Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Supplies? CGM, Insulin & Test Strips

Diabetic supplies are paid for by Medicare under both Part B (Durable Med. Equipment) and Part D (Prescription Drug). There are different Parts for different supplies and different uses. Diabetes affects over 16 million Americans age 65 and older, and is a significant part of the coverage provided for many beneficiaries. Several important protections for Medicare coverage of diabetes services for 2026 remain as part of the coverage, such as the $35 monthly cap on insulin costs (Part B and Part D), expanded coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), and full coverage for basic diabetes services like blood glucose monitoring supplies, insulin pumps, therapeutic shoes, diabetes self-management training, and medical nutrition therapy. Part B 20% coinsurance after the deductible for Part B covered supplies; Part B deductible for 2026 is $283 (increases from $257 in 2025). One major change in 2026: Beginning January 1, 2026, most beneficiaries will have to pay the pharmacy benefit for CGMs.

This resource helps you understand the diabetic supplies that each Medicare plan covers, the costs, who is eligible, and some important changes for 2026. Medicare.gov, CMS and the American Diabetes Association provide the information. 

Medicare Part B diabetic supply coverage

Diabetic supplies that are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and prescribed by a doctor are covered by Medicare Part B if they are purchased from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Once you have met the Medicare Part B deductible ($283, for 2026), you must cover the 20% coinsurance, with Medicare covering the remaining 80% of the approved amount.

There are medical necessity documentation on blood glucose monitors. Specific limits for the number of test strips and lancets are placed on them. Medicare pays for up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets 3 times per 3 months, if you are using insulin. If you don't use insulin, Medicare covers 100 test strips and 100 lancets every 3 months. More amount will need more medical necessity documentation.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) such as Dexcom G7 and Freestyle Libre sensors are covered if you fulfil certain criteria. Must take several insulin injections each day or an insulin pump, check blood sugar 4+ times per day and have regular visits with health care providers. Effective on January 1, 2026, CGMS will be included in the pharmacy benefits coverage instead of Part B DME coverage for all beneficiaries except annuitants and some other beneficiaries.

When medically necessary, an insulin pump is considered durable medical equipment, as is the insulin it requires. This is important because the insulin coverage for this Part B plan is covered by the 20% Part B coinsurance and also has a $35 monthly cap.

Patients who have severe diabetes-related foot disease, including neuropathy, poor circulation and foot ulcers, are eligible for a therapeutic shoe and shoe inserts. One pair of custom-molded or extra-depth shoes once a year and 3 pairs of shoe inserts. Documentation includes a statement from the physician that the patient has diabetes, a qualifying foot condition and is requiring the shoes for protection.

If you need Medicare Part B coverage information, check our Part B Guide. 

Medicare Part D diabetic supply coverage

Medicare Part D has coverage for prescription drugs and supplies needed to administer insulin (excluding insulin pump medications). The OOPM for 2026 is $2,100, with $0 coverage after that point for any covered drugs.

Insulin that is not used in conjunction with an insulin pump that is a durable medical product is also not covered by Part D. This includes a special type of insulin that is injected into the body, insulin pens, inhaled insulin (Afrezza) and insulin in a disposable insulin patch. If the list price exceeds the $35 monthly cap per insulin product, then you will pay no more than $35 for a 30-day supply of the insulin. Insulin is not subject to a Part D deductible.

Items that are covered for insulin administration under Part D include insulin syringes, needles for insulin pens, alcohol swabs, gauze pads, and some disposable insulin delivery devices. These supplies will be subject to your regular cost-sharing with your Part D plan.

Anti-diabetic oral medications are covered including metformin, sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide), DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin/Januvia), SGLT2 inhibitors (Jardiance, Farxiga), and GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes (Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro for diabetes diagnosis). Note: Most GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss (such as Wegovy and Zepbound) are not covered by Medicare Part D if they are used only for weight loss.

There have been a number of diabetes medicines which have negotiated Medicare prices effective 2026, such as Jardiance, Januvia, Farxiga and the first round of Inflation Reduction Act negotiated drugs, the Fiasp/NovoLog insulins.

See our prescriptions guide for wider coverage of prescriptions.

The $35 insulin cost cap

The $35 monthly insulin cost cap is one of the most important Medicare diabetes protections, continuing through 2026 and beyond. The cap applies to all insulin products covered under both Part B (for insulin pumps) and Part D (for non-pump insulin).

You pay no more than $35 for a one-month supply of each insulin product. If you take multiple types of insulin, the cap applies to each. Someone taking three different insulin products pays no more than $105 monthly total ($35 × 3).

For Part D insulin, no deductible applies before the $35 cap kicks in. You pay $35 from the very first prescription, even before meeting your plan's regular deductible. This is a meaningful protection for many beneficiaries.

For Part B insulin used in insulin pumps, the cap still applies but the standard 20% Part B coinsurance is the calculation baseline. Most beneficiaries with pumps pay $35 or less monthly.

If your insulin product list price is below $35, you pay the lower amount. For example, generic insulins sometimes cost less than $35 monthly.

The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread out-of-pocket Part D costs across the year through monthly payments. Combined with the $35 insulin cap and $2,100 annual OOP maximum, the system provides significant predictability for diabetes-related drug costs.

Diabetes preventive and educational services

Beyond physical supplies, Medicare Part B covers several diabetes-related preventive and educational services with $0 cost-sharing or modest copays.

Diabetes screenings are covered up to twice per year for people at risk (overweight, family history, etc.) at no cost. These help detect diabetes early.

Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) provides up to 10 hours of initial training in the first year (1 hour individual + 9 hours group) plus 2 hours of follow-up training annually. The training covers nutrition, exercise, medication management, blood sugar monitoring, and complication prevention. Subject to the 20% coinsurance after meeting the Part B deductible.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is covered for people with diabetes or kidney disease referred by their primary physician. Coverage includes 3 hours of individual nutrition counseling in the first year and 2 hours annually after, provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional. Subject to 20% coinsurance.

Diabetic eye exams for diabetic retinopathy are covered annually under Part B if you have diabetes. This is one of the few eye exams Medicare covers. Subject to 20% coinsurance.

Foot exams are covered every 6 months for people with diabetic neuropathy and reduced sensation. Other foot care isn't covered as a routine service.

The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) is a covered preventive service for people at risk of developing diabetes (not yet diagnosed). The program includes 22 sessions over 12 months focused on lifestyle changes. There's no cost to eligible beneficiaries.

For Medicare preventive services, see our providers guide.

How to get Medicare-covered diabetic supplies

To access Medicare diabetic supply coverage, several practical steps matter. You need a doctor's prescription documenting medical necessity for the supplies. The prescription should include the diabetes diagnosis, specific supplies needed, and frequency of use.

Supplies must come from Medicare-enrolled suppliers. For Part B-covered DME items, use Medicare-enrolled DME suppliers. For Part D-covered insulin and related supplies, use pharmacies in your Part D plan's network. Using non-enrolled suppliers means you pay the full cost yourself.

When suppliers "accept assignment" (agree to Medicare's approved payment as full payment), Medicare pays them directly and you only pay your coinsurance. When suppliers don't accept assignment, they can charge more, and you may need to pay the full amount upfront and seek reimbursement.

If you have Medicare Advantage, your plan must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, but may have different supplier networks, prior authorization requirements, and cost-sharing structures. Verify diabetic supply coverage with your specific plan.

Mail-order pharmacy programs through Part D plans often offer better prices on diabetes medications and supplies. Many Part D plans encourage mail-order for 90-day supplies of insulin and other diabetes drugs.