In the United States, nearly 15 million older adults live with diabetes. That accounts for over 25% of older Americans. If you live with diabetes, then you already know how many products and supplies you need to keep the disease in check.
What you may not know is that your Medicare health insurance can cover much of what you buy for diabetes. Keep reading for an overview of how you can save money on your diabetes equipment through Medicare.
When you have diabetes, it’s incredibly important to stay on top of your blood sugar levels. Most affected individuals test themselves at home with blood glucose testing monitors. These give you the knowledge you need to live a healthier life with diabetes. Thankfully, Medicare Part B covers blood glucose self-testing equipment as long as you have diabetes.
Your Medicare Part B insurance may also cover the costs of a diabetes infusion pump. These are compact computerized devices that simulate the function of a human pancreas. An infusion pump will deliver the insulin to your body that your pancreas is no longer able to. If deemed reasonable and medically necessary, Medicare will cover the remaining costs of your diabetes infusion pump after you pay your deductible.
Even the best testing monitors and infusion pumps are useless if you don’t have the supplies needed to make them work. That’s why Medicare health insurance covers a wide variety of supplies and accessories related to diabetes.
For example, your Medicare Part B coverage includes blood glucose testing strips, lancets, glucose sensors, tubing, and insulin. With these items, you’ll have everything you need to live a happy life with diabetes. That being said, it’s important to note that you likely will need to pay a 20% deductible on many of these items.
Additionally, Medicare only covers supplies like these, which are considered durable medical equipment (DME) if the physician prescribing them meets certain conditions. More specifically, both your doctor and supplier need to be enrolled in Medicare in order for you to get coverage for the diabetes supplies and accessories you need. Be sure to verify this with your physician to avoid any mishaps.
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Your Medicare Part B coverage may even cover the costs of therapeutic shoes and inserts. These are specifically designed footwear products that reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with foot disease.
To qualify for coverage, you need to have been diagnosed with both diabetes and severe diabetic foot disease. If you’ve met that condition, your Medicare health insurance will cover the costs of one pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts each calendar year. Your coverage can also provide you with one pair of extra-depth shoes per year.
Your Medicare health plan covers a wide variety of items related to diabetes. Are you still unsure about whether something you need for diabetes is covered by your insurance? If so, consider reaching out to Time For 65. We’re experts on Medicare and can tell you everything you need to know about your coverage. Get in touch by filling out this form or giving us a call.
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