Medicare Part B covers a broad range of diabetic supplies, classifying most of them as durable medical equipment. This includes blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and therapeutic shoes. Part B also covers diabetes-related services like self-management training and lab tests. Here’s what’s included, how much you can get, and what you need to qualify.
Blood Glucose Monitors and Testing Supplies
Part B covers the core equipment you need to check your blood sugar at home:
- Blood sugar testing meters
- Test strips
- Lancets and lancet holders
- Glucose control solutions (used to verify your meter and strips are working correctly)
The number of test strips and lancets you can get depends on whether you use insulin. Every three months, Part B allows up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets if you use insulin. If you don’t use insulin, that drops to 100 test strips and 100 lancets per three-month period.
If your doctor determines you need more than those standard amounts, Medicare can approve additional supplies. You may need to keep a log showing how frequently you’re actually testing. All of these supplies require a prescription that specifies your diagnosis, the equipment you need, whether you use insulin, how often you should test, and how many strips and lancets you need per month. That prescription must be renewed every 12 months, and you need to actively request refills each time.
If you have vision problems that require a special monitor, your doctor must explain that need in the prescription as well.
Continuous Glucose Monitors
Part B covers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and related supplies like sensors, but you need to meet two conditions. First, you must either take insulin or have a history of problematic low blood sugar episodes. Second, you or your caregiver must have completed enough training to use the CGM correctly. Your doctor needs to order the device for you.
Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies
External insulin pumps are covered under Part B as durable medical equipment. This is an important distinction: the insulin used inside a pump is also covered by Part B, not Part D, because it’s considered part of the pump’s operation. Pump supplies, including infusion sets and reservoirs, fall under Part B coverage as well. Your doctor must document that the pump is medically necessary for you.
Therapeutic Shoes and Inserts
If you have diabetes along with severe diabetes-related foot disease, Part B covers therapeutic footwear. Each calendar year, you can receive either one pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts or one pair of extra-depth shoes. On top of that, you can get two or three additional pairs of inserts depending on which type of shoe you chose.
Getting this coverage requires a two-step process. The doctor who manages your diabetes must certify that you need therapeutic shoes. Then a podiatrist or other qualified doctor must write the actual prescription. You need to get the shoes from a qualified provider: a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist.
Diabetes Self-Management Training
Part B covers structured training to help you manage your diabetes day to day. The initial benefit includes up to 10 hours of training: 1 hour of one-on-one instruction and 9 hours of group sessions. After that first year, you can receive up to 2 hours of follow-up training each calendar year.
Lab Tests
Part B covers hemoglobin A1c testing, the blood test that shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Medicare covers this test once every six months for beneficiaries with diabetes. If your doctor determines you need it more frequently, additional tests may be approved.
Where to Get Your Supplies
For diabetes testing supplies delivered to your home, Medicare requires you to use a national mail-order contract supplier. If you’d rather pick up supplies in person, you can go to any local pharmacy or storefront supplier that’s enrolled with Medicare. Either way, the supplier must be Medicare-enrolled for your claim to be covered.
What Part B Does Not Cover
Part B has clear boundaries. Insulin that you inject with a syringe or pen (rather than through a pump) is covered under Part D, not Part B. The same goes for syringes, pen needles, and alcohol swabs used for injections. Oral diabetes medications also fall under Part D. If you have a Part D plan, check its formulary for coverage details on those items.
Understanding this split matters because the cost-sharing structure is different. Part B diabetes supplies are subject to the Part B deductible, after which Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved amount. Part D items follow your drug plan’s own deductible and copay tiers. Knowing which supplies fall where helps you anticipate your actual out-of-pocket costs throughout the year.