Does Medicare Cover FreeStyle Libre Systems?

Monitoring your blood sugar is essential to diabetes management, but pricking your skin multiple times a day for glucose readings can be a hassle.

Innovative diabetes supplies, such as Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs), make glucose testing less cumbersome for children (four years and older) and adults.

Abbott Diabetes Care currently offers two CGM systems approved by the FDA that monitor blood glucose levels for those with diabetes.

The CGMs come with a glucose sensor you apply to the back of your arm and a digital reader that receives glucose readings. To receive your readings, you scan the sensor, and data is displayed on your reader. You can also sync your CGM to the Libre app, as well as the Welldoc App, which is included at no extra cost in your Aeroflow Diabetes care program.

• No Fingersticks: It allows you to check your glucose with a painless, one-second scan instead of routine fingersticks.

• Real-Time Alarms: The system provides customizable, real-time alarms that alert you the minute your glucose is too low or too high.

• Proven Accuracy: FDA-approved to be used for making diabetes treatment decisions, including insulin doses..

• Long-Lasting Sensor: A small sensor worn on the back of your upper arm continuously measures glucose for up to 14 days.

• Smartphone Compatibility: You can use the FreeStyle Libre 2 app on your smartphone to scan your sensor, view your data, and see trends over time.

• Realtime Syncing with the Welldoc App:  Pairs with the Welldoc App for Aeroflow Diabetes patients to provide real-time metrics and personalized, data-based health coaching to better manage your diabetes.

• Sensor Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle 2 Libre Plus sensors.

• Discreet Sensor: The system pairs with the world's smallest, thinnest, and most discreet glucose sensors—smaller than two stacked U.S. pennies.

• Automatic Real-Time Readings: Glucose data is automatically sent directly to your smartphone every minute, eliminating the need for manual scanning.

• Unbeatable Affordability: When covered by Medicare, most patients pay low to no out-of-pocket costs for the FreeStyle Libre 3 system

• Easy Application: Features a simple, one-piece applicator that makes applying the sensor quick and easy.

• Integration Ready: As an integrated CGM (iCGM), it is cleared for use with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems and other digital health apps.

• Welldoc® App Integration: Seamlessly syncs in real-time with the Welldoc App for Aeroflow Diabetes patients, providing you with crucial time in range metrics and personalized, data-based health coaching to better manage your diabetes.

Depending on your specific insurance coverage, Medicare may cover the FreeStyle Libre if you meet certain health qualifications. You can find out if you qualify in less than two minutes by completing our form.

 If you have Medicare Part B, diabetes, and need a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) prescribed by your healthcare provider, Medicare may cover a portion or all of your FreeStyle Libre cost.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are covered for Medicare patients under Medicare Part B, which provides medical insurance coverage and outpatient care, including home durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies, such as CGMs.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or private insurance plan, your plan is likely to follow the Medicare Part B coverage criteria and guidelines. However, the cost will depend on your unique insurance coverage.

Medicare will cover the following FreeStyle Libre supplies:

• Sensors: The devices that attach to your arm to measure your glucose levels.

• Reader: The device that receives the data from your readings.

• Sensors: Medicare will cover refills for the sensors based on their expected lifespan. You cannot get coverage for extra sensors beyond the prescribed amount.

• Reader: One reader will be covered when you initially receive your supplies. Most insurance companies cover a new reader every five years.

*You may still pay out-of-pocket costs depending on additional charges.

Typically, your CGM reader and supplies are covered under Medicare Part B as a Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Your out-of-pocket costs follows a clear process:

The Annual Part B Deductible: First, you are responsible for 100% of the Medicare-approved amount for your CGM and supplies until you meet your annual Part B deductible.

20% Coinsurance: After the deductible is met, Medicare pays its share (typically 80%), and you are responsible for the remaining coinsurance (20%).

Covering the remaining 20%: The remaining 20% can be paid by either the patient, medicaid secondary, or a supplemental plan, such as Medigap.

NOTE: If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your costs will be different. These plans have their own deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.

You can see examples of how the cost of CGM systems is covered through insurance.

You can also contact our team at any time to walk through the process of obtaining a CGM and what pricing will look like for you.

The best way to get a Freestyle Libre covered by Medicare is to get it with Aeroflow Diabetes!

We understand that managing diabetes is essential to your overall health, so we strive to make it as easy as possible. That’s why we:

• Help you navigate your insurance company’s policies and understand your Medicare coverage — after filling out our Eligibility Form, you’ll quickly know if you are covered and what you’re covered for!

• Reach out to your healthcare provider on your behalf for a prescription and medical notes. 

• Have a team of expert Diabetes Care Specialists dedicated to answering any questions you may have.

• Text or email you when it’s time to refill your self-monitoring devices, so you never run out.

• Offer access to our full range of diabetes care and management services. Including Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT), Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and the Welldoc App.

To determine if you qualify for our helpful services, simply fill out our Eligibility Form. It takes less than two minutes!

We don’t share your information with any third-party sources. After you submit the form, one of our Diabetes Care Specialists will be in touch with you to help get you started.

Disclaimer

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.