Medicare Part B covers some diabetes supplies, including the following:

•    Blood sugar (glucose) test strips  
•    Blood sugar monitor
•    Lancet devices and lancets
•    Glucose control solutions for checking test strip and monitor accuracy

There may be limits on how much or how often you get these supplies. For more information, see Durable Medical Equipment on page 17.

In 2010, YOU pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Insulin: Medicare Part B doesn’t cover insulin (unless used with an insulin pump), insulin pens, syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, or gauze. Insulin and certain medical supplies used to inject insulin, such as syringes, gauze, and alcohol swabs may be covered under Part D. If you use an external insulin pump, insulin and the pump may be covered as durable medical equipment. See Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

In 2010, YOU pay 100% for insulin unless used with an insulin pump (then you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount) and 100% for syringes and needles, unless you have Part D.

Therapeutic Shoes or Inserts: Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes or inserts for people with diabetes who have severe diabetic foot disease. The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts. The shoes and inserts must be prescribed by a podiatrist or other qualified doctor and provided by a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist. Medicare helps pay for one pair of therapeutic shoes and inserts per calendar year. Shoe modifications may be substituted for inserts. Medicare covers the fitting of the shoes or inserts for the shoes.

In 2010, YOU pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare covers these diabetes services:

Diabetes Self-Management Training: Medicare Part B covers diabetes outpatient self-management training to teach you to manage your diabetes. It includes education about how you monitor your blood sugar, diet, exercise, and insulin. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare may cover up to 10 hours of initial diabetes self-management training. You may also qualify for up to 2 hours of follow-up training each year if the following conditions are met:

• It’s provided in a group of 2 to 20 people.*
• It lasts for at least 30 minutes.
• It takes place in a calendar year after the year you got your initial training.
• Your doctor or a qualified provider ordered it as part of your plan of care.

* Some exceptions apply if no group session is available or if your doctor or qualified provider says you have special needs that prevent you from participating in group training.

In 2010, YOU pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Yearly Eye Exam: Medicare Part B covers a yearly eye exam for diabetic retinopathy by an eye doctor who is legally allowed by the state to do the test.

In 2010, YOU pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services. In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment.

Foot Exam: Medicare Part B covers a foot exam every 6 months for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensations, as long as you haven’t seen a foot care professional for another reason between visits.

In 2010, YOU pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services. In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment.