Medicare covers many diabetes services, supplies, and medicines. Part B generally pays for medical care and equipment, while Part D pays for many prescriptions.

Part B Diabetes Coverage

Part B may cover:

  • Diabetes screening for people at risk
  • Blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and control solutions
  • Continuous glucose monitors and supplies for eligible patients
  • External insulin pumps and insulin used with qualifying pumps
  • Diabetes self-management training
  • Medical nutrition therapy
  • Foot exams and therapeutic shoes for qualifying diabetes-related conditions
  • Certain eye exams
  • The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for eligible participants

Equipment and supplies generally require an order and a Medicare-enrolled supplier. After the Part B deductible, 20% coinsurance commonly applies.

For Part B-covered insulin used in a qualifying pump, the cost for a month's supply cannot exceed $35, and the Part B deductible does not apply to that insulin.

Part D Diabetes Coverage

Part D may cover:

  • Insulin you inject yourself
  • Disposable insulin pumps
  • Syringes and needles
  • Certain oral and injectable diabetes medications

For each covered Part D insulin product, a one-month supply costs no more than $35, and the deductible does not apply to that insulin. In 2026, the limit can be lower than $35. You pay no more than the lowest of $35, 25% of the price your plan negotiated, or 25% of Medicare’s maximum fair price if that price applies. Your plan’s covered-drug list and pharmacy rules still apply. See the 2026 insulin cost-sharing rule.

Continuous Glucose Monitor Eligibility

Medicare may cover a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) if you have diabetes, a provider orders it, and you either take insulin or have a documented history of qualifying low blood sugar problems, called hypoglycemia. You or your caregiver must be trained to use it. You may qualify because of these low blood sugar problems even if you do not take insulin. Qualifying for a monitor does not automatically mean you qualify for an insulin pump. See Medicare’s CGM requirements.

Use Medicare's diabetes coverage topics to check a specific item.

A pump bill may include equipment and supplies as well as insulin. The insulin limit applies to the covered insulin product. Equipment and supplies can have separate costs. Ask the supplier to list each charge and which part of Medicare pays for it.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.