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
• Medical nutrition therapy
• Diabetes self-management training
• Some beneficiaries may also qualify for coverage of therapeutic shoes

Additionally, Medicare Part B also covers some preventive care, including a "Welcome to Medicare" physical for new enrollees, diagnostic screenings for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and glaucoma tests.

A one-time ";Welcome to Medicare" physical exam is covered within the first 12 months of Part B coverage. Beginning January 1, 2011, Medicare Part B will also cover an "Annual Wellness Visit" which will include the creation (or update) of a personalized prevention plan and be available every 12 months after the first 12 months of Part B coverage or after receiving a Welcome to Medicare physical exam.

How Much Does It Cost?

• Unfortunately, Medicare 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. The Social Security Administration can verify the exact amount of your monthly premium. They can be reached at 1-800-772-1213.
• Additionally, if you enroll in Medicare Part B, you will have to meet a deductible first 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.  For some preventive services, the deductible and/or coinsurance will be waived.
• 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 may increase by 10% for each 12 month period that you could have had Part B but did not sign up for it. You may have to pay this late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B, unless you meet certain conditions. Please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information.

Medicare National Mail-Order Program for Diabetes Testing Supplies

Beginning on July 1, 2013, a Medicare National Mail-Order Program for diabetes testing supplies goes into effect. The mail-order diabetes supplies included in the National Mail-Order Program are: blood glucose test strips, lancets, lancet devices, batteries and control solution. Beneficiaries who want their diabetes testing supplies delivered to their home must use a Medicare national mail-order contract supplier. Beneficiaries also have the option to pick up their testing supplies from a local store (local pharmacies or storefront suppliers) enrolled in Medicare.

Learn more about the National Mail-Order Program for diabetes testing supplies.