| 2026 Part B Deductible | $257 |
| Coinsurance for DME | 20% after deductible |
| Test Strips (insulin users) | Up to 300/month |
| Test Strips (non-insulin) | Up to 100/month |
| DSMT Initial Coverage | 10 hours |
| DSMT Annual Renewal | 2 hours/year |
| MNT Year 1 | 3 hours |
| MNT Subsequent Years | 2 hours/year |
| Glucose Screenings | 2 per year at $0 |
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers 80% of approved diabetes supplies after the annual deductible ($257 in 2026).
- Blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and CGMs are covered as durable medical equipment (DME).
- Diabetes self-management training (DSMT) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) are covered services.
- Preventive diabetes screenings are covered at no cost for at-risk beneficiaries.
What Medicare Part B Covers for Diabetes in 2026
Medicare Part B provides critical coverage for people managing diabetes, covering both preventive services and ongoing supplies. Coverage falls into three main categories: durable medical equipment (DME), preventive screenings, and educational services.
Covered Diabetes Supplies (DME)
- Blood glucose monitors β One monitor covered per 5 years (or sooner if lost/damaged)
- Test strips & lancets β Up to 100 strips/lancets per month (non-insulin users); up to 300/month (insulin users)
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) β Covered when prescribed by a doctor for insulin-dependent diabetes
- Insulin pumps & supplies β Covered under Part B as DME when medically necessary
- Therapeutic shoes β One pair per year for qualifying diabetic foot conditions
Preventive Screenings
Medicare Part B covers up to two fasting blood glucose tests per year at no cost if you are at high risk for diabetes. Risk factors include obesity, family history, hypertension, and prior gestational diabetes.
Diabetes Education & Nutrition Services
- Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) β 10 hours of initial training covered; 2 hours annually thereafter
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) β 3 hours in Year 1, 2 hours each subsequent year
2026 Cost Structure
| Service | Your Cost (after deductible) |
|---|---|
| DME Supplies | 20% coinsurance |
| Diabetes Screenings | $0 (preventive) |
| DSMT & MNT | 20% coinsurance |
| Annual Deductible (Part B) | $257 |
CGM Coverage: What's New in 2026
Continuous Glucose Monitor coverage has expanded. In 2026, Medicare covers therapeutic CGMs for beneficiaries who require frequent glucose monitoring, including non-insulin-dependent users meeting clinical criteria. CGM receivers are covered as DME, and compatible sensors and transmitters are included.
Looking for Medicare-compatible CGM supplies? MDS Diabetes carries a full range of CGM accessories and test strips accepted by Medicare-enrolled suppliers.
How to Maximize Your Part B Diabetes Benefits
- Use a Medicare-enrolled supplier to ensure DME is billed correctly.
- Get a written prescription from your doctor specifying supplies needed.
- Combine Part B with a Medigap (supplemental) plan to cover the 20% coinsurance.
- Use an FSA or HSA for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Part B.
- Schedule your annual DSMT refresher and MNT sessions β they reset each calendar year.
What Part B Does NOT Cover
- Insulin (unless used in an insulin pump β otherwise covered under Part D)
- Oral diabetes medications (covered under Part D)
- Over-the-counter glucose tablets or snacks
Finding Affordable Diabetes Supplies
For supplies not fully covered by Medicare, or to reduce out-of-pocket costs, MDS Diabetes offers competitively priced test strips, lancets, and CGM accessories. Many products are FSA/HSA eligible, helping you stretch your benefits further.