# Does Medicare Cover Continuous Glucose Monitors? A Complete 2024 Guide If you have diabetes and you're on Medicare, there's a good chance you've wondered whether you can get a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) covered — or whether you're stuck paying hundreds of dollars a month out of pocket for sensors. The short answer: **yes, Medicare does cover CGMs**, and the coverage has actually gotten more generous in recent years. But there are eligibility requirements, and the process isn't always intuitive. This guide walks you through exactly who qualifies, what it costs, which devices are covered, and how to actually get one through Medicare. --- ## What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor? A continuous glucose monitor is a small wearable device that tracks your blood sugar levels in real time — usually every few minutes — without requiring you to prick your finger. You wear a tiny sensor under your skin (typically on your arm or abdomen), and it transmits glucose readings to a receiver, smartphone, or smartwatch. For people managing diabetes, especially those on insulin, this kind of real-time data is a game changer. You can see trends before they become emergencies, reduce the risk of dangerous low blood sugar episodes, and make better decisions about food, activity, and medication. The two most widely used CGM systems among Medicare beneficiaries are **Dexcom G6/G7** and **FreeStyle Libre 2/3**. Both are covered under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment (DME). --- ## Medicare Coverage for CGMs: The 2023 Update Here's something many people don't know: Medicare significantly expanded CGM coverage in **March 2023**. Before that update, you typically had to be using a certain amount of insulin each day to qualify. The new rules are simpler and cover more people. Under current Medicare policy (as of 2024), you may qualify for a covered CGM if: **Option A — You use insulin:** You have diabetes and are currently treated with insulin — any type, any amount. That includes basal insulin, rapid-acting insulin, or a combination. You no longer have to be on "intensive insulin therapy" with multiple daily injections. **Option B — You have a history of problematic hypoglycemia:** You've had documented episodes of severe or recurrent low blood sugar, even if you're not on insulin. Specifically: - Two or more level 2 hypoglycemic events (blood glucose below 54 mg/dL) that persisted despite medication adjustments, **or** - One level 3 event — meaning a hypoglycemic episode severe enough that you needed someone else's help to treat it If you meet either of those criteria and your doctor agrees a CGM is appropriate for your care, you're likely eligible. --- ## What Does Medicare Pay — and What Will You Owe? CGMs are covered under **Medicare Part B** as durable medical equipment. Here's how the cost-sharing typically works: - **Medicare pays:** 80% of the approved amount, after your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024) - **You pay:** The remaining 20% If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, it may cover all or part of that 20% coinsurance, potentially bringing your out-of-pocket cost close to zero. If you're in a **Medicare Advantage plan**, coverage is usually comparable to original Medicare, but check your plan's formulary — some plans have specific preferred suppliers. In practice, many Medicare beneficiaries end up paying **$0–$60/month** for CGM sensors once coverage kicks in, depending on their supplemental coverage and which specific device they use. --- ## Which CGMs Are Covered Under Medicare? Medicare covers CGMs that are classified as "therapeutic" — meaning they're used to make treatment decisions, not just monitor trends. The major covered systems include: - **Dexcom G6** and **Dexcom G7** — Worn on the abdomen or upper arm; sensors last 10 days (G6) or 10 days (G7); integrates with many insulin pumps - **FreeStyle Libre 2** and **FreeStyle Libre 3** — Worn on the upper arm; sensors last 14 days; Abbott offers a $0 copay voucher for first sensor for eligible patients Both require a prescription. Your doctor can order either system, though some suppliers may have a preferred device — worth asking which one they work with most. Note: Over-the-counter CGMs (like the Libre Rio, cleared by the FDA in 2024 for non-insulin users) are **not currently covered** by Medicare Part B. --- ## How to Get a CGM Through Medicare: Step by Step Getting a Medicare-covered CGM involves a few steps, but it's manageable once you know the process. **Step 1: Talk to your doctor.** Your prescribing physician needs to evaluate your diabetes management and determine that a CGM is medically appropriate for you. They'll review your treatment history and confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. **Step 2: Get a written prescription.** Your doctor submits a standard written order. For continuing coverage, Medicare requires a follow-up visit at least every six months to confirm you're still using and benefiting from the device. **Step 3: Choose a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier.** You'll need to order your CGM through a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Not all pharmacies or online retailers are set up for this. Working with a Medicare-enrolled DME provider ensures your claims are processed correctly. **Step 4: Confirm your supplier accepts assignment.** A supplier that "accepts assignment" agrees to bill Medicare directly and charge only the Medicare-approved amount. This protects you from surprise bills. **Step 5: Get your device and supplies delivered.** Most suppliers ship directly to your home. Sensors typically arrive monthly. Keep in mind that Medicare covers the sensor and receiver — but not the smartphone or smartwatch you use to view readings. > 📍 **Looking for a Medicare-enrolled CGM supplier near you?** [Search DMEHelper's directory](https://dmehelper.com/search?category=continuous-glucose-monitors) to find DME providers in your area who supply CGMs and accept Medicare. --- ## Common Questions and Mistakes to Avoid **"My doctor said I don't take enough insulin to qualify."** That was true before 2023 — it's no longer the case. Any insulin use qualifies. If your doctor is still applying the old criteria, it may help to mention the March 2023 CMS policy update. **"I got my CGM at a pharmacy — why is Medicare not covering it?"** Some pharmacies are not enrolled as Medicare DME suppliers. CGMs must be obtained through a qualified DME supplier to be covered under Part B. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover CGMs through the pharmacy benefit — check with your plan. **"My supplier isn't in my area."** That's okay. Most CGM suppliers ship nationally. You don't need a local supplier — just one that's enrolled in Medicare. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Does Medicare Part B cover continuous glucose monitors?** Yes. Medicare Part B covers CGMs as durable medical equipment for beneficiaries with diabetes who use insulin or have a documented history of problematic hypoglycemia. **Do I need a prescription for a Medicare-covered CGM?** Yes. A prescribing physician must evaluate your condition and issue a standard written order before Medicare will cover the device. **What is my out-of-pocket cost for a CGM with Medicare?** After your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20%. With Medigap coverage, your cost could be $0. Costs vary by plan and device. **Does Medicare cover both Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre?** Yes. Both Dexcom (G6, G7) and Abbott FreeStyle Libre (2, 3) are covered under Medicare Part B when prescribed and ordered through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. **Can I get a CGM covered by Medicare if I don't use insulin?** Possibly. If you have a documented history of severe hypoglycemic episodes (level 2 or level 3 events), you may qualify even without insulin use. --- ## The Bottom Line Medicare coverage for continuous glucose monitors has expanded, and millions of people with diabetes who weren't eligible before now are. If you're on Medicare and managing diabetes — especially with insulin — it's worth having a conversation with your doctor about whether a CGM makes sense for you. The key is making sure you're ordering through a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. That's where many people get tripped up. **[Find Medicare-enrolled CGM suppliers near you on DMEHelper →](https://dmehelper.com/search?category=continuous-glucose-monitors)**