CHOICES Corner

If you have diabetes, Medicare can help pay for some of the costs you'll experience caring for yourself. Medicare Part B may cover some diabetic test supplies as durable medical equipment, including blood sugar test strips. Individual with Medicare who have diabetes are covered. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount; however, Medicare will only cover their portion if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. It's important to ask your suppliers if they participate in Medicare before you get your supplies. Participating suppliers must accept assignment. If suppliers don't accept assignment, there's no limit on the amount they can charge you.

Medicare Part B also covers screenings to check for diabetes. You may be eligible for 2 diabetes screenings each year. Medicare covers these lab tests if you have any of these risk factors: 

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• History of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia)
• Obesity
• History of high blood sugar (glucose)
• Medicare also covers these tests if 2 or more of these apply to you:
• Age 65 or older
• Overweight
• Family history of diabetes (parents, brothers, sisters)

You pay nothing for these tests.

Medicare Part B covers diabetes outpatient self-management training to teach you to cope with and manage your diabetes. It includes tips for eating healthy, being active, monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, and reducing risks.

Medicare may cover up to 10 hours of initial diabetes self-management training.

This training is for certain people with Medicare who are at risk for complications from diabetes. You must have a written order from a doctor or other health care provider.

You may also qualify for up to 2 hours of follow-up training each year if you meet these conditions: you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.

For more information about Medicare covered services go to Medicare.gov or call CHOICES 1-800- 994-9422