Diabetic Guide to Better Living

An Informational Resource for Seniors with Diabetes

Learn how the proper diagnosis, lifestyle changes & diabetic supplies can change your life. While there is no known cure for this disease, there are healthy ways to manage it & prevent diabetes altogether.

Topics: Medicare Coverage

How To Get Medicare to Cover Your Diabetic Supplies

If you are on Medicare, diabetes supplies you need may be covered.

You may qualify for Medicare coverage of your diabetic supplies if you meet the following simple requirements:

  • You are on Medicare.
  • You have a doctor’s order to test your blood sugar.

A Medicare diabetic supply could add up to significant savings if you currently pay out-of-pocket for your diabetes testing supplies. If you are eligible, you may qualify for these Medicare diabetes supplies:

  • Blood glucose monitors
  • Blood glucose test strips
  • Lancets/lancing devices
  • Control solution
  • Insulin pump supplies

More Good News


Medicare offers more benefits besides diabetic supplies, including:

Hemoglobin A1c test — Anyone with diabetes under Medicare is covered for this test, which measures how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past three months, if it is ordered by your doctor.

Diabetes self-management training — This training is for certain people who are at risk for complications from diabetes and are on Medicare. Your doctor must request this service, and you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your yearly Part B deductible.

Insulin pumps and related supplies — Insulin pumps worn outside of the body, including the insulin used with the pump, may be covered for some people with diabetes under Medicare. Diabetic supplies related to an insulin pump may be covered, as well.

Therapeutic shoes — If you have Medicare Part B and meet certain diabetes conditions, Medicare will cover therapeutic shoes if you need them.

Testing supplies — A wide range of products are currently covered under Medicare. Diabetes supplies for blood testing are covered whether you use insulin or not. However, the amount of supplies that is covered varies. Bottom line: If you are on Medicare and have a doctor’s order to test your blood sugar, you may be eligible to receive a Medicare diabetes supply.

Help is Available


Numerous medical supply companies, known as “Medicare participating providers,” make it easy to get the Medicare diabetic supplies you may be entitled to. These companies will fill out all the Medicare and insurance paperwork for you and submit the forms on your behalf. After approval by Medicare, diabetes supplies are sent right to your door with no charge for shipping. Generally, you pay nothing up-front. And, when it’s time to reorder, they will remind you, so you don’t have to worry about running out of supplies.

Why wait and wonder? Find out today if you are eligible for Medicare diabetes supplies.

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© 2009 DiabeticSeniors.com — This information is not designed to replace a doctor’s judgment about the specific solution for your particular condition.