I use a continuous glucose monitor for my diabetes that connects to my smartphone. Will Medicare cover this technology for someone with my condition?

Question

Steven Bleicher · Accepted Answer

Yes. “DME” stands for Durable Medical Equipment. A glucose monitor is paid for by most Medicare Supplements (aka, a Medigap plan). Go to medicare.gov and put DME in the horizontal search box. You will find that a Medigap covers over 60,000 treatments while an Advantage has a high deductible which, depending on the company, will potentially provide partial coverage for the monitor.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Moreno · Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover continuous glucose monitors that connects to smartphones and sap long as they meet certain criteria.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Yes. Continuous glucose monitors are classified as durable medical equipment (DME)  which is covered under Medicare Part B.

Steve Houchens · Answer

Yes Medicare covers these but only if they are prescribed by a doctor. There may be some cost sharing for the client but there are also companies available to help with or eliminate the out of pocket cost in many cases.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Yes, Medicare typically covers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that connect to smartphones under your part B ( durable
equipment).

Walt Smith · Answer

If you were talking about that kind of monitor that you put on your arm and leave it there, Medicare will pay for it and the replacement pods.

Valentina Gatewood · Answer

Yes, Medicare plans do cover continuous glucose monitors. You will need to get a prescription from your doctor to submit to the new plan of choice.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare typically covers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for individuals with diabetes who meet certain criteria, and these can include devices that connect to smartphones for data display and management. Medicare now covers a wider range of CGMs, including systems like the Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre. 
Here's what you need to know about Medicare coverage for CGMs:
Eligibility:
To be covered, you typically need to have a prescription for a CGM from your doctor and meet specific criteria, such as being treated with insulin or having a history of problematic hypoglycemia. 
Medicare Part B:
Coverage is typically under Medicare Part B, which covers durable medical equipment (DME) like CGMs. 
Cost-sharing:
Medicare will usually pay for 80% of the cost of the CGM, and the patient will be responsible for the remaining 20%, as well as any applicable copays. 
Smartphone integration:
While Medicare may cover CGMs that connect to smartphones for data display, the device itself must be FDA-approved and prescribed by your doctor. The smartphone is not covered as a separate DME. 
Specifics vary:
Coverage can vary slightly between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. 
Approved brands:
Medicare typically covers CGMs approved by the FDA and purchased from Medicare-approved suppliers. Examples include the Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 2, and FreeStyle Libre 3. 
Importance of documentation:
It's crucial to keep detailed records of your blood glucose readings and any hypoglycemic episodes, as this can help support your doctor's prescription for a CGM.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B covers high-tech glucose monitoring devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) as durable medical equipment (DME). This includes both non-adjunctive and adjunctive CGMs. Medicare will cover CGMs for individuals with diabetes who are treated with insulin or have hypoglycemia, and who meet specific criteria.

Answered by Gary Henderson on April 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

David Christian · Answer

Continous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are covered on Medicare. They fall in the category of Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The copay or coinsurance for them vary depending on your particular plan's benefits for DME.

Answered by David Christian on May 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Jerry Cohen · Answer

The answer to this question is .... it depends. There are qualifications to receive approval on this type of device. 1. The person must be utilizing insulin to control their condition. 2. The doctor must prescribe the use of the device 3. The doctor has to be reasonably sure that you or your caretaker have the knowledge and skill to utilize this device.

Answered by Jerry Cohen on May 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Jerry Cohen Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Linster · Answer

Both Advantage and Supplements will cover CGM’s. They differ on how the equipment is covered. Seek out good council to how you want to attack this with your Medicare insurance.

Linda Davies · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that connect to smartphones, but with specific conditions. Medicare coverage for CGMs is available when the glucose data is displayed on a standalone receiver (a durable medical equipment, or DME) that is also transmitted to a compatible smartphone or other personal device. This means the receiver must be used at least some of the time for Medicare coverage to apply.

Answered by Linda Davies on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by Linda Davies Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Stinson · Answer

It might. Check out https://info.usmed.com/getcgm. They will be able to tell you for sure.

Albert Smith · Answer

Yes, Medicare can cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for people with type 2 diabetes who meet specific criteria. Coverage is available under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment. To qualify, you must have a diagnosis of diabetes and either be taking insulin or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your doctor must also prescribe the monitor and confirm that you've received adequate training on its use.

Answered by Albert Smith on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, FL, GA & 6 other states

Answered by Albert Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Sosso · Answer

Medicare will most likely cover your CGM (continuous glucose monitor if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are insulin treated, or have a history of problematic hypoglycemia. You must use an FDA approved system. To ensure you meet the guidelines, use a Medicare- approved supplier, and we suggest you consult your doctor and supplier, and verify with Medicare or your CGM provider the item is approved before your purchase.

Answered by Mike Sosso on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, NC & SD

Answered by Mike Sosso Medicare Insurance Agent

Areasha Lockhart · Answer

Every situation is different and, in some cases, yes, your Medicare part B can pay its part (20 % and a Deductible) for a glucose monitor. If you have Medicare or a gap policy, being an advantage plan, standalone RX plan or a Medicare Supplement plan. We would have to look at those factors and the carrier to see if it will fully cover or if you have a deductible or copayment.

Answered by Areasha Lockhart on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, IA & ME

Answered by Areasha Lockhart Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Hixson · Answer

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not always as cut and dry of an answer as you'd like. Yes, Medicare states what they do and do not cover, but there are other correlating factors that go into a service or procedure being covered. Factors like the procedure's medical necessity, the doctor's participation, and how the bill is coded are some variables that affect the answer to this question.

If you need more specific guidance or have other questions regarding Medicare coverage, please feel free to reach out!

Hollie Hittner · Answer

Yes! When chosing your Medicare plan you will want to make sure your Current CGM is one that will be covered on the plan you choose!

Sunil Bhawnani · Answer

Yes, currently Medicare does cover glucose monitors, including those who use smartphones to monitor their glucose levels.

I use a continuous glucose monitor for my diabetes that connects to my smartphone. Will Medicare cover this technology for someone with my condition?

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I use a continuous glucose monitor for my diabetes that connects to my smartphone. Will Medicare cover this technology for someone with my condition?

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