Diabetes and Medicare: supplies, monitors, shoes and education

What Medicare covers for diabetes, including test strips, continuous glucose monitors, insulin, therapeutic shoes, and self-management training.

Medicare covers a wide range of diabetes services under Parts B and D.

Part B covers

• Blood glucose monitors, test strips and lancets.
• Continuous glucose monitors for people who meet criteria, including many on insulin.
• Insulin used with a traditional pump.
• Therapeutic shoes and inserts for people with diabetic foot problems.
• Diabetes self-management training and medical nutrition therapy.
• Annual diabetic eye exam; see Medicare and vision.
• The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for people with prediabetes.

Part D covers

Insulin by pen or syringe (capped at $35 a month), oral diabetes drugs and supplies for injecting insulin.

Costs

Part B items cost 20% after the deductible. Medigap Plans such as G pay that 20%. For Washington residents, Maru Insurance can compare supplement plans.

Questions people ask

Does Medicare cover glucose monitors?

Yes, including CGMs for many who qualify.

Is insulin capped?

Yes, at $35 a month.

Are diabetic shoes covered?

Yes, for people with qualifying foot conditions.

Does Medicare cover diabetes education?

Yes, self-management training and nutrition therapy.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.