Living with Diabetes

What Does It Cover?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) provides coverage for:

• Doctors' services;
• Outpatient hospital care;
• Some medically necessary services not covered by Part A, including some physical and occupational therapy
• services and some home health care.

Part B also covers some diabetes-specific supplies and services, including:

• Blood glucose testing monitors
• Blood glucose test strips
• Lancet devices
• Lancets
• Glucose control solutions
• Some beneficiaries may also qualify for coverage of therapeutic shoes and diabetes self-management training.

Additionally, on January 1, 2005, Medicare Part B began covering some preventative care, including:

• A "Welcome to Medicare" physical for new enrollees
• Diagnostic screenings for cardiovascular illness
• Diagnostic screenings for diabetes
• Glaucoma tests
  

Please see our convenient one page flyer for more information about diabetes specific benefits available through Medicare.

How Much Does It Cost?

Unfortunately, Part B is not free. All Medicare enrollees who elect Part B coverage must pay a monthly premium. This premium can change from year to year. For example, in 2005, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B coverage is $78.20 per month. In 2006, this premium is expected to increase to $88.50 per month. The Social Security Administration can verify the exact amount of your monthly premium. They can be reached at 800-772-1213.

Additionally, if you enroll in Medicare Part B, you will have to pay for the first $110 of medical services you incur before Medicare will begin to pay its share. After that, Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved cost of your medically necessary supplies and services.

You do not have to enroll in Medicare Part B. However, if you decline to enroll when you are first eligible, and then decide to sign up later, you may have to pay extra for the coverage. Your monthly premium will increase by 10% for each 12 month period that you could have had Part B but did not sign up for it. You will have to pay this extra amount each month for as long as you have Part B, except in special cases.