Diabetes supplies are split between Medicare Part B and Part D. Here's exactly what each part covers.
What diabetic supplies does Medicare Part B cover?
Medicare Part B covers diabetes self-testing supplies as durable medical equipment when your doctor prescribes them: blood sugar (glucose) monitors, test strips, lancets and lancet devices, and glucose control solutions. Standard quantity limits apply — generally up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every three months if you use insulin, or 100 of each if you don't, with more allowed when your doctor documents medical necessity. After the $283 Part B deductible (2026), Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20% coinsurance. Use a supplier enrolled in Medicare that accepts assignment for the lowest cost.
What about insulin, CGMs, and other supplies?
Insulin used with a pump is covered under Part B, but insulin you inject is covered under Part D prescription drug plans, where a $35 monthly cap per covered insulin applies. As of January 1, 2026, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are covered under the Part D pharmacy benefit for most beneficiaries rather than Part B. Part D also covers diabetes drugs and supplies like syringes, needles, alcohol swabs, and gauze. Because the rules split across Part B and Part D, a licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) can help you understand your full coverage.
What you pay — and how Medigap helps
For Part B diabetic supplies, after the $283 deductible (2026) you pay 20% coinsurance with no cap in Original Medicare. A Medigap plan pays that 20% so your monitors, strips, and lancets can cost you little or nothing. Medigap does not cover Part D drug costs, so you'll want a Part D plan for insulin and CGMs. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP — the trusted toll-free number for all things senior in America — to put the right combination of coverage in place.