Medicare covers some diabetes supplies, including:

• blood glucose test strips
• blood glucose monitor
• lancet devices and lancets, and
• glucose control solutions for checking the accuracy of test strips and monitors. (See blood glucose monitor coverage under Durable Medicare Equipment for more information.)

There may be limits on how much or how often you get these supplies.

Here are some ways you can make sure your Medicare diabetes medical supplies are covered:

• Only accept supplies you have ordered. Medicare wont pay for supplies you didnt request.
• Make sure you request your supply refills. Medicare wont pay for supplies sent from the supplier to you automatically.
• All Medicare-enrolled pharmacies and suppliers must submit claims for diabetic testing supplies. You cant send in the claim yourself.

Medicare doesnt cover insulin (unless used with an insulin pump), insulin pens, syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, eye exams for glasses, and routine or yearly physical exams. If you use an external insulin pump, insulin and the pump could be covered as durable medical equipment. There may be some limits on covered supplies or how often you get them. Insulin and certain medical supplies used to inject insulin are covered under medicare prescription drug coverage.