Published On : 10/18/2023

Does Medicare Cover Diabetes Care and Equipment?

Medicare provides coverage for various diabetes-related medications, supplies, and services. These support your diabetes management and maintain healthy blood glucose levels. To guarantee the coverage of your diabetic supplies, it is vital to follow the fundamental rule. They must be considered medically essential. The healthcare provider must prescribe it. Occasionally, you may be required to secure preauthorization from your insurance provider. But that’s for some specific items or services related to your diabetes management.

Cover for Diabetes Care

Medicare Part B

This is a facet of the government-administered Original Medicare program. It encompasses a range of healthcare services tailored to diabetes management. These services include physician consultations and doctor-performed screenings. It also includes comprehensive foot examinations and glaucoma eye examinations. Additionally, Medicare Part B extends coverage to essential supplies – “durable medical equipment. These are external insulin pumps, diabetic footwear, and home glucose monitoring devices.

A Medigap plan

Also known as a Medicare Supplement plan. It is a supplementary insurance option. Designed to alleviate or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses for diabetic supplies. That is after Medicare Part B has contributed its portion. The coverage for diabetes-related supplies and services relies upon Original Medicare’s coverage guidelines. The Medigap plan will provide coverage at the predetermined rate established by the plan. For instance, if a Medigap plan covers 100% of the Part B copay, the associated item or service will be fully covered. Of course, if you have satisfied any applicable deductibles.

Medicare Part D

It’s a separate prescription drug plan. The avenue for enrolling in Original Medicare and getting coverage for anti-diabetic medication. Insulin and the necessary supplies for insulin administration, including syringes and insulin pens. Medicare Part B provides coverage for insulin with an insulin pump as part of its durable medical equipment coverage. In contrast, injectable or inhalable insulin falls under your prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage

It’s an all-inclusive package known as Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage. It encompasses both the diabetes coverage for Part B and Part D. With this single plan, you can get your healthcare needs covered. These Medicare Advantage plans are available through private insurance companies. So, selecting a plan that incorporates prescription benefits is crucial.

Medicare Advantage plans cover the same items as Part B. The costs and coverage limitations may differ depending on your chosen plan.

Cover for Supplies and Services

Insulin

Medicare plans that include prescription benefits ensure coverage for insulin, the essential items. This encompasses a wide range of insulin options, including injectable and inhalable alternatives. Additionally, there are essential supplies such as syringes, alcohol swabs, gauze, and equipment for administering insulin. The portion of costs you bear may differ depending on the particular insurance plan you choose. When selecting the most appropriate coverage, compare plans based on their insulin copayment rates and deductibles.

Insulin pump

Medicare Part B covers external insulin pumps worn outside the body when prescribed by a physician. Nonetheless, specific criteria demonstrating its medical necessity must be met to receive a prescription for the pump. This entails the requirement for frequent adjustments to your insulin dosage. Or the need to monitor your blood sugar levels a minimum of four times daily. When using a pump, Medicare Part B covers the cost of insulin instead of relying on your prescription drug plan’s coverage. For injectable or inhalable insulin.

Diabetes and Foot Care: Annual Exams and Shoe Coverage

If you have diabetes, you are eligible for coverage for routine foot examinations and specialized diabetic footwear. An annual foot examination is provided for individuals with diabetes-related lower leg nerve complications who have not received foot care from a healthcare professional for other reasons within the same year. Your responsibility for this examination and related treatments is 20% of the total cost, with Medicare covering the rest. Additionally, Medicare will extend its coverage to include diabetic shoes, provided they are prescribed and properly fitted by a qualified healthcare practitioner, such as a podiatrist, pedorthist, or prosthetist.

Diabetic eye exam

If you have diabetes, you’re eligible for an annual eye checkup. That will identify diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. To qualify for this coverage, your healthcare provider must accept Medicare and hold authorization to conduct these examinations in your state. The costs associated with this examination will vary depending on your chosen testing location. But remember that Medicare Part B does not extend coverage for regular eye checkups, prescription eyeglasses, or contact lenses for individuals with diabetes.

Diabetes screening

The doctor can determine that you are at risk of developing diabetes. In such a case, you can receive up to two complimentary diabetes screenings annually. And you won’t need copayments or even meet deductibles. These screenings include glucose laboratory tests and even carbohydrate challenges if necessary.

What is the Medicare coverage for diabetes supplies and services?

Typically, Medicare covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for these services under Part B once the annual deductible is satisfied. You are responsible for coinsurance, which is 20% of the cost.

You might be responsible for either coinsurance or copayment when it comes to items covered under Part D. The amount you are required to pay is determined by the terms of your particular Part D plan.

Certain services, such as medical nutrition therapy and A1C tests, may be offered without extra charges. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) also include coverage for diabetes supplies and services. They offer additional services like vision, dental, and hearing care. Your coverage and the costs will vary depending on the specific plan.

Can I get Medicare coverage with diabetes?

Yes. You can apply for Medicare even with diabetes. No one will reject your application because you’ve got a preexisting condition. Again, you will not incur additional expenses for

the coverage. But there is an exception if you decide to enroll in a Medigap plan. Click here to learn more about the Medigap plan.

In diabetes management, find out how your Medicare coverage can assist with your requirements. Your annual Medicare wellness checkup allows you to discuss diabetes care with your doctor. That ensures you’re current with preventive care services that complement your diabetes management.

Jessica Weisman-Pitts

Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.