Medicare covers Americans aged 65 or older and those with certain disabilities who meet eligibility requirements. About fifteen percent of Medicare beneficiaries are those who qualify based on disability. As we age and health conditions decline, there comes a greater need to use medical services. Based on the needs of Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare’s standardized coverage includes a great deal of assistance for managing chronic conditions.
What Medicare Part B covers for diabetes care
Medicare Part B is the outpatient medical insurance of Original Medicare. It covers medically necessary and preventive care services, including ambulance services, mental health care, clinical research, durable medical equipment, and more. Many of the medical services necessary for managing diabetes are covered under Medicare Part B.
Some of the services covered for diabetes management under Part B include blood glucose testing supplies and strips, including meters, test strips, lancets and control solutions. Part B also covers insulin pumps and other durable medical equipment, including the insulin for the pumps.
Medicare covers diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, and diet and lifestyle training. Also covered are hemoglobin A1C tests to monitor blood glucose control, foot exams and podiatry treatment for diabetic-related nerve damage, therapeutic shoes or inserts, and eye tests for glaucoma.
Diabetic supplies covered by Medicare Part D
Medicare prescription drug plans cover injectable insulin and inhaled insulin, plus the syringes and other supplies needed to administer the medication. Medicare Part D also covers blood glucose medication.
Medicare costs for diabetes management
Medicare Part B and Part D both have monthly premiums that can be influenced by your income. An income higher than $90,000 for an individual, for example, would place the beneficiary in a higher bracket for premiums, adding a slightly higher expense each month with the income related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).
Your typical costs for diabetes management will include 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your covered Part B services. Costs under Part D for injectable insulin or blood glucose medication will vary based on your plan.
Medicare covers a variety of solutions for diabetes management. To learn more about your Medicare costs, speak to the benefits manager of your plan or work with your healthcare provider to avoid any surprise expenses.
Learn more about the Medicare plans available in your area, speak to the licensed insurance agents at Magellan Healthcare Partners. Our team is ready to help you take control of your health plan and manage your care.
