Key Takeaways

  • Medicare covers home-use glucometers under Original Medicare Part B’s durable medical equipment (DME) benefit.
  • Medicare generally covers fingerstick monitors and FDA-approved continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) from companies like Abbott, Dexcom, Ascensia, and Medtronic.
  • To be eligible for coverage, you must have a diabetes diagnosis, be able to use the device correctly (or have a trained caregiver), and plan to use the device at home.

If you have diabetes, you may need a glucometer. A glucometer is a device that measures your blood glucose (sugar). Different types of glucometers exist, such as fingerstick meters or continuous glucose monitors. Your choice will depend on your specific needs.

Medicare covers home-use glucometers under the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit of Part B, which is part of Original Medicare. But there are some exceptions. Read on to learn about the specific types and brands of glucometers that are covered.

Medicare should generally cover fingerstick monitors.

In terms of continuous glucose monitors, Medicare may cover units that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from companies such as Abbott, Dexcom, Ascensia, and Medtronic. This may include:

Other types of monitors that may be covered include specially designed monitors for blind people or those with other disabilities and the implantable monitor system Eversense E3.

That said, it’s best to speak with a Medicare representative to find out whether the exact brand you’re looking for is covered.

Medicare’s coverage of home blood glucose monitors is available if you meet the following criteria:

  • You’ve received a diagnosis of diabetes.
  • Your doctor confirms you can learn how to use the device correctly or you have a caregiver who is trained to assist you with its use.
  • You plan to use the device at home.

If you have a disability and need a specialized monitor, you’ll need to fulfill the same requirements, and your doctor will need to attest that you do have a qualifying condition.

If you want an implantable device, you’ll also need to show that you’re taking insulin, you’ve had several instances of low blood sugar despite treatment, or you’ve had more severe low blood sugar instances that affected your mental functioning.

Since glucometers are covered under DME with Part B, you won’t have to pay for more than 20% of their cost if you’ve met your 2025 deductible of $257. That said, your out-of-pocket expense also includes the monthly premium of $185.

If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your plan must offer the same benefits as Parts A and B, so you should also receive coverage. But how much you will pay out-of-pocket depends on your plan. You can look up the available plans in your area on Medicare.com.

In addition to glucometers, Part B also covers diabetic supplies, blood sugar test strips, and up to two blood sugar tests every year if your doctor determines that you’re at risk of developing diabetes.

Qualifying risk factors include having high blood pressure or cholesterol, living with obesity, and history of family history of diabetes.