What Medicare Covers for Diabetes: Supplies, Medications, and Prevention

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions among Medicare beneficiaries. Approximately one in three people on Medicare has diabetes, and many more have prediabetes. The good news is that Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for diabetes supplies, medications, training, and prevention programs. Whether you need a glucose monitor, insulin, or help learning to manage your condition, Medicare has benefits designed to support you.

Understanding exactly what Medicare covers for diabetes, and which parts of Medicare pay for which services, can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare diabetes coverage in 2026, from supplies and medications to screenings and prevention.

Diabetes Supplies Covered Under Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers diabetes supplies as durable medical equipment (DME). This is an important distinction because it means these supplies are covered under Part B's medical insurance rather than Part D's prescription drug coverage. To get your supplies covered, you must use a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.

Here are the diabetes supplies covered under Part B:

• Blood glucose monitors: Medicare covers standard blood glucose self-testing equipment, also called glucometers. These are the devices you use at home to check your blood sugar levels by pricking your finger.
• Test strips: Medicare covers blood glucose test strips used with your monitor. If you use insulin, Medicare typically covers up to 300 test strips every 3 months. If you do not use insulin, Medicare covers up to 100 test strips every 3 months. Your doctor can request additional strips if there is a documented medical need.
• Lancets and lancet devices: These are the small needles and spring-loaded devices used to prick your finger for blood sugar testing. Coverage amounts match the test strip allowances.
• Glucose control solutions: These are liquid solutions used to verify your blood glucose monitor is working correctly. Medicare covers these as part of your diabetes supply benefit.
• Insulin pumps and insulin for pumps: Medicare Part B covers external insulin pumps and the insulin used in them. This is different from injectable insulin, which is covered under Part D. To qualify for a pump under Part B, you must meet specific criteria including frequent blood sugar testing and a documented need for tight glucose control.

For all Part B diabetes supplies, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the annual Part B deductible. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, it may cover some or all of the 20% coinsurance.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) Under Medicare

Continuous glucose monitors have become a game-changer for diabetes management. Unlike traditional glucose monitors that require finger pricks several times a day, a CGM uses a small sensor inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.

Medicare Part B covers CGMs as durable medical equipment. To qualify, you must have diabetes, use insulin or have a history of problematic low blood sugar episodes, and your doctor must determine that a CGM is medically necessary. Your treating physician must also provide an order for the device.

Medicare covers both the CGM receiver or reader and the disposable sensors that need to be replaced regularly. Popular CGM brands that may be covered include devices from Dexcom, Abbott FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic, though coverage depends on your specific supplier and plan. You will typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible.

CGM technology provides real-time glucose data, alerts you when your blood sugar is trending too high or too low, and generates reports that help you and your doctor make better treatment decisions. If you are struggling to manage your blood sugar with traditional finger-stick testing, ask your doctor whether a CGM might be right for you.

Insulin and Diabetes Medications Under Part D

While Part B covers diabetes supplies and equipment, Medicare Part D covers most diabetes medications, including injectable insulin and oral diabetes drugs. Understanding the difference is important because it affects what you pay and where you get your prescriptions.

The $35 Monthly Insulin Cap

One of the most significant recent changes for people with diabetes on Medicare is the $35 monthly cap on insulin costs. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, starting in 2023, your out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply of each covered insulin product is limited to $35 under Medicare Part D. This cap applies in every phase of your Part D coverage, including the deductible phase, meaning you never pay more than $35 per month for each insulin you use.

This cap covers all types of insulin, including rapid-acting, long-acting, intermediate-acting, and premixed insulin products. Whether you use insulin pens, vials, or cartridges, the $35 cap applies. Before this provision, many Medicare beneficiaries were paying hundreds of dollars per month for insulin. The savings can be substantial for people who use multiple types of insulin.

Oral Diabetes Medications

Medicare Part D also covers oral diabetes medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Your cost for these medications depends on which tier they fall on in your plan's formulary. Generic medications like metformin are typically on the lowest cost tier and may cost as little as a few dollars per month. Brand-name medications may cost more depending on your plan's coverage and the pharmacy you use.

