Social Security & Medicare Q&A: Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies

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Social Security & Medicare Q&A: Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies

Q: Are diabetics on Medicare eligible to get their supplies free of cost?— S.B.

A: Many ads about diabetic supplies, especially those sold through TV, may lead you to believe that Medicare covers all the cost of diabetic supplies. Medicare does cover the cost of supplies, but not the entire cost. Like most supplies and services, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare approved charge and you (or your Medigap insurance) pay the remaining 20% after the yearly $100 Part B deductible. The ads also hype the ease and convenience of automatic deliveries. Except for the premium deduction from your Social Security benefit, nothing about Medicare is that easy or automatic. Here are some important rules to follow to prevent getting stuck for more than just your blood tests.

Who is covered:
Medicare covers the same supplies whether or not you must take insulin. These supplies include glucose test monitors, blood glucose test trips, lancet devices and lancets, and glucose control solutions. There may be some limits on supplies or how often you get them. Medicare says DO NOT accept shipments of diabetes equipment and supplies that you did not ask for.

How to get diabetes equipment and supplies:
In order for Medicare to cover your diabetic equipment and supplies, you need a prescription from your doctor. The prescription should specify the following:

You have been diagnosed with diabetes.
How many test strips and lancets you need in a month.
What kind of meter you need. If you need a special meter for vision problems for example, your doctor should specify that and state the medical reason why you need a special meter.
Whether you use insulin or not.
How often you should test your blood sugar.

For a new publication on Medicare coverage on diabetes supplies and services call 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-633-4227.

For a related story, see “Medicare Expands Benefits,” at http://www.tscl.org/NewContent/101410.asp.

October 2002