Diabetic Supplies And Medicare

Diabetes is a disease whereby the body does not produce insulin or cannot use the insulin it creates effectively. Insulin reduces the amount of glucose in the blood. High glucose levels in the blood are harmful to the body and indicates that the body can't convert glucose into energy that it needs to function. Consequently diabetics with type 1 diabetes have to monitor their glucose levels and inject insulin into the body to perform this function. Diabetics with type 2 diabetes also have to monitor their condition but don't have to inject insulin. They might take medication that makes the body more responsive to the insulin that their body creates or simply exercise regularly and eat a specialized diet. As yet there is no cure for diabetes so this treatment and care is a lifelong task. Diabetic supplies are needed to perform this treatment and can become costly over a long time period as they need to be replenished every month or so. This is where Medicare can often help. They can subsidize some of the supplies that are needed. This article will outline some of the supplies needed to treat diabetes and how Medicare helps with the costs of the supplies.

Medicare and Diabetes

Medicare is a Federal health insurance program run by the Health Care Financing Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare covers people over 65 and people with disabilities. It comes in two forms : Part A and Part B.

Part A Medicare covers costs like hospital bills, nursing homes and hospices. Most people eligible for Medicare get Part A for no cost.

Part B is concerned with diagnostic and screening tests and medical supplies and equipment. Most people eligible for Medicare have to pay a monthly premium to receive the benefits of Medicare Part B. However in some cases assistance can be given to people that cannot afford the monthly premium.

Screening for diabetes is free under Medicare. You may receive two tests per year for diabetes.

Diabetic testing supplies like a glucose monitor, testing strips and lancets are covered by Part B of Medicare. You pay 20% of the Medicare approved cost for these items. Before you can take advantage of this saving you have to get a certified statement from your health care provider. This can be given to the pharmacy where you get your supplies from along with a Medicare claim.

Training and education on treating diabetes is also covered by Part B. Your health care provider must approve that you need assistance with your management of diabetes. You will pay 20% of the costs of the approved Medicare programs.

Medicare does not cover things like insulin, syringes, insulin pumps or diabetic medication.

Summary

Medicare is aimed at making some of the essential items for diabetes treatment available at a lower cost. It does not cover all the medication and equipment that you need however so be sure to budget for these items. Insulin and Syringes, for example can be picked up on the Internet at very reasonable prices.