Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost of diabetes supplies once approved, but it only pays for specific supplies. Supplemental insurance can cover the other 20 percent. The 20 percent co-pay also is subject to any deductible required by Medicare. Medications may be covered also, according to the type of Medicare plan you have.
Monitors and Batteries
Monitors to check blood glucose levels are covered under Medicare as are the batteries needed to operate the monitors. Monitors basically are small, hand-held computers that calculate blood sugar levels. Some newer monitors store the information, allowing your doctor to have an overall view of your blood sugar levels between exams.
Test Strips
Basic test strips and more advanced test strips also are covered by Medicare. Test strips contain an area where you deposit blood. The test strip then is inserted into the monitor where the computer tests the blood for the blood sugar levels then displays the results on a screen.
Lancets and Lancing Devices
Lancets are the disposable needles used to prick your finger to draw blood. Lancing devices are the instruments---usually pen shaped---that hold the lancets to make the process easier. Lancing devices typically contain a spring that locks until you are ready to test. You press a release device to send the lancet with some force down the lancing pen targeting your finger. Both lancets and lancing devices are covered by Medicare.
