Medicare for People with Diabetes

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). People with diabetes who are eligible for Medicare can get the most from their Medicare benefits by learning about the types of services that are available. People with diabetes are encouraged to ask their health care team about the benefits they qualify for and should visit the Medicare website to get specific details.

What Benefits Does Medicare Offer for People with Diabetes?

People with diabetes enrolled in Medicare may be covered for all or part of the cost for:

• A “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam when they enroll
• A1C testing
• Cholesterol testing
• Diabetes self-management training to learn how to manage diabetes
• Medical nutrition therapy: nutrition assessments, diet management information, and nutrition counseling

• Diabetes equipment and supplies for self-monitoring of blood glucose, including special equipment for persons with low vision
• Foot exams by podiatrist or foot care specialist if medically necessary
• Therapeutic shoes and inserts if medically necessary
• A dilated eye exam and glaucoma screening
• Flu and pneumonia shots
• Diabetes medications
• Insulin pumps
• Kidney function tests
• Counseling to stop smoking

What Benefits Does Medicare Offer for People At Risk for Diabetes?

People enrolled in Medicare who are at risk for type 2 diabetes may be covered for all or part of the cost for:

• A “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam when they enroll
• Yearly diabetes screening for people who are at risk for diabetes and twice yearly screening for people diagnosed with pre-diabetes. People are considered at risk if they have any of the following: high blood pressure, history of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, obesity, or a history of high blood glucose.
• Cholesterol screening – every five years

Points to Keep in Mind:

• Make a self-care plan and review it with your health care team.
• Learn your ABCs: A1C (Average blood glucose), blood pressure, and cholesterol. Keep track of your numbers.
• Ask your health care team if you need to check your own blood glucose levels. If so, learn the right way to use your blood glucose meter. Keep track of your numbers in a log. Discuss your results at each diabetes care visit.
• Ask your health care team about the Medicare benefits you qualify for. Contact Medicare for more details.