A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a medical system that provides continuous, real-time glucose readings without the need for frequent finger sticks. These systems use a small sensor inserted beneath the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, transmitting data wirelessly to a display device. For individuals paying out-of-pocket, the full cash price of a CGM is a recurring expense determined by the specific hardware and replacement schedules. The annual financial commitment for a CGM system without insurance can range from approximately $2,000 to over $7,000, depending heavily on the chosen brand and model.
Understanding the Hardware and Replacement Cycles
The cash price for any continuous glucose monitoring system depends on its required parts and replacement frequency. Every CGM system relies on a disposable sensor worn on the body that measures glucose in the interstitial fluid. These sensors have a defined lifespan, with common prescription models requiring replacement every 10 or 14 days, which is the primary driver of monthly cost.
Many systems utilize a separate, reusable transmitter, which is the electronic component that snaps onto the sensor and sends the glucose data to a display device. Older models, such as the Dexcom G6, require a transmitter change every 90 days, adding a substantial cost to the quarterly budget. The typical cash price for a single 90-day transmitter can be around $366.
Newer models, such as the Dexcom G7 and the FreeStyle Libre family, integrate the transmitter into the disposable sensor, shifting the entire cost to the sensor replacement cycle. The final component is the optional dedicated receiver or reader, which displays the glucose information. Since most modern systems are compatible with a smartphone app, users can often avoid the additional expense of a receiver, which averages several hundred dollars per unit.
Comparative Cash Pricing of Major CGM Systems
Comparing the cash prices of leading systems highlights significant differences in monthly financial commitment based on component structure. The Dexcom G7 system integrates the sensor and transmitter into a single 10-day disposable unit. The estimated cash retail price is approximately $480 to $572 for a 30-day supply (three sensors), meaning the entire cost is paid monthly for the necessary sensors.
The Dexcom G6 system separates the sensor and transmitter, resulting in a more complex calculation for the 30-day cash cost. A month’s supply of G6 sensors (three 10-day sensors) typically costs around $552. Adding the prorated monthly cost of the 90-day transmitter, which is about $122, brings the total estimated 30-day cash price for the G6 to roughly $674.
The FreeStyle Libre systems (Libre 2 and Libre 3) are generally the least expensive choice for cash-paying individuals. A 28-day supply requires two 14-day sensors, with an average cash retail price of approximately $235 for the two-sensor pack. This price point makes the FreeStyle Libre family about half the cost of the Dexcom systems. All these listed prescription models require a prescription from a healthcare provider, even when paying the full cash price.
Strategies for Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Even without insurance, multiple avenues exist to substantially reduce the cash price of continuous glucose monitoring supplies. Pharmacy discount cards, such as GoodRx and SingleCare, offer immediate savings at the pharmacy counter by leveraging negotiated prices. For instance, a 30-day supply of Dexcom G7 sensors, which retails for over $500, can often be secured for as low as $172 with a GoodRx coupon, representing a discount of up to 67%.
Manufacturers offer patient assistance and savings programs that can drastically lower the out-of-pocket cost for uninsured individuals. Dexcom’s Pharmacy Savings Program, for example, can provide a significant reduction, such as $210 off a 30-day supply of G7 sensors. For individuals who meet specific financial or medical criteria, a manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Program may reduce the cost further, sometimes allowing for a 90-day supply for as little as $45.
Utilizing newer over-the-counter (OTC) options is another strategy, gaining popularity for individuals not using insulin. The Dexcom Stelo system, for example, is available directly to consumers without a prescription and costs approximately $99 for a one-month supply of sensors. While OTC models are intended for non-insulin users, they offer a transparent, subscription-based pricing model that eliminates the variable pharmacy cash price. For the FreeStyle Libre system, the manufacturer often provides a voucher for a free 14-day sensor and reader to first-time users, serving as a zero-cost trial period.