Social Security & Medicare Questions

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Social Security & Medicare Questions

Q: I am a 67-year-old diabetic. I have been watching ads on television about getting my supplies through the mail. The ad says the supplies are covered by Medicare, but I've been paying for mine, which I buy at local pharmacies. I'm confused. What does Medicare really cover?

A: There have been recent changes in Medicare rules about supplies for diabetics. Medicare now covers glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets. Medicare recipients with insulin and non-insulin treated diabetes are eligible. You pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount after the annual Part B deductible. To get your supplies you will need your doctor's prescription.

Beware of suppliers who send glucose monitor supplies without you asking for them in advance. You should not pay for supplies you did not request. Medicare requires that you specifically ask for a refill of supplies before they are sent to you; the supplier may not automatically send them.

Medicare recently announced that insulin infusion pumps will be covered for beneficiaries with Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes. Type II, or non-insulin dependent, diabetes is more prevalent in the Medicare population. According to Medicare, insulin infusion pumps have not yet been shown to be effective for Type II diabetic patients.

A good source of information for Medicare, Medigap, and Medicaid questions is the Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program through your Area Board for the Aging. Call the Eldercare Locator toll-free at (800) 677-1116 for the number of the program in your community or got to http://www.eldercare.gov.

Source: Sally Mank, Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program, Jefferson Area Board for the Aging, Charlottesville, VA.

This article first appeared in Volume 5, Issue 4 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (March/2000). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here.