What Part B covers
| Supply or service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Blood sugar monitors, test strips, lancets and control solution | Covered as durable medical equipment (DME) when your doctor orders them |
| Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and sensors | If you take insulin or have a history of low blood sugar, and meet Medicare's other conditions |
| Insulin pumps and pump insulin | Pumps covered under the DME benefit; the insulin used in them falls under Part B |
| Therapeutic shoes or inserts | For people with diabetes and certain foot conditions |
| Diabetes self-management training and nutrition therapy | When your doctor orders it |
For DME you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), if your supplier accepts assignment. Medicare only pays for DME from suppliers enrolled in Medicare.
What Part D covers
- Insulin you inject with a pen or a needle, inhaled insulin, and some patch pumps.
- Syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and gauze used to inject insulin.
- Diabetes pills and other drugs on your plan's formulary.
Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, so check yours. Total out-of-pocket Part D costs are capped at $2,100 for 2026. If insulin and other drugs strain your budget, look at Extra Help and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. See also does Ohio have a prescription assistance program for seniors.
Ohio notes
- No extra charges above Medicare's rate. Ohio's balance-billing law (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4769) bars Ohio-licensed practitioners, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses and dietitians, from charging Medicare patients more than Medicare's rate for covered services and supplies. Complaints go to the Ohio Department of Health.
- Medicaid and savings programs. If you have full Ohio Medicaid or QMB, your share of Part B costs is generally covered. See Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio.
- Medicare Advantage. Plans must cover the same supplies but may require network suppliers or specific brands of meters and strips. Ask before you switch.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life can check how your insulin and supplies are covered in plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or check your drugs on a plan's formulary.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover eye exams?
The yearly diabetic eye exam.
Can I keep my doctor with Medicare?
Networks and Ohio's billing law.
Does Medicare cover home health care?
Skilled care at home.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Blood sugar monitors
- Medicare.gov — Continuous glucose monitors
- Medicare.gov — Insulin
- Medicare.gov — Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services & Prevention Programs
- Ohio Revised Code — Chapter 4769, Balance billing of Medicare beneficiaries
More questions in this guide
- Can I keep my doctor when I go on Medicare in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover dental in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Ohio?
- How do I get rides to the doctor with Medicare in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare basics for Ohioans · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a continuous glucose monitor under Medicare?
Medicare says you must have diabetes, your provider must evaluate you and order it, you must take insulin or have a history of low blood sugar, and you or a caregiver must be trained to use it. You then generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Do I pay a deductible for insulin?
No. Medicare.gov says you don't pay a deductible for insulin, and a one-month supply of each Part B- or Part D-covered insulin costs no more than $35. Other costs may apply to the pump or pen supplies themselves.
Where do I get my supplies?
From a pharmacy or supplier enrolled in Medicare. Ask whether it accepts assignment, which limits your charge to the deductible and coinsurance. Use Medicare's supplier directory to find one near you.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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