Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Supplies and Services

October 4, 2025
Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Supplies and Services

Introduction

Managing diabetes requires more than medication—routine testing, specialized supplies, doctor visits, and education all play important roles in controlling your blood sugar and preventing complications. For Medicare beneficiaries living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, knowing exactly what your plan covers can reduce costs and help keep your condition in check. Below, you’ll find an overview of Medicare benefits for diabetes, what supplies and services are included, and tips to make the most of your coverage each year.

What Diabetes Supplies Does Medicare Cover

Medicare Part B provides coverage for many durable diabetes management tools and the associated disposable supplies. Items covered typically include:

  • Blood glucose monitors (both traditional and continuous glucose monitors)
  • Blood sugar test strips, lancets, and control solution
  • Certain insulin pumps and the insulin used with those pumps (for beneficiaries who qualify)
  • Batteries for eligible monitors
  • Therapeutic shoes or inserts for people at risk of foot complications from diabetes

To receive coverage, you generally must:

  • Purchase supplies from a Medicare-enrolled supplier
  • Have them prescribed and deemed medically necessary by your doctor (be sure it’s in your medical records)

Standard rules apply: after your annual Part B deductible, you are typically responsible for 20% of the Medicare approved cost of supplies, unless you have additional secondary insurance, such as a Medigap plan or Medicaid assistance.

Additional Preventive and Treatment Services for Diabetes

Besides equipment and supplies, Medicare pays for important preventive and educational services:

  • Biannual diabetes screenings for people at risk
  • Annual dilated eye exams (for diabetic retinopathy screening)
  • Foot checkups every six months
  • Diabetes self management training if ordered by your physician—up to ten hours of initial counseling and follow-up training as needed

Medicare Part D (through a stand-alone or Advantage plan) also covers most injected or oral insulin, though the cost involvement depends on which drug is prescribed and your plan's formulary tier. Always verify with your specific drug coverage which medications are paid out and at what rate.

Tips to Limit Out of Pocket Costs for Diabetes

  • Enroll in a Medicare Supplement policy to lower your portion of costs for testing and routine monitoring under Part B and check if your state has assistance programs.
  • Each year, review all eligible Medicare Advantage and drug plans during the Annual Enrollment Period as formularies and supply networks can change.
  • Order a month’s worth of supplies at once—and check if specialty programs or bulk buy pharmacies linked to your plan can save you additional money.
  • Build close relationships with both your primary care provider and your selected supplier—having clear communication on refills and medical documentation avoids delays.

Professional Guidance When Diabetes Needs Evolve

Consistent management of diabetes is easier when Medicare’s options and networks are well understood from the start. For support switching equipment suppliers, checking eligibility for therapeutic shoes, or comparing drug plans based on needed insulin, contact Vista Mutual Insurance Services. Our dedicated team will review your situation, cover every benefit available to you, and ensure you keep your health—and hassle—under control at every stage of your journey with diabetes.