Medicare Benefits:
Forty percent of people with diabetes are over 65 years of age. There is good news from Medicare for people with diabetes, and those at risk for diabetes.
Medicare has made several changes over the past few years so that people with diabetes can use their Medicare Part B benefits to be screened for or treat diabetes:
• Diabetes screening – fasting plasma glucose test, up to two screenings each year for individuals with an increased risk for diabetes or having any of the following: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (history of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels), obesity, or a history of high blood sugar.
• Diabetes equipment and supplies, including blood glucose meters, test strips, and lancets, with a doctor’s prescription.
• Diabetes Self-Management Training – helps you learn how to manage your diabetes successfully, with a doctor’s prescription.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy Services – helps you learn to eat healthy foods to keep your diabetes in control, with a doctor’s prescription.
• A1C lab test to check your blood glucose control, with a doctor’s prescription.
• Dilated eye exam and glaucoma screenings.
• Flu and pneumococcal pneumonia shots.
• Foot care and exams if you have nerve damage in either feet due to diabetes, one foot exam every six months by a podiatrist or other foot care specialist.
Read more on Medicare and Diabetes, including information about co-pays and deductibles.
Changes to Your Diabetes Benefits with Medicare Part D:
Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program available to all Medicare beneficiaries gives you a variety of coverage options to help you pay for your prescriptions. Each Part D drug plan is run by a private company who must all meet standards set by the federal government.
In addition to providing prescription drug coverage, Medicare Part D ensures coverage for supplies necessary to inject insulin, including:
• Syringes
• Needles
• Alcohol swabs
• Gauze
Learn more about Medicare Part D and diabetes from the American Diabetes Association.