Medicare mail order diabetic testing supplies
Medicare covers diabetic testing supplies, including mail-order supplies, for eligible beneficiaries. Here are some details to help you understand the coverage:
What is covered:
- Blood glucose meters
- Test strips
- Lancets
- Control solutions
- Glucose tablets or gels (for emergency situations only)
Mail-order supplies:
- Medicare allows mail-order delivery of diabetic testing supplies from authorized mail-order pharmacies.
- These pharmacies must be accredited by the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
- Mail-order pharmacies must also be enrolled in Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment (DME) program.
How to get mail-order supplies:
- Get a prescription: Your healthcare provider must prescribe the diabetic testing supplies and specify the frequency of delivery.
- Choose a mail-order pharmacy: You can choose from a list of authorized mail-order pharmacies that participate in Medicare's DME program. You can find a list of participating pharmacies on the Medicare website or by contacting your local Medicare office.
- Order supplies: Contact the mail-order pharmacy to place an order for your supplies. They will typically require a prescription from your healthcare provider and may ask for additional information.
- Delivery: The mail-order pharmacy will deliver your supplies to your home.
Coverage requirements:
- You must have a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
- You must have a diagnosis of diabetes or a condition that requires blood glucose monitoring.
Costs:
- Co-pay: You may be required to pay a co-pay for your diabetic testing supplies, which varies depending on your Medicare plan.
- Deductible: You may need to pay a deductible for your supplies, which is typically $25-$50 per year.
- Coinsurance: You may need to pay coinsurance for your supplies, which is typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Tips:
- Always check with your Medicare plan and mail-order pharmacy to confirm coverage and costs.
- Keep track of your supplies and order them regularly to avoid running out.
- Consider using a mail-order pharmacy that offers automatic delivery and refill options to simplify the process.
Remember to always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the mail-order pharmacy to ensure safe and effective use of your diabetic testing supplies.