Does Medicare Cover Accu Chek Test Strips?

More and more people with diabetes are using continuous glucose monitors like the Dexcom G6 system and the Freestyle Libre 14 Days. But many people still prefer traditional fingerstick glucose meters. One well-known fingerstick glucose meter is the Accu Chek Test Strips.

So a common question many people have is, “does Medicare cover Accu Chek Test Strips?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of Accu Chek Test Strips, as well as other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Accu Chek Test Strips?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of Accu Chek Test Strips. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met for Medicare to pay for your Accu Chek Test Strips. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for Accu Chek Test Strips. Coverage for Accu Chek Test Strips is provided by Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part B’s coverage for Accu Chek Test Strips will differ depending on whether you are insulin-dependent or not. If you are dependent on insulin, Medicare Part B provides coverage for up to 100 Accu Chek Test strips and lancets every month. It also provides one lancing device every 6 months.

On the other hand, if you are not dependent on insulin, Medicare Part B will only provide coverage for 100 strips and lancets every 3 months and one lancing device every six months. However, Medicare Part B may provide coverage for additional Accu Chek Test strips and lancets if they are medically necessary.

However, you need a prescription from your doctor for Medicare Part B to provide coverage for Accu Chek Test Strips. This prescription must include:

A diabetes diagnosis
If you use insulin
How many times per day you should test your blood sugar
What test strips and blood glucose monitor you need
The number of test strips and lancets you need monthly

Part C Coverage for Accu Chek Test Strips

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provide coverage for Accu Chek Test Strips. Part C covers everything Original Medicare covers, as well as some additional benefits. However, exactly what it covers and your out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.

How Much Does Accu Chek Test Strips Cost?

The Accu Chek Blood Glucose Monitor costs somewhere from $600 to more than $1,000. Accu Chek Test Strips may cost $0.58 per strip.

Most of the time, Accu Chek Test Strips cost $16 for 25 strips, $25 to $30 for 50 strips and $50 for 100 strips.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.