Diabetic testing supplies with Medicare

[Francina]

I am about to get Medicare in July and they are not covering my insulin. Could this be because I live in New York, if so, I am using another state.

[southernlady]

Originally Posted by Francina

I am about to get Medicare in July and they are not covering my insulin. Could this be because I live in New York, if so, I am using another state.

No, it’s probably because you aren’t a type 1. They cover insulin for type 1st not type 2’s.

[Bamaman]

Originally Posted by Barbaraok

MEDICARE pays for all but 20% of diabetic testing supplies and your supplemental pick that up under Part B. If you take insulin that is covered under your Part D, but the needles, etc. are again under Part B.

You can read about insulin and Medicare below:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/insulin

I am on an insulin pump, and I also have a Glucose Monitor (GSM). Part B just paid for a new pump and a glucose monitor and supplies for all. I have a 20% deductible.

My insulin vials ($315 each) used to cost me $505 deductible every 3 months, but now they go on Part D @ $35 a month or $105 a quarter.

Do yourself a big favor and get your doctor to prescribe a GSM where you can quit the finger sticks. You can better track your condition and figure out how much insulin to take on the front end--not 3-5 hrs. later.

Our doctors just go online and send all prescriptions to specific CVS Pharmacies. We never see any paper prescription any longer.

[sam-3]

You pay a premium every three months. It covers what Medicare part D doesn't cover. DH get this and he only has to pay $$20.00 for his expensive eye gtts. He also has expensive bladder medication and his copay is only $20.00. It will not pay for something that is not on the formulary. I will be 65 in December and will pick up Epic. My inhaler is over $1,000 every three months. This is a NYS program.

[Francina]

Originally Posted by sam-3

You pay a premium every three months. It covers what Medicare part D doesn't cover. DH get this and he only has to pay $$20.00 for his expensive eye gtts. He also has expensive bladder medication and his copay is only $20.00. It will not pay for something that is not on the formulary. I will be 65 in December and will pick up Epic. My inhaler is over $1,000 every three months. This is a NYS program.

Thanks I was going to look into Epic.

[tommar]

Originally Posted by Francina

I am about to get Medicare in July and they are not covering my insulin. Could this be because I live in New York, if so, I am using another state.

Don't think NY residency has anything to do about Medicare and insulin. Medicare should cover your insulin although there are copays and deductables.

[tommar]

Originally Posted by southernlady

No, it’s probably because you aren’t a type 1. They cover insulin for type 1st not type 2’s.

I am type 2 diabetic and Medicare DOES cover my insulin, so this is wrong information.

[Barbaraok]

Originally Posted by tommar

I am type 2 diabetic and Medicare DOES cover my insulin, so this is wrong information.

Medicare part D (prescription) will cover your insulin if you are a type 2 diabetic. New rules this year limit your out-of-pocket expense to $35/30 supply, IIRC. All of our maintenance meds are 90 days scripts with 3 refills for the year. Dave's cost us 87.50 every 90 days.