Insurance Coverage

Medicare, the nation's largest health insurance program, is for*

• people age 65 or older,
  
• people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and
  
• people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

For people with diabetes, Medicare Part B covers certain diabetic supplies and diabetes education programs. Make sure you receive the benefits you are entitled to by presenting your red, white & blue Medicare Part B card to your pharmacist.

Use your red, white & blue card to cover:

• Diabetes test strips
  
• Blood glucose meters
  
• Insulin pumps
  
• Other diabetic supplies
  
• Doctors' visits

Q: Are my test strips still covered by Medicare Part B?
A: With a prescription, diabetes test strips and meters are covered by Medicare Part B, just as they always have been. Remember: present your red, white & blue Medicare Part B card to your pharmacist when you fill your prescription.

Q: Do my test strip purchases count toward the Part D "donut hole?"
A: No, test strips and meters are covered by Medicare Part B, not Part D; therefore, they do not count toward the Part D "donut hole".

Q: If I have a Medicare Advantage managed plan, am I still eligible for coverage under the red, white & blue Medicare Part B card?
A: Medicare Advantage plans have their own set of requirements regarding test strips and meters. If you are covered by a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check with your plan for details.

Q: I am covered under both Medicare and Medicaid. Does this affect my test strip coverage?
A: In most cases, you are covered under Medicare Part B for diabetes test strips and meters. Terms and conditions may vary, check with your plan for details.

Q: How can I verify my Medicare coverage?
A: Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.Medicare.gov

* Please be aware that the Medicare, Medicaid and diabetes education programs are not automatically available to all U.S. citizens and residents--you need to meet certain eligibility criteria in order to receive these benefits. For Medicare Part B beneficiaries, you must have a prescription from your doctor and meet all other terms and conditions of the Medicare program for coverage.