What Diabetic Supplies Does Medicare Cover? Part B vs. Part D
Reviewed October 5, 2026. Medicare Part B covers diabetic supplies such as blood sugar meters, test strips, lancets, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps and the insulin used in those pumps, and therapeutic shoes. You generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), but insulin used with a Part B-covered pump costs no more than $35 for a one-month supply, with no deductible.
Quick answer: Part B covers testing supplies and durable equipment. Part D, or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, covers injectable insulin that isn’t used in a pump, plus supplies used to inject it, such as syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and gauze. Every covered insulin costs $35 or less for a month’s supply under Part D.
What diabetic supplies does Medicare Part B cover?
According to Medicare’s official booklet on diabetes coverage (Medicare.gov, publication 11022), Part B covers:
| Supply | Coverage details |
|---|---|
| Blood sugar (glucose) meters | Covered as durable medical equipment, with lancet devices and control solutions |
| Blood sugar test strips and lancets | Up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every 3 months if you use insulin; up to 100 of each every 3 months if you don’t use insulin. Your doctor can order more if medically necessary |
| Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and sensors | Covered if you have diabetes and take insulin or have a history of problematic low blood sugar, and you’ve been trained to use the device |
| External insulin pumps | Covered as durable medical equipment if you meet certain conditions |
| Insulin used with a Part B pump | No more than $35 for a one-month supply; the Part B deductible doesn’t apply |
| Therapeutic shoes or inserts | Each year, one pair of depth-inlay shoes and 3 pairs of inserts, or one pair of custom-molded shoes and 2 additional pairs of inserts, if you have diabetic foot disease |
CGM eligibility
Medicare.gov says you may qualify for a therapeutic CGM if you have diabetes and “take insulin or have a history of problems with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),” you or your caregiver have had enough training to use it, and your provider evaluates you and orders it. You also need regular visits with your provider (Medicare.gov CGMs).
Therapeutic shoes
To get shoes covered, the doctor treating your diabetes must certify that you need them, and a podiatrist or other qualified provider must prescribe them. A qualified supplier, such as an orthotist or podiatrist, must fit and provide the shoes.
What diabetic supplies does Part D cover?
| Part D covers | Notes |
|---|---|
| Injectable insulin not used with a traditional pump | $35 or less per month for each covered insulin product |
| Inhaled insulin | Covered if on your plan’s formulary; $35 cap applies |
| Disposable insulin pumps (patch pumps) | Covered by many Part D plans rather than Part B |
| Syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and gauze used to inject insulin | Your plan’s cost-sharing applies |
| Diabetes medications (pills and non-insulin injectables) | Your plan’s formulary and cost-sharing apply |
Source: Medicare.gov publication 11022. In 2026, your yearly out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs is capped at $2,100. Learn more in how Medicare Part D works and saving money on insulin with Medicare.
How much do diabetic supplies cost with Medicare in 2026?
| Item | What you pay with Original Medicare |
|---|---|
| Test strips, lancets, meters, CGMs, pumps, therapeutic shoes | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible |
| Insulin used with a Part B-covered pump | Up to $35 per month, no deductible |
| Insulin covered by Part D | Up to $35 per month for each covered insulin |
| Diabetes screenings | $0 if your provider accepts assignment |
Sources: Medicare.gov and CMS 2026 Parts A and B premiums and deductibles. See also Medicare Part B deductible 2026.
To keep costs down, get supplies from a supplier that’s enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment. A supplier that doesn’t accept assignment can charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, and you may have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement.
Diabetes services Medicare covers
Supplies are only part of the picture. Part B also covers:
- Diabetes screenings: up to 2 screenings a year if you’re at risk
- Diabetes self-management training: up to 10 hours of initial training (1 hour individual and 9 hours group), plus 2 hours of follow-up training each year
- Medical nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian for people with diabetes or kidney disease
- Foot exams once every 6 months if you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation
- Glaucoma tests once every 12 months for people at high risk, including people with diabetes, and a yearly diabetic eye exam for diabetic retinopathy. See Medicare eye exam coverage
- Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for people with prediabetes: 16 weekly group sessions over 6 months, plus 6 monthly follow-up sessions
How to get diabetic supplies covered
- Get a prescription from your doctor that says you have diabetes, which supplies you need, and how often you test.
- Use a Medicare-enrolled supplier that accepts assignment. Many pharmacies and mail-order suppliers participate.
- Order only what you need. Medicare won’t pay for supplies you didn’t ask for, and suppliers can’t automatically ship refills without your request.
- Keep records of your testing and insulin use in case your doctor needs to justify extra supplies.
- Protect your Medicare number. Be wary of unsolicited calls offering “free” diabetic supplies or CGMs, which are a common fraud scheme.
Diabetic supplies with Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover the same diabetic supplies and services as Original Medicare, and most include Part D drug coverage. Plans may require you to use preferred brands of test strips or meters, use network suppliers or pharmacies, and get prior authorization for CGMs or pumps. Some Special Needs Plans focus on people with diabetes and may offer lower copays. If you’re comparing 2027 plans during Medicare Open Enrollment, check each plan’s preferred supplies and insulin coverage.
A Medigap policy can help with the 20% Part B coinsurance on supplies and equipment. See Medicare and durable medical equipment and Medicare Part B prescription drug coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Are diabetic test strips covered by Medicare?
Yes. Part B covers up to 300 test strips every 3 months if you use insulin, or up to 100 every 3 months if you don’t, and your doctor can document a need for more. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare cover continuous glucose monitors?
Yes, if you have diabetes and take insulin or have a history of problematic low blood sugar, you’ve been trained to use the device, and your provider orders it. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare cover insulin syringes and pen needles?
Yes, under Part D, not Part B. Your drug plan covers syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and gauze used to inject insulin.
How much does insulin cost with Medicare?
No more than $35 for a one-month supply of each covered insulin under Part D, and no more than $35 a month for insulin used with a Part B-covered pump.
Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?
Yes, if you have diabetes and qualifying foot disease. Each year Medicare covers one pair of depth-inlay shoes and 3 pairs of inserts, or one pair of custom-molded shoes and 2 extra pairs of inserts.
This article is general information, not medical or individual insurance advice. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.