out of covered strips before the month ends, you can buy additional strips out of pocket, or you can ask your doctor to request a higher monthly limit from Medicare. Requesting a higher limit takes time — usually one to two weeks — so plan ahead if you know you test more frequently than your current allowance.

What happens if you buy a meter without Medicare approval first

If you buy a glucose meter from a pharmacy or online without a doctor's order and without using a Medicare-approved supplier, Medicare will not reimburse you. You will own the meter and have paid the full price yourself. This is true even if the meter is on Medicare's approved list — the approval only matters if you follow the process of getting a doctor's order and using an approved supplier.

The same rule applies to test strips. If you buy strips without going through a Medicare-approved supplier, you pay the full retail price and cannot ask Medicare to pay you back later. For this reason, it is worth waiting for the process to go through — it usually takes one to two weeks from the time your doctor sends the order to the time you receive your first meter and strips.

Continuous glucose monitors and Medicare coverage

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — devices that check your blood sugar automatically throughout the day — are covered by Medicare Part B under different rules than traditional glucose meters. Medicare covers a CGM if you use insulin and your doctor prescribes it. You will need a separate written order from your doctor for the CGM, and you must use a Medicare-approved DME supplier, just as with a regular meter.

The cost to you depends on which CGM your doctor prescribes. Some CGMs are covered at 80 percent after your deductible, the same as glucose meters. Others may have different cost-sharing. Ask your supplier for the exact out-of-pocket amount before you start using the device. CGM supplies — the sensors that stick to your skin — are covered as an ongoing monthly supply, similar to test strips.

Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans may cover more

If you have a Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan, it may cover some or all of the 20 percent you would normally pay out of pocket for your glucose meter and supplies. The amount varies by plan. Check your Medigap plan documents or call the insurance company to ask what they cover for DME and diabetes supplies.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), coverage for glucose meters and supplies works differently. Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but many plans cover more — some cover 100 percent of the cost with no deductible, or they may cover more test strips per month than Original Medicare allows. Call your Medicare Advantage plan and ask specifically what they cover for glucose meters, test strips, and lancets before you place an order.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is buying a meter at a pharmacy without a doctor's order first. You will pay full price and cannot get Medicare to pay you back. Always get the written order from your doctor before you spend any money.

The second mistake is using a supplier that is not Medicare-approved. Even if the supplier is a well-known company, if they are not on Medicare's approved list for your state, Medicare will not pay. Always confirm with the supplier that they are Medicare-approved and that they have received your doctor's order before you buy.

A third mistake is not asking about your out-of-pocket cost before you buy. Different suppliers may charge different amounts for the same meter, which changes what you pay as your 20 percent share. Call at least two suppliers and ask for the exact cost before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the meter my supplier recommends, or can I choose which one I want?

You can choose from the meters your supplier stocks, but your choice is limited to what they carry. Different suppliers may stock different brands. If your doctor has a preference, tell the supplier and ask if they carry that brand. If they do not, you can ask your doctor to refer you to a different Medicare-approved supplier that does.

What if I lose my glucose meter or it breaks — will Medicare pay for a replacement?

Medicare covers one meter as a one-time purchase. If it breaks or is lost, you will need to contact your DME supplier and ask about a replacement. Some suppliers will replace a broken meter at no cost under warranty, but a lost meter is usually your responsibility to replace. Ask your supplier about their warranty and replacement policy when you first receive your meter.

Can I get test strips from my pharmacy instead of the DME supplier?

No. Medicare only pays for test strips when you get them from a Medicare-approved DME supplier. If you pick up strips at a pharmacy, even if your doctor writes a prescription for them, Medicare will not pay. You must order strips through the same supplier who provided your meter.

Will Medicare pay for a glucose meter if I have diabetes but do not use insulin?

Yes, Medicare can cover a glucose meter for type 2 diabetes managed without insulin, but your doctor must document that testing is medically necessary. Medicare's coverage is more straightforward for people who use insulin, so be prepared to explain to your doctor why you need regular testing even without insulin.

How do I find out how many test strips Medicare will cover each month?

Your DME supplier can tell you the exact number based on your doctor's order and Medicare's rules for your situation. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and give them your doctor's order details, and they can tell you the expected monthly supply. Ask the supplier before you place your first order so you know what to expect.