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.
You may be able to receive the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 at little to no cost through Medicare with 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 have it covered by your Medicare plan.
About the FreeStyle Libre 3 System
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 System is for people with diabetes ages 4 and up. The FreeStyle Libre 3 is helpful for managing diabetes for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers overseeing diabetes treatment.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 is:
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A small, discreet, and thin sensor that is the size of 2 stacked U.S. pennies.
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Easy to apply to your skin with a 1-piece applicator.
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Capable of sending glucose readings every minute.
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The first CGM system to have a sub-8% mean absolute relative difference (MARD).
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Compatible with smartphones for real-time glucose readings.
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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. 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.
How Much Does the FreeStyle Libre 3 System Cost?
Because continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME), they are covered under Medicare Part B, not your Part D prescription drug plan.
You will need to cover the full cost of the FreeStyle Libre 3 until you reach your Medicare Part B deductible. Once the deductible is met, Medicare will generally cover 80% of the cost of the FreeStyle Libre 3, 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, but if you qualify through your Medicare plan with Aeroflow Diabetes, you'll be able to get the Freestyle Libre 3 covered through Medicare! To find out if you qualify, complete our simple Eligibility Form today. 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. Under Medicare guidelines, "documented severe hypoglycemia" typically refers to a recent history of a level 2 hypoglycemic event (a low blood sugar event that requires the assistance of another person to treat) or a level 3 event (a seizure or loss of consciousness).
Additionally, you will need a prescription for the device from your doctor. You will also need to have seen your healthcare provider for a diabetes-related visit within the last 6 months to confirm your eligibility.
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 in your state, 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 check your eligibility for benefits on the Social Security Administration's website.
Insulin Affordability Changes
Since 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been testing enhanced Part D plans (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.
Check Your Coverage for CGMs Through Insurance
With a 4.8 rating from Google users, Aeroflow Diabetes helps individuals qualify and receive continuous glucose monitors at low cost through insurance.
Here's how it works:
1. Fill out our Eligibility Form. You submit your information.
2. We verify your coverage. Our Diabetes Specialists will verify your insurance coverage.
3. You'll choose the CGM that's right for you. You'll select the CGM you'd like to receive.
4. We fulfill your order. We ship your items straight to your door.
Carson Moore, Accuracy Reviewer
Carson Moore is the Director of Aeroflow Diabetes. He has been leading Aeroflow Diabetes since its inception. He hopes to simplify the complex and somewhat antiquated diabetes care industry to give patients world-class care that they can understand.
He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master's degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer and Fiber Engineering.
Alongside running the Diabetes center, Carson uses his knowledge of engineering and business to help bridge the gap between complex systems and the people who actually use them.
About the Author
Julia Dietrich is the Marketing Coordinator at Aeroflow Diabetes. A graduate of Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Julia has contributed to many marketing campaigns across different industries and understands well how important diabetes prevention, management, and education are for overall health and wellness.
Outside of her work, Julia enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with family. Her background in marketing and dedication to patient advocacy and wellness, coincide with her commitment to educate and promote diabetes management.
References:
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
Aeroflow Diabetes Disclaimer
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.
Abbott Disclaimer
* 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.