Starting in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act also established a $2,000 annual cap on total out-of-pocket spending for all Part D prescription drugs. This means your combined costs for insulin, oral diabetes medications, and all other Part D prescriptions will not exceed $2,000 per year. To learn more about what Medicare costs look like overall, see our guide on how much Medicare costs in 2026.

Diabetes Screenings Covered at No Cost

Medicare Part B covers diabetes screenings as a preventive service at no cost to you. If you have certain risk factors, you can receive up to 2 diabetes screening tests per year. These screenings include fasting blood glucose tests and other laboratory tests used to detect diabetes.

You may qualify for these free screenings if you have any of the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• History of abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia)
• Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher
• History of high fasting blood sugar (impaired fasting glucose)
• History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Because these screenings are classified as preventive, there is no deductible, copay, or coinsurance. You must see a provider who accepts Medicare assignment to receive the screening at no cost. If you are diagnosed with prediabetes through a screening, you may qualify for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, which is also covered at no cost.

Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT)

Being diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming. Medicare Part B covers diabetes self-management training to help you learn the skills you need to manage your condition effectively. This training is provided by certified diabetes educators in group or individual sessions.

DSMT covers a wide range of practical topics, including:

• How to monitor your blood sugar correctly and interpret the results
• How to take your diabetes medications, including proper insulin injection technique
• Nutrition and meal planning strategies for blood sugar control
• The role of physical activity in diabetes management
• How to recognize and respond to high and low blood sugar emergencies
• How to prevent diabetes complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems

Medicare covers up to 10 hours of initial DSMT training in the first year you are diagnosed. After that, you can receive up to 2 hours of follow-up training each calendar year. You need a written referral from your doctor, and the training must be provided by a Medicare-approved program. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible.

Medical Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes

What you eat has a direct impact on your blood sugar levels, and Medicare recognizes this with coverage for medical nutrition therapy (MNT). This benefit provides one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian or nutrition professional who specializes in helping people with diabetes create sustainable eating plans.

During your MNT sessions, your dietitian will assess your current eating habits, help you set realistic nutrition goals, teach you how different foods affect your blood sugar, and create a personalized meal plan that fits your lifestyle and dietary preferences. They can also help you manage other conditions related to diabetes, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Medicare Part B covers up to 3 hours of MNT in the first year and up to 2 hours of follow-up sessions each year after that. There is no cost to you for medical nutrition therapy when you see a provider who accepts Medicare assignment. You do not pay a deductible, copay, or coinsurance. Your doctor must provide a referral for you to receive this benefit.

The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program

If you have prediabetes but have not yet been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may qualify for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP). This evidence-based program is designed to help you make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The MDPP is a structured 12-month program that includes group coaching sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach. During these sessions, you will learn strategies for healthy eating, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and sustaining behavior changes. The goal is to help you lose at least 5% of your body weight and maintain that weight loss, which research has shown can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.

To be eligible for the MDPP, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in Medicare Part B
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 25, or at least 23 if you are Asian
• Have a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past 12 months, such as a hemoglobin A1c between 5.7% and 6.4%, a fasting glucose between 110 and 125 mg/dL, or a 2-hour plasma glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL
• Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Not have previously received MDPP services

The MDPP is covered at no cost to you. There is no deductible, copay, or coinsurance. This makes it one of the most valuable and accessible prevention benefits Medicare offers. If your doctor has told you that you have prediabetes, ask about the MDPP in your area.

What Is Covered at No Cost vs. With Coinsurance

Understanding which diabetes services are free and which require cost-sharing is essential for managing your healthcare budget. Here is a clear breakdown of what you will and will not pay for:

Diabetes services covered at no cost to you:

• Diabetes screening tests (up to 2 per year if you have risk factors)
• Medical nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian
• Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program sessions

Diabetes services that require cost-sharing:

• Diabetes supplies (glucose monitors, test strips, lancets): 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible
• Continuous glucose monitors: 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible
• Insulin pumps and pump supplies: 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible
• Diabetes self-management training: 20% coinsurance after Part B deductible
• Insulin under Part D: capped at $35 per 30-day supply per product
• Oral diabetes medications under Part D: cost varies by drug tier and plan

If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, it may cover some or all of the 20% Part B coinsurance for diabetes supplies and training. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, your cost-sharing amounts may differ from Original Medicare. Always check with your specific plan for exact costs.

