Medicare Coverage for Diabetes under Parts A Hospital and B Doctor Visits
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.
- medicare.gov/medicare-diabetes-prevention-program
- cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention
- Vision – Keep your eyes healthy Blue Shield website
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
NEW Name: Elevance Health
- Instant quotes & #Enrollment for Individual & Family, Medicare
- Employer Small Group Health Proposals - Quotes
Medicare Coverage for Diabetes # 11022
VIDEO's
- Diabetes Official Medicare VIDEO
- Max Insulin Co Pay $35
- Sugary Drinks - No Good VIDEO
- HBO Weight of the Nation VIDEO
- Fed UP – Official Trailer VIDEO
- Beat Diabetes – VIDEO You Tube - A trip to the grocery store
- Trump – Lower Cost of Insulin 5.26.2020 VIDEO
- How to use Medicare Part D Rx Plan Finder VIDEO
Joan Lunden
CDC.Gov Diabetes
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
- Step-by-Step Guide to Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Reimbursement
- 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 latimes.com/time-restricted-eating-intermittent-fasting-metabolic-syndrome
- international prediabetes center.org
- Stress & Anxiety linked to diabetes
- What happens when you drink a Soda
- What are normal blood glucose levels Singlecare.com
- Dental care reduces likelihood of hospitalization for people with diabetes or coronary artery disease Medical Press 5.6.2022
- Coverage for Diabetes At-a-Glance
Part B-Covered Diabetes Supplies - Blood sugar self-testing equipment & supplies
Insulin pumps - Clinical Guidelines – Medical Necessity
- https://www.hioscar.com/medical/cg029
- 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
sekisui diagnostics.com evolution-diabetes-testing-taste-test/ - Food and diet can help a lot
time.com/food-best-medicine/ - Diabetes prevention program
innovation.cms.gov/medicare-diabetes-prevention-program/ - Specimen ACA compliant EOC Evidence of Coverage – Diabetes Coverage page 73
- Diabetes & the Affordable Care Act ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Federal Reform related to diabetes ncsl.org/
- Formulary issues?
Blue Shield of California Authorized Agent - Broker
How disabled from diabetes must you be to get disability – SSI, SSDI or California SDI?
- disability-benefits-help.org/diabetes-and-social-security-disability
- nolo.com/can-you-get-disability-for-diabetes
- disability secrets.com/social-security-disability-diabetes
- nick ortiz law.com/disability-for-diabetes-type-i-or-ii-diabetic-neuropathy
- oc disability attorneys.com/disability-benefits-for-diabetes-mellitus
- SSA.Gov Evaluating Diabetes Mellitus
- web md.com/diabetes-should-apply-disability
- medical news today.com/is-type-2-diabetes-a-disability
See our webpages on:
Prescription Drug 2022 #RxGuide
PDF # 11109
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Coverage Gap - Donut Hole $2,000 Cap
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- Premiums for those with High Income Parts D Rx & B Doctor Visits
- Medicare Rules for High Income People Medicare Costs # 11579
- Our #High Income Surcharge Video Explanation
- Our webpage on High Income Surcharge IRMAA
- Ways to pay your premium - See page 17
- Kaiser Foundation Introduction - Overview
- Medicare Rx Benefit Manual Rev 1.2016 83 pages
- Network Pharmacies, Formularies & Common Coverage Rules # 11136
- Insulin Maximum Co Pay $35
- Graphic on Part D Premium Increases & Why?
- Maximus Appeals LEP Late Enrollment Penalty
- VIDEO How Part D Late Enrollment Penalty is calculated
- Shop & Compare Tools Part D Rx
- Get Instant Quotes, Information & Enroll online
- MANDATED wording!: ‘‘We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.’’ § 422.2267(e)(41).
- We disagree with the above wording, as we can use the same tools on Medicare.gov as they do!
Maximum Co Pay for #Insulin $35?
Part D plans (shop & compare here or email us) can offer insulin at a monthly copayment of no more than $35.
The new insulin model directly addresses this disincentive by doing two things:
1) allowing manufacturers to continue paying their full coverage gap discount for their products, even when a plan offers lower cost-sharing; and
2) requiring participating Part D sponsors’ plans, in part through applying manufacturer rebates, to lowering cost-sharing to no more than $35 for a month’s supply for a broad set of insulins.
CMS is enabling and encouraging Part D plans to offer fixed, predictable copays for beneficiaries rather than leaving seniors paying 25 percent of the drug’s cost in the coverage gap. Both Big Pharma - manufacturers and Part D Insurance Companies responded to this market-based solution in force and seniors that use insulin will reap the benefits. KFF.org *
Here's how it's explained in a "Sample" EOC Evidence of Coverage. Click on image to enlarge
Resources & Links
- Many diabetics ration or don't take their full doses as they don't have the $$$ to pay for their insulin. LA Times 10.7.2021 *
- Los Angeles Times - Trumps claim insult is cheap, is not accurate
- cal matters.org/insulin-costs-california
- npr.org/house-passes-bill-to-cap-insulin-prices
- H.R.6833 - Affordable Insulin Now Act
Related Pages in Diabetes Special Needs Plans – SNP Section
Shop & Compare Tools Part D Rx
[child-pages]
https://khn.org/news/article/audits-hidden-until-now-reveal-millions-in-medicare-advantage-overcharges/
https://khn.org/morning-breakout/new-diabetes-drug-to-cost-13850-per-vial-more-than-some-estimates/
https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/type-2-diabetes-patients-struggling-expenses-stress
https://khn.org/news/article/medicare-plan-finder-insulin-costs/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2022/10/17/high-cost-insulin-prompts-1-3-million-americans-ration-drug/10498626002/
https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/how-healthy-eating-leads-to-reduced-spending-on-prescription-drugs-emergency-room-visits-and-hospitalizations-2
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/16/inflation-reduction-act-to-cap-costs-for-medicare-patients-on-insulin.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/08/04/insulin-pump-cost-on-medicare/10202359002/?gnt-cfr=1
https://news.yahoo.com/diabetes-advocates-frustrated-insulin-cost-212815585.html
https://www.benefitspro.com/2022/07/11/many-insulin-users-face-catastrophic-spending/
https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/study-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries-less-likely-get-pricey-diabetes-treatments
https://khn.org/morning-breakout/california-to-manufacture-its-own-low-cost-insulin/
https://news.yale.edu/2022/07/05/insulin-extreme-financial-burden-over-14-americans-who-use-it
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/1-2-million-americans-spent-more-than-40-of-income-on-insulin-study.html
https://khn.org/morning-breakout/senators-unveil-bill-that-would-cap-insulin-costs-for-many/