Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems have revolutionized home diabetes care. For people who have used traditional blood glucose measuring devices for years, CGM technology is a breath of fresh air. Now self-monitoring of blood glucose levels doesn’t have to mean enduring painful finger sticks several times per day. Additionally, CGM systems allow people see their real-time blood sugar levels throughout the day and night, not just at one point in time. This wealth of information makes it so much easier for patients and their healthcare professionals to make treatment decisions.
Like most new healthcare technology, the cost of CGM devices is higher than their traditional counterparts: blood glucose meters that require a finger prick and produce one glucose reading at a time. But how do you go about buying your own CGM for home diabetes management? We’ll break down who qualifies for CGM, insurance coverage, and how to start the process to have a CGM shipped to your home.
CGM: How It Works
There are a handful of different CCM devices available on the market today, but generally they all work in a similar way. You have a small sensor placed just under the surface of the skin on the belly or upper arm. The sensor measures blood glucose in the interstitial fluid there and sends this information to a reader or smart device. Because it’s worn continuously, blood sugar can be measured throughout the day and night, and you get more glucose data than with a traditional blood glucose meter. This provides a clearer picture of your overall diabetes management than you would have by looking at just a few readings per day.
There are a handful of different CCM devices available on the market today, but generally they all work in a similar way. You have a small sensor placed just under the surface of the skin on the belly or upper arm. The sensor measures blood glucose in the interstitial fluid there and sends this information to a reader or smart device. Because it’s worn continuously, blood sugar can be measured throughout the day and night, and you get more glucose data than with a traditional blood glucose meter. This provides a clearer picture of your overall diabetes management than you would have by looking at just a few readings per day.
People are able to track their blood sugar levels in real time, taking action sooner to head off the potential hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia events that can be so dangerous. They can track their blood sugar patterns much more accurately and make treatment decisions more effectively.
Currently, Aeroflow offers the Dexcom G6 and G5, as well as the FreeStyle Libre 2 Freestyle Libre 14 Day system. Each device has its own features and benefits as well as recommended age range, so be sure to speak to your doctor about which device may be best for you. Some people prefer to use a mobile app to receive their glucose data, while some may prefer a special reader that comes with the device, it all depends on your lifestyle, goals and preferences.
Who Qualifies for CGM?
Currently, you need a prescription from a healthcare provider to get a CGM device from a pharmacy or supplier like Aeroflow. In the future, it will likely be possible for adults without diabetes to get a CGM device without a prescription and use it similarly to how activity trackers are used today. But as of this writing, continuous glucose monitoring systems are only FDA-approved for people with type 1 diabetes and some people with treatment-intensive type 2 diabetes.
Only your doctor can decide if CGM is right for you. For people with diabetes who have to check their blood sugar levels several times per day, it may make sense to switch from traditional blood glucose monitor to a CGM system. If you think you may qualify for CGM to treat your diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider about getting a prescription.
Insurance Coverage of CGM
The good news is that most major private health insurance plans as well as Medicare offer at least partial coverage of CGM systems when they are prescribed by a doctor. Insurance providers see the benefits of this technology for patients’ quality of life and the overall cost-effectiveness of the devices. According to a 2018 study published in Diabetes Care, “the costs saved by lower risk of complications offsets the upfront costs.”
Typically insurance plans will cover 80% of the cost of CGM, and patients will be responsible for paying the other 20% out of pocket after the deductible is met. In order for Medicare and most private insurance to cover the cost of CGM, several requirements must be met. You must:
- Be diagnosed with diabetes
- Use an insulin pump, inhaled insulin, or receive insulin injections
- Require frequent changes to your insulin regimen
- See your healthcare provider routinely
If you don’t qualify for insurance coverage of CGM, the cost can be a barrier, and your doctor may recommend you stay with traditional blood glucose meters until CGM technology becomes more widely accessible. Read more about insurance coverage and CGM.
Qualify for CGM Through Insurance
Aeroflow makes it simple to qualify for insurance coverage of CGM and have the device shipped directly to your home. Simply fill out our quick qualify form and we’ll work with your healthcare provider to get a prescription and any other documentation required by Medicare or private insurance.
Information provided on the Aeroflow Diabetes blog is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care. Aeroflow Diabetes recommends consulting a doctor if you are experiencing medical issues or concerns.
