Key Takeaways:
- Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 System offers a small, discreet sensor providing minute-by-minute glucose readings directly to your smartphone, enhancing diabetes management.
- With Medicare and Aeroflow Diabetes, you may qualify for coverage of the FreeStyle Libre 3 System, making it more affordable and accessible for diabetes patients.
Having a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be life-changing for people with diabetes. The capabilities of CGMs continue to grow and help people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, helping those specifically with a history of problematic hypoglycemia events.
Now that Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 System, the latest glucose monitoring system model, has entered the marketplace, you may be able to receive it at low cost with Medicare and Aeroflow Diabetes.
Learn about the features of the FreeStyle Libre 3 System to support your diabetes management and find out what you'll need to do to receive it through your Medicare plan.
About the FreeStyle Libre 3 System
The FDA has cleared Abbott's new FreeStyle Libre 3 System for people with diabetes ages 4 and up. The Abbott diabetes care device is helpful for controlling diabetes for those with diabetes, caregivers, and healthcare providers overseeing diabetes treatment.
The system is a game-changer that is:
-
A small, discreet*3, and thin† sensor that is the size of 2 stacked U.S. pennies.
-
Easy to apply*3 to your skin with a 1-piece applicator.
-
Capable of sending glucose readings every minute.
-
The first CGM system to have a sub-8% mean absolute relative difference (MARD).*1,*2.
-
Compatible with smartphones for real-time glucose readings.
-
Capable of sending Bluetooth readings up to 33 feet away.
FreeStyle Libre 3 System Improvements
- Smaller size. The FreeStyle Libre 3 System is much smaller than the FreeStyle Libre 2 System. The new CGM is about the size of 2 stacked pennies.
- Minute-by-minute glucose readings*1. The FreeStyle Libre 3 System sends real-time glucose readings to your smartphone every minute, so you won't need to scan your sensor to get blood glucose level readings.
- 1-piece applicator. Unlike the previous FreeStyle Libre Systems, which had a 2-piece applicator, the new system has just a 1-piece applicator.
Eliminate the need for fingersticks to check your blood glucose and manage diabetes with confidence! This new applicator produces less paper and plastic waste, which is better for the environment. We always suggest reading important safety information before usage.
How Much Does the FreeStyle Libre 3 System Cost?
According to Abbott, the FreeStyle Libre 3 System is priced at around the same cost as the Freestyle Libre 2 System out of pocket.
But, if you qualify through your Medicare plan with Aeroflow Diabetes, you'll be able to get your new CGM, considered durable medical equipment (DME), covered through Medicare! To find out if you qualify, complete our simple Eligibility Form today.
You will need to cover the full cost of the FreeStyle Libre 3 System until you reach your Medicare Part B deductible. Once the deductible is met, Medicare will generally cover 80% of the FreeStyle Libre 3 cost, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%, provided you qualify for the device. If you have supplemental health insurance, it may cover part or all of the remaining 20%.
Some commercial and secondary insurances are accepted, however, eligibility is dependent upon completing our Eligibility Form. Once approved and supplied, Aeroflow Diabetes will refill your supplies every 90 days!
Is the FreeStyle Libre 3 System Covered for Medicare Beneficiaries?
If you use insulin and / or have documented severe hypoglycemia, Medicare may cover the cost of the FreeStyle Libre 3 System. You will also need to have seen your healthcare provider within the last 6 months.
Luckily, those who choose Aeroflow Diabetes will receive our help every step of the way. We'll coordinate with your healthcare provider's office and your Medicare insurance provider to gain approval for insurance coverage. We'll even ship your supplies at no cost every 90 days!
To determine if you're covered for the FreeStyle Libre 3 System through Medicare and Aeroflow Diabetes, complete our Eligibility Form. After completing the form, we'll contact your healthcare provider for the required prescription and then contact you with the next steps.
Alternative Ways to Save on FreeStyle Libre Systems
If you don't qualify for the FreeStyle Libre 3 System through your insurance plan, or if you need additional savings for CGM coverage beyond what Medicare coverage provides, there are several alternatives available.
Medicare Savings Program
A Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a beneficial state-offered option that helps cover your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. If you qualify, the MSP may also assist with paying for your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Medicaid
You may also qualify for Medicaid, which can be used as secondary coverage alongside your Medicare insurance.
Extra Help
Medicare patients using the device can sign up for the Extra Help program if they have a limited income. It helps to significantly cover out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. You can see if you qualify on the Social Security Administration's website.
Insulin Affordability Changes
Since 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have been testing enhanced Part D plans (called the Senior Savings Model) to help eligible patients with diabetes save on insulin costs. This ensured that those needing insulin did not pay more than $35 for it. After the Senior Savings Model was discontinued, the Inflation Reduction Act maintained this cost limit of $35 or less per month for insulin.
Medigap Plans
You can also see if you qualify for a Medigap plan, which is supplemental insurance you can use in addition to Medicare to help with any out-of-pocket costs.
About the Author
Marlee Septak is the Senior Content Specialist at Aeroflow Urology and was a past Content Writer for Aeroflow Diabetes. She brings a deep understanding of incontinence and health conditions associated with it to her writing. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago and holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Marlee has contributed to various magazines and blogs, including Borgen Magazine, Echo Magazine, Chicago Ideas Week, Assuaged, and Peaceful Dumpling. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and just sitting down with a good book.
FDA clears next-generation FreeStyle Libre 3 CGM for people with diabetes. (n.d.). Www.healio.com. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20220531/fda-clears-nextgeneration-freestyle-libre-3-cgm-for-people-with-diabetes#:~:text=The%20new%20device%20is%20expected
Abbott's FreeStyle® Libre 3 System Receives CE Mark - Features World's Smallest, Thinnest Sensor with Best-in-Class Performance at the Same Low Cost for People with Diabetes. (n.d.). Abbott MediaRoom. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2020-09-28-Abbotts-FreeStyle-R-Libre-3-System-Receives-CE-Mark-Features-Worlds-Smallest-Thinnest-Sensor-with-Best-in-Class-Performance-at-the-Same-Low-Cost-for-People-with-Diabetes
FreeStyle Libre 3 System (CGM) | Healthcare Providers. (n.d.). Www.freestyleprovider.abbott. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.freestyleprovider.abbott/us-en/freestyle-libre-3.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwof6WBhD4ARIsAOi65ajwDZaqbrznefgpLtpsBMM7g9M-Hy8dEbCcLUT857Wv7ltHcaium1MaAi-hEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Information provided on the Aeroflow Diabetes website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to diabetes care.
* The FreeStyle Libre 3 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 3 app requires registration with LibreView.
† Among patient-applied sensors.
References: 1. FreeStyle Libre 3 User's Manual. 2. Data on File. Comparison based on publicly available information. 3. Data on File. Abbott Diabetes Care.