Medicare Advantage Extras for Diabetes Management

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, must cover everything Original Medicare covers. But many plans go further by offering supplemental benefits that can be especially helpful for people managing diabetes. These extras vary by plan and by region, so it is important to compare options during enrollment.

Here are some of the supplemental diabetes-related benefits you may find in Medicare Advantage plans:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances: Many plans offer a quarterly or monthly OTC allowance that can be used to purchase diabetic socks, glucose tablets, wound care supplies, and other health-related items from an approved catalog or retail store.
• Meal delivery programs: Some plans provide diabetes-friendly meals delivered to your home, especially after a hospital stay or for beneficiaries who have difficulty preparing meals. These meals are designed with appropriate carbohydrate and calorie counts for blood sugar management.
• Fitness and wellness programs: Programs like SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit provide free gym memberships and fitness classes. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage blood sugar, and these programs make it easier and more affordable to stay active.
• Transportation to medical appointments: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer free or low-cost transportation to doctor visits, lab work, pharmacy trips, and diabetes education sessions. This benefit removes a common barrier to care, especially for people who no longer drive.
• Telehealth and remote monitoring: Some plans offer expanded telehealth benefits that allow you to check in with your endocrinologist or diabetes educator from home. Certain plans also support remote patient monitoring programs where your blood sugar data is shared with your care team electronically.
• Lower specialist copays: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer reduced copays for endocrinologist visits, podiatrist visits for diabetic foot care, and ophthalmologist visits for diabetic eye exams. If you see specialists regularly for your diabetes, these savings can add up quickly.

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans during Annual Enrollment, pay close attention to the diabetes-related benefits each plan offers. A plan with a slightly higher premium but better diabetes coverage may save you significantly more over the course of the year.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Medicare Diabetes Benefits

Medicare offers extensive diabetes coverage, but it takes some effort to make sure you are using every benefit available to you. Here are practical steps to maximize your coverage and minimize your costs.

• Use a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier: Your diabetes supplies must come from a supplier enrolled in Medicare for Part B to cover them. If you buy supplies from a non-enrolled supplier, you may have to pay the full cost out of pocket. Check Medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 to find enrolled suppliers in your area.
• Check your Part D plan's formulary: Not all Part D plans cover the same medications. Before enrolling or renewing, check that your insulin and oral diabetes medications are on the plan's formulary and note which tier they are on. A lower tier means lower costs.
• Take advantage of free preventive services: Use your free diabetes screenings, medical nutrition therapy sessions, and MDPP benefits. These services cost you nothing and can make a real difference in managing or preventing diabetes.
• Ask about the Extra Help program: If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy, which helps pay for Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays. This can significantly reduce your costs for insulin and other diabetes medications.
• Ask your doctor about a CGM: If you are having difficulty managing your blood sugar with traditional testing, talk to your doctor about whether a continuous glucose monitor is appropriate. Medicare covers CGMs, and they can provide much better insight into your glucose patterns throughout the day.
• Enroll in diabetes self-management training: DSMT gives you the knowledge and skills to manage your condition day to day. Many people with diabetes do not take advantage of this benefit. Ask your doctor for a referral to a Medicare-approved DSMT program near you.

The Bottom Line

Medicare provides a robust set of benefits for people with diabetes and those at risk for developing the condition. Part B covers essential supplies like glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitors. It also pays for diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, and free diabetes screenings. Part D covers insulin with a $35 monthly cap and oral diabetes medications with a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit on all prescriptions.

If you have prediabetes, the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program offers a free, year-long coaching program to help you reduce your risk. And if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have access to additional benefits like OTC allowances, meal programs, fitness memberships, and transportation that support your diabetes management.

The key to getting the most from your Medicare diabetes benefits is to understand what is available, use the free services, work with enrolled providers and suppliers, and review your coverage annually. Diabetes is a manageable condition, and Medicare gives you the tools to manage it well. Talk to your doctor about which benefits are right for you, and do not hesitate to call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 with questions about your coverage.