Part B Diabetes Information

Blood sugar self-testing equipment and supplies

Blood sugar (also called blood glucose) self-testing equipment and supplies are covered for all members with Medicare Part B who have diabetes, even if you don't use insulin.

Self-testing supplies include the following:

• Blood sugar monitors
• Blood sugar test strips
• Lancet devices and lancets
• Glucose control solutions for checking the accuracy of testing equipment and test strips

Medicare Part B covers the same type of blood sugar testing supplies for people with diabetes whether or not they use insulin. However, the amount of supplies that are covered varies.

If you use insulin, you may be able to get up to 100 test strips and lancets every month, and one lancet device every 6 months.

If you don't use insulin, you may be able to get 100 test strips and lancets every 3 months, and one lancet device every 6 months.

If your doctor documents it is medically necessary, Medicare will allow additional test strips and lancets. "Medically necessary" means that services or supplies are needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition and meet accepted standards of medical practice.

What do I need from my doctor to get these covered supplies?

Physicians Health Choice will only cover your blood sugar self-testing equipment and supplies if you get a prescription from your doctor. The prescription should include the following information:

• Whether you have diabetes
• What kind of blood sugar monitor you need
• Whether you use insulin
• How often you should test your blood sugar
• How many test strips and lancets you need for 1 month

Where can I get these supplies?

• You can order and pick up your supplies at a network pharmacy.
• You can order your supplies from Byram Healthcare or One Source Medical, to be delivered to you by mail.

» Part B Diabetes Supplies Order Form

Keep the following in mind:

• You must ask for refills for your supplies.
• You need a new prescription from your doctor for your lancets and test strips every 12 months.

Physicians Health Choice won't pay for any supplies that were sent to you automatically from suppliers, including blood sugar monitors, test strips, and lancets. If you are getting supplies sent to you automatically, are getting advertisements that are misleading, or suspect fraud relating to your diabetes supplies, call Customer Service at 1-800-830-0817 (TTY/TDD users may call 711). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8am - 8pm.

If you need assistance with the use of your blood sugar monitor or ordering supplies, you may call our Disease Management Department at 1-877-287-0565 (TTY/TDD users may call 711).