In a surprise move late last week the centers for medicare and medicaid services cms issued a policy decision allowing for certain continuous glucose monitors cgm to be covered under medicare.
Continuous glucose monitoring devices covered by medicare.
Medicare coverage of these devices varies with respect to both the type of device and the medical condition of the patient for whom the device is prescribed.
If your health care provider recommends a different way to monitor your blood sugar other than the finger stick glucose monitor you might want to check with medicare to see.
The dexcom g6 continuous glucose monitoring cgm system is covered by medicare for patients who meet the medicare coverage criteria.
If you use insulin and require frequent adjustments to your insulin regimen dosage a cgm may be covered if your doctor determines that you meet all of the requirements for medicare coverage.
In the past it has not been covered.
Medicare does not generally cover continuous glucose monitoring which according to the nih involves a sensor inserted under your skin for several days to a week.
Home blood glucose monitors.
There are several different types of blood glucose monitors that use reflectance meters to determine blood glucose levels.
Medicare covers therapeutic continuous glucose monitors cgms and related supplies instead of blood sugar monitors for making diabetes treatment decisions like changes in diet and insulin dosage.