Diabetes is estimated to affect 26 million Americans, or eight percent of the population, with 5.7 million people estimated to be undiagnosed. Cases are projected to double – even triple – by 2050, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month!
Here are a few recent statistics on diabetes:
- Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
- Another 86 million Americans have diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
- The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.
- 1 in 5 health care dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes.
- 1 in 10 health care dollars is spent treating diabetes and its complications.
Here are the guidelines set up by Medicare to cover certain supplies, if a beneficiary has Medicare Part B and has diabetes.
These supplies include:
- Blood glucose self-testing equipment and supplies
- Theapeutic shoes and inserts
- Insulin pumps and the insulin used in them
Blood Glucose Self-Testing Equipment and Supplies
Blood glucose self-testing equipment and supplies are covered for all people with Medicare Part B who have diabetes.These include those who use insulin and those who do not. These supplies include:
- Blood glucose monitors
- Blood glucose 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 glucose testing supplies for people with diabetes whether or not they use insulin. However, the amount of supplies that are covered varies.
If the beneficiary:
- Uses insulin, they may be able to get up to 100 test strips and lancets every month, and 1 lancet device every 6 months.
- Does not use insulin, they may be able to get 100 test strips and lancets every 3 months, and 1 lancet device every 6 months.
Chambers’ Apothecary participates with Medicare Part B. There are certain guidelines we have to follow in order to get your diabetic supplies from us. Call if you have any questions or if you need assistance, we will be happy to help.