If you or a loved one manages diabetes, you know how quickly the costs of supplies can add up. Unfortunately, many Medicare beneficiaries pay far more than they should — simply because they aren’t aware of how Medicare covers diabetic equipment.
We see this mistake all the time:
Clients pick up test strips or monitors at the pharmacy and are surprised by a large bill — when the exact same supplies could have cost little to nothing through a different route.
Let’s break it down.
How Medicare Covers Diabetic Supplies
Here’s what surprises most people: diabetic testing supplies are not billed through your Part D (drug plan).
They are billed through Part B — as durable medical equipment (DME).
This includes:
- Blood sugar (glucose) monitors
- Test strips
- Lancets
- Control solutions
All of these are considered DME under Medicare.
Why Does This Matter?
If you pick up these items at a retail pharmacy, they are often billed through your drug plan (Part D), which can result in:
- Higher copays
- Full out-of-pocket costs
However, if you use a Medicare-approved DME supplier, they will bill the supplies through Part B:
- Once your Part B deductible is met, Medicare covers 80%
- The remaining 20% is often covered by a Medigap (supplement), depending on your plan
For many clients, this route results in very low — or even $0 — out-of-pocket costs for these supplies.
How Companies Like ADS Help You Get $0 Supplies
One of the best ways to take advantage of this rule is by using a specialized DME supplier — such as Advanced Diabetes Supply (ADS).
Suppliers like ADS:
- Specialize in Medicare billing for diabetic supplies
- Know how to correctly bill through Part B, not Part D
- Often provide supplies at no out-of-pocket cost after the deductible is met
In addition, companies like ADS offer:
- Home delivery of supplies
- Coordination with your doctor for required documentation
- Refill reminders, so you never run out
For many of our clients, switching to a supplier like ADS is a simple way to reduce — or eliminate — supply costs and avoid pharmacy billing headaches.
Common Mistake: Pharmacy First
It’s understandable — most people go to their regular pharmacy when they need test strips or a new monitor.
But unless your pharmacy is also an approved DME supplier, they may bill your items incorrectly — leading to much higher costs.
Our #1 Tip: Work With the Right Supplier
- Ask if your pharmacy is an approved DME supplier.
- If not, we can help you find a Medicare-approved DME provider (such as ADS) that will bill your supplies correctly.
- Once set up, it’s typically simple to continue ordering supplies through the correct DME route.
The Just Us Final Take
Diabetes management is challenging enough — you shouldn’t have to overpay for essential supplies. The good news? With the right information and the right team, you can take full advantage of Medicare’s coverage.
At Just Us Retirement, we love helping clients save money and avoid common billing mistakes. We’re always happy to walk you through how to get your diabetic supplies covered the right way.
If you or a loved one have questions about diabetic supplies — or any other DME — stay connected with us:
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justusretirement
Join our private Facebook group for Medicare Q&A: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wvmedicarequestions
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You don’t have to navigate this alone — we’re here to help!