Medicare Diabetic Supplies

Whether you’re dealing with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Medicare will cover certain diabetic supplies. These include:

blood sugar testing monitors
blood sugar test strips
lancet devices and lancets
blood sugar control solutions

To receive your Medicare-covered diabetic supplies, you need a prescription from your doctor stating that you have been diagnosed with diabetes. The prescription should also indicate the specific type and amount of supplies you require in a month. For unusual needs there should be an explanation from the doctor as to why you have those needs. The prescription should also indicate whether you use insulin and how often your blood sugar should be tested.

Foot problems including poor circulation plague many people with diabetes, and in some cases Medicare covers therapeutic shoes or shoe inserts. To qualify for Medicare-covered therapeutic shoes or inserts, you need a written statement from your doctor indicating you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and have one of the following foot problems:

poor circulation
chronic numbness, tingling, or burning
a history of amputation
a history of callus or ulcers
deformity

What You Need to Know Dollar-wise

Under Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible for these diabetic supplies.
Medicare supplement plans can help cover the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare requires you to pay. If you’re protected by certain Medicare supplement plans, including Medigap Plan F, you won’t have to pay one penny of these costs out-of-pocket.

Many Medicare Advantage plans provide assistance with diabetes supplies. Since coverage can vary from company to company and area to area, you should investigate the coverage your plan provides.

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover insulin, syringes, and some oral diabetic drugs.

Don’t take unnecessary chances. Make sure you purchase all Medicare diabetic supplies from a Medicare-approved supplier.

Medicare and Medicare diabetes services can go a long way toward helping you maintain your good health—if you have the experience and knowledge to take advantage of it. If you have questions about senior healthcare including Original Medicare, Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Advantage, contact MedicareMall now and let us save you money and lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!

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