Medicare Diabetic Supplies: What You Can Expect and How You Can Qualify

Medicare has always been one of the very first agencies people turn to for assistance with medical care.  Find out how it can help provide coverage for your medical supply needs and what types of diabetic supplies you can expect.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that may require a lifelong use of diabetes drugs and medications.  As such, it can be quite costly to manage, and obtaining the medications can be a little inconvenient for patients and their families.

If you have diabetes, the cost of your medication and other diabetic supplies can be greatly reduced if you have Medicare coverage and you avail of Medicare diabetic supplies.  Medicare can cover diabetes services and diabetic supplies for qualified people who are covered by the program.

What kind of diabetic supplies does Medicare provide?

Part B of the Medicare plan offers coverage for individuals with diabetes which includes equipment and supplies for self-testing, such as test strips, lancets, lancet devices, glucose monitors and control solutions for both insulin users and non-users.  Medicare also provides coverage for therapeutic shoes and shoe inserts used specifically by people who have diabetes. 

Demand for diabetic supplies from Medicare is not always guaranteed, however.  There are certain limits prescribed as to the number and frequency with which beneficiaries can request for supplies.

Other than diabetic supplies, Medicare also offers other benefits.  Since 2005, diabetes screening or Fasting Plasma Glucose Test is also offered for qualified individuals, who may be eligible to receive a maximum of two screenings per year.  This is offered to diabetic patients who have any of the following conditions:  hypertension, obesity, high blood sugar or dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal cholesterol levels.

As part of its care and maintenance program for diabetics, Medicare also offers preventive services through its Diabetes self-management training and medical nutrition therapy through a referral from a medical doctor.  Through this program, qualified individuals can obtain diet counseling and other therapy services.  Diabetic patients can also take advantage of Medicare's once-a-year glaucoma screening.

How do I qualify for Medicare coverage?

In order to qualify for coverage, you will be required to show a doctor's certification or prescription that indicates that you have diabetes and are currently under treatment by a physician.

Depending on your medical needs, the certification should also include related information about your condition, such as type and number of testing supplies you will need each month, complications with diabetes you might have and history of diabetes-related conditions and problems.