All You Need To Know About Your Medicare Diabetes Care and Coverage
July 27, 2017Are you a diabetic Medicare beneficiary? Are you concerned that your diabetes care and coverage won’t be enough? Medicare Part B covers most diabetes care, and any corresponding drugs will fall under your prescription drug coverage.
Coverage
Most of your diabetic care will require that you pay just 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. This includes blood sugar testing strips and monitors, lancets/lancet devices, glucose control solutions, therapeutic shoes, and DMEs, or Durable Medical Equipment. A DME is a medically necessary device used in the home that is not harmful to others and is durable (can last at least three years). For your diabetic care, that includes insulin pumps.
Though Medicare Part B covers insulin pumps, it does not cover insulin. Insulin is a prescription drug, which means that it, along with insulin pens, syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, and gauze instead fall under your prescription drug plan. That can mean Medicare Part D or a MAPD plan (Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Coverage).
Services
Your diabetes coverage with Medicare is not limited to home care devices. It also includes some services. With Medicare Part B, you’ll only need to pay 20% for DSMT (Diabetes Self-Management Training), yearly eye exams for diabetic retinopathy, foot exams every six months, and regular glaucoma tests. You’ll also have access to 100% free MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy).
As with any other medical treatment you receive, you’ll need to be sure that the doctor you visit for treatment and the pharmacy you get your prescription drugs from accept Medicare. Make sure you’re getting the diabetes care and coverage you deserve. If you need help figuring out what doctors and pharmacies are in your network, speak with your carrier or agent. To speak with one of our reputable agents, call 1-844-431-1832.