


If you decide to stay with Original Medicare, another option you may have is to sign up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help pay for Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs for glucose monitors and other items and services. In any case, when you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re still in the Medicare program, and must continue paying your Medicare Part B monthly premium, as well as any premium the Medicare Advantage plan may charge. Some types of Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks, and may reduce the amounts you pay to monitor your glucose levels at home with a glucose monitor. Part A covers hospice care when you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans cover glucose monitors in the same way as Medicare Part B and often offer additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. Some Medicare beneficiaries choose to receive their Original Medicare benefits (except hospice care) through the Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) program. Are there other options for Medicare coverage of glucose monitors? If you live in area affected by Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program, you generally need to use a Medicare-contracted supplier. Keep in mind, however, that under Medicare Part B, your glucose monitoring equipment and supplies will only be covered if both your health care provider and DME vendor accept Medicare assignment. If your physician prescribes glucose monitoring at home, your durable medical equipment costs are generally covered at 80 percent of the Medicare-approved Medicare treats glucose monitors and blood sugar test strips as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B. How does Medicare treat durable medical equipment? If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your plan to ask about this coverage. You can reach a Medicare representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if you call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-80). If your health-care provider recommends a different way to monitor your blood sugar other than the finger-stick glucose monitor, you might want to check with Medicare to see whether it’s covered.
Does medicare cover accu chek test strips skin#
Medicare does not generally cover “continuous glucose monitoring,” which (according to the NIH) involves a sensor inserted under your skin for several days to a week. Under Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Part A covers health-care expenses you incur as an inpatient in a hospital, while Part B covers your outpatient care, including some glucose monitoring supplies and durable medical equipment. As well as a glucose monitor, you may also need other testing supplies, such as lancets, glucose test strips, and a glucose control solution. An alternative site glucose monitor allows blood samples from areas such as your palm or thigh, according to the Mayo Clinic. Find Medicare plans in your area Find PlansĪccording to the NIH, one way to monitor your glucose levels is by using a finger-stick device to collect a drop of blood, which you put into a glucose monitor on a set schedule each day.
