What is Medicare? Medicare is a national health insurance program supported by the federal system of the United States. It is specifically created for people over 65 years old, certain groups of people with disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Medicare also covers diabetes. People diagnosed with such a condition can avail of Medicare services. There are different parts of Medicare, and the part that covers diabetes is Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). It comprises outpatient care, preventive services, doctor’s services, and medical supplies.
The following are diabetic supplies that Medicare cover.
- Diabetic test strips
- Lancets
- Lancet holders
- Monitors
- Insertion sets
- Tubing
- Insulin for insulin pumps
- Sensors for CGMs (continuous glucose monitors)
- Control solutions for result validations
For diabetes patients who suffer from foot issues related to their condition, the program can cover their need for comfortable shoes and inserts. However, this equipment should be prescribed by their physician.
The supplies under Medicare Part B are considered durable medical equipment. The actual amount of each supply varies depending on your usage of insulin. If you do not use insulin, your test strips can only be 100 every three months. However, if you use insulin on a daily basis, your test strips can get up to 300. This number also includes the lancets you will be using for three months.
What diabetic supplies are covered by Medicaid?
Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is an assistance program that serves low-income people or those with limited financial assets in the United States. It is a federal-state program, which means that its services and guidelines vary from state to state.
People with diabetes are also beneficiaries of the Medicaid program. However, since guidelines will vary for each state, not all diabetic supplies can be purchased with this program. The list below includes the widely used supplies covered in each state.
- Insulin
- Insulin pens
- Syringes
- Disposable needles
- Blood glucose meters
- Glucose test strips
- Lancets
- Acetone testing strips
- Ketone testing strips
- Insulin pumps
- Glucagon emergency kits
- Blood glucose control and calibration solutions
Note: If you are a beneficiary of Medicaid, always remember that your diabetes supplies can be limited to certain brands. Also, if you are not part of this program yet, look for the guidelines and see if you are eligible for Medicaid.
