Medicare coverage isn’t limited to any particular set of conditions. In fact, it includes special provisions for specific ailments. Diabetes is a prime example. If you have diabetes, you are likely aware of the expensive treatment costs and have carried financial burdens resulting from it. But once you have Medicare, you’ll be able to manage your condition without the financial struggle.
How Does Medicare Provide Coverage For Diabetic Supplies?
Medicare is broken down into four Parts – A, B, C, and D. Each has its own specific uses, but Parts B and D are the most relevant when it comes to diabetic supply coverage.
Part B is Medicare’s outpatient coverage. It constitutes a broad scope of coverage, ranging from preventive care to ambulance services. But it’s also responsible for durable medical equipment.
Examples of diabetes-related medical supplies that Medicare covers include:
- Test strips
- Lancets and lancet devices
- Solutions for glucose control
- Insulin pumps
- Insulin used in insulin pumps
Medicare also covers one pair of diabetic shoes (as well as the inserts that go in them) per year.
What Supplies Does Medicare Part D Cover?
Medicare Part D is the aspect of Medicare responsible for covering prescriptions. While the diabetic medication itself isn’t technically a form of equipment, Part D also offers coverage for the supplies used in administering medication.
Part D covers such supplies as gauze, syringes and needles, insulin inhalers, and alcohol swabs.
How Can I Save More On Diabetic Supplies?
As a Medicare policyholder, you have access to other programs to help combat diabetes and its associated costs. A primary example is the Medicare Part D Senior Savings Program, which is available in certain Part D plans. This program covers many types of insulin medications while capping monthly 30-day supply costs at $35.
Suppose you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) but not Medicare Advantage (Part C). In that case, you can get a Medicare Supplement Plan – also known as Medigap. Medigap reduces costs by covering the remainder of the costs once Medicare has paid its share. Your diabetic supplies could then be as little as $0.
For those who don’t have diabetes but are interested in a program that helps prevent diabetes, you could join the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. The requirements are that you have no history of diabetes, a BMI of 25 or above, have Part B, and have not been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. Here, you’ll have professional guidance by working with a coach who will assist you in creating goals for yourself. You’ll also be able to join a support group of like-minded individuals with similar goals.
Make Supplies More Affordable Today
Medicare with Jake is here to bring you the best Medicare has to offer. If you’re struggling with medical expenses, whether diabetes-related or otherwise, we will help. Call us today at (833) NOW-JAKE.
