Medicare Coverage for Diabetes under Parts A Hospital and B Doctor Visits

and Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans

What Medicare Covers

Diabetes screenings

Medicare covers these screenings if your doctor determines you’re at risk for diabetes or diagnosed with prediabetes. You may be eligible for up to 2 diabetes screenings each year. You pay nothing for the test if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment.

Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be  diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be delayed or prevented with health behavior changes. If you have prediabetes, losing even a small amount of weight if you’re overweight and getting regular exercise can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

If you have Medicare Part B, have prediabetes, and meet other criteria, Medicare covers a proven health behavior change program to help you prevent diabetes. The program begins with at least 16 core sessions offered in a group setting over a 6-month period. After the core sessions, you may be eligible for additional monthly sessions will help you maintain healthy habits.

The diabetes prevention program sessions will include:

• Training to make realistic, lasting lifestyle changes
• Tips on how to get more exercise
• Strategies for controlling your weight
• A lifestyle coach, specially trained to help keep you motivated
• Support from people with similar goals and challenges

If you think you’re at risk, ask your doctor to be tested for prediabetes to find out if you have the condition. If you qualify for the program, you can join a program at no out-of-pocket cost without a referral from your doctor. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan for more information.

Diabetes self-management training

Medicare covers diabetes outpatient self-management training to teach you to cope with and manage your diabetes. The program may include tips for eating healthy, being active, monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, and reducing risks. You must have diabetes and a written order from your doctor or other qualified health care provider who’s treating your diabetes. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.

Diabetes supplies

Medicare covers blood sugar testing monitors, blood sugar test strips, lancet devices and lancets, blood sugar control solutions, and therapeutic shoes (in some cases). Medicare only covers insulin if it’s medically necessary and you use an external insulin pump to administer the insulin. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies.

Note: Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) may cover insulin, certain medical supplies used to inject insulin (like syringes), and some oral diabetes drugs. Check with your plan for more information. ^{Medicare & You #10050}

Ways to Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Sharp HealthCare offers a diabetes education program in locations across San Diego County to help those with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes with managing their care.  If you know of any other aids, educational material, whatever, please post in the comments section below.

Blue Shield Website on Diabetes  

Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Publication # 11022

Web MD

medicare.gov/diabetes-prevention

cdc.gov/diabetes/prevent-type-2/  

niddk.nih.gov/preventing-type-2-diabetes 

my diabetes.diet  

14 hour fast works wonders https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2019-12-05/time-restricted-eating-intermittent-fasting-metabolic-syndrome

international prediabetes center.org

Stress & Anxiety linked to diabetes 

What happens when you drink a Soda

Coverage for Diabetes At-a-Glance 
Part B-Covered Diabetes Supplies 

Blood sugar self-testing equipment & supplies 
Insulin pumps

Clinical Guidelines – Medical Necessity 

Therapeutic shoes or inserts

Medicare Part D Diabetes Coverage 

Insulin
Anti-diabetic drugs
Diabetes supplies

Medicare-Covered Diabetes Services

screenings
self-management training
Medical nutrition therapy services
Foot exams & treatment
Hemoglobin A1c tests 
Glaucoma tests 
Flu and pneumococcal shots (vaccinations)
“Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit
Yearly “Wellness” visit 
Supplies & services that aren’t covered by Medicare

Tips to help control diabetes

Historical testing for diabetes

https://www.sekisuidiagnostics.com/blog/diagnostics/2017/12/16/evolution-diabetes-testing-taste-test/

Food and diet can help a lot

http://time.com/5534352/food-best-medicine/

Diabetes prevention program

https://innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/medicare-diabetes-prevention-program/