According to the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report released by CDC, more than 130 million adults in the United States are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts how our body converts food and drink into energy. And the medical costs that people with diabetes incur are two times higher than what people without diabetes. Thus, before browsing and purchasing diabetes supplies for sale, people with diabetes in the USA must know whether Medicare helps cover their costs or not.

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Supplies?

Yes, some of the diabetes supplies are covered by Medicare.

To understand what’s covered under Medicare and what’s not, let’s discuss in detail:

Medicare insurance is available in different parts:

• Part A for inpatient/hospital coverage
• Part B for outpatient/medical coverage
• Part C for an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits
• Part D for prescription drug coverage

Medicare Part B

Medicare usually covers insulin services, including preventive services under Original Medicare Part B. Some of the services that Part B covers include:

• Outpatient training to learn how to manage their diabetes
• An annual glaucoma test
• A biannual foot examination

Most diabetic supplies are considered DME (Durable Medical Equipment) by Medicare. Some of the diabetes supplies covered by Medicare Part B include:

• Insulin pumps (DME) and insulin
• Diabetes testing supplies such as blood glucose strips, glucose monitors, glucose control solutions, lancet devices, and lancets (only if the patient has Original Medicare)
• One pair of therapeutic shoes per year for people with severe foot disease (upon the confirmation of an in-network provider)

When the foot care examination and service are received from an in-network Medicare provider, Original Medicare covers 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for a diabetes-related foot exam. Twenty (20%) percent of the cost needs to be paid out of pocket. The same goes for therapeutic shoes and inserts based on certain conditions.

Some individuals can also receive two additional pairs of inserts for custom-molded shoes and three pairs for extra-depth shoes. For those who prefer shoe modifications, the cost of modification will be covered instead of inserts.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D can help cover the cost of a variety of diabetes-related services and diabetes supplies necessary to manage diabetes at home, such as:

• Injectable insulin
• Syringes
• Anti-diabetic drugs
• Gauze, wipes, and more

You must check whether your prescribed medications and diabetes supplies are on your plan’s list of drugs - formulary.

Medicare Part C

Also known as Medicare Advantage, your Part C must offer at least the same level of coverage as original Medicare for all Medicare services, including diabetes supplies. However, the co-payments and deductibles may differ depending on the plan.

What Diabetes Supplies Medicare Doesn’t Cover?

Medicare doesn’t provide the coverage for various Diabetes supplies, including:

• Insulin pens
• Syringes
• Needles
• Alcohol swabs and more

Thus, when paying for diabetes supplies for sale, it is worth checking if Original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan will cover the cost.