Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover diabetic test strips?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes, Medicare Part B covers blood sugar (glucose) test strips as supplies for a home blood sugar monitor, along with lancets, lancet holders and control solutions, when your doctor prescribes them.
Every 3 months, Medicare Part B may cover up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets if you use insulin, or 100 test strips and 100 lancets if you don't use insulin, and more if your doctor says it's medically necessary and you meet other requirements.
In 2026, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for test strips covered by Medicare Part B after the $283 Part B deductible, if your pharmacy or supplier accepts assignment.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by | Part B, as supplies used with durable medical equipment (DME) | Medicare.gov |
| If you use insulin | Up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every 3 months | Medicare.gov |
| If you don't use insulin | 100 test strips and 100 lancets every 3 months | Medicare.gov |
| More supplies | Covered if your doctor says they're medically necessary and you meet other requirements | Medicare.gov |
| Prescription | A new prescription every 12 months; you must ask for refills | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov; CMS |
What diabetic testing supplies does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers blood sugar (glucose) monitors that your doctor prescribes for use in your home, and the supplies used with them, as durable medical equipment (DME). The covered supplies include:
- Blood sugar test strips
- Lancets and lancet holders
- Blood sugar control solutions, which check that your meter and test strips are working correctly (covered if you have diabetes)
How many test strips does Medicare cover?
The amount of supplies Medicare Part B covers depends on whether you use insulin. Every 3 months, you may be able to get:
- Up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets, if you use insulin
- 100 test strips and 100 lancets, if you don't use insulin
Can I get more test strips than the limit?
Yes, Medicare will allow you to get more test strips and lancets if your doctor says it's medically necessary and you meet other requirements. You may need to keep a record that shows how often you actually test your blood sugar.
What do I need from my doctor?
Medicare only covers diabetic testing equipment and supplies if you get a prescription from your doctor. The prescription should include whether you have diabetes, what kind of glucose meter you need and why (your doctor must explain if you need a special monitor because of vision problems), whether you use insulin, how often you should test your blood sugar, and how many test strips and lancets you need for one month.
You need a new prescription from your doctor for lancets and test strips every 12 months, and you must ask for refills yourself.
What do I pay for test strips, and where do I get them?
After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for test strips and other supplies, if your pharmacy or supplier accepts assignment. A supplier that participates in Medicare must accept assignment, so it can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible. If your pharmacy or supplier doesn't accept assignment, you'll pay the entire charge at the time of service.
You can order supplies from your pharmacy or a medical equipment supplier after your doctor gives you or sends the prescription; with a mail-order pharmacy or supplier, you call them to place your order. Medicare only pays for DME items from suppliers enrolled in Medicare, and Medicare won't pay for supplies you didn't ask for or that were sent to you automatically.
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change this?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, but out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, and a plan may require you to use providers in its network or get prior authorization. Contact your plan to find out how it covers diabetes supplies. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare, like your 20% coinsurance and deductibles.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Can I get Medicare-covered test strips at a pharmacy?
Does Medicare cover test strips if I don't use insulin?
Does Medicare cover a blood sugar meter?
Why won't Medicare pay for supplies a company mailed me?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Blood sugar test strips
- Medicare.gov: Lancets & lancet holders
- Medicare.gov: Blood sugar monitors
- Medicare.gov: Blood sugar control solutions
- Medicare.gov: Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services & Prevention Programs
- Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.