For diabetics, Medicare covers the glucose monitor, lancets, spring-powered lancing devices, test strips, control solution and replacement batteries for the meter.
Medicare does not cover insulin injections or diabetic pills unless covered through a Medicare Part D benefit plan.
Diabetics can obtain up to a three month supply of testing materials at a time.
Medicare will approve up to one test per day for non-insulin dependent diabetics and three tests per day for insulin-dependent diabetics without additional verification of need.
If you test above these guidelines, you are required to be seen and evaluated by your physician or healthcare provider within six months prior to receiving your initial supplies from your supplier.
In addition, you must send your supplier evidence of compliant testing (e.g. a testing log or notes from your physician) every six months to continue getting refills at the higher levels.
If at any time your testing frequency changes, your physician or healthcare provider will need to give your supplier a new prescription.
As of July of 2013, Medicare began a national mail order program that requires you to get your diabetic supplies through one of approximately 20, nationally contracted suppliers for all testing supplies delivered to your home.
Your supplier may not be able to deliver your glucometer to you without a written order or certificate of medical necessity from your doctor or healthcare provider, nor can they get the documentation at a later date because if they do, Medicare can never make payment for those products to you or your supplier. So please be patient with your supplier while they collect the required documentation from your physician or healthcare provider.
** Some or all of the products in this category may be subject to competitive bidding depending on where you live. Ask your supplier for details.