Dear Toni: I recently retired and have always received my diabetic supplies from a mail-order program through my employer benefits. Last week, I received a letter stating the diabetic supplier will no longer be covered by Medicare.
Please explain what I need to do to receive my diabetic supplies because I’m enrolled in Medicare with a supplemental Plan G to begin July 1. — Melanie, Memphis, Tennessee
Dear Melanie: Yes, just as the letter says, Medicare will stop paying if you do not use an approved provider. It is not easy to change your provider, but you must in order for Medicare to cover your diabetic supplies.
Diabetic supplies such as diabetic test strips, monitors, lancets and durable medical equipment (medically necessary equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, CPAP machines or hospital beds) have to be ordered by a Medicare-approved physician or other health care provider for use at home and are covered under Medicare Part B.
The 2026 “Medicare & You” handbook explains that Medicare Part B will provide the medical or diabetic supplies, and the beneficiary is responsible for a 20 percent copay. Melanie, since you have enrolled in a supplemental Plan G to begin July 1, it will pick up the 20 percent after you have met your Part B deductible, which is $283 for 2026.
Medicare is your primary insurance, and you must order your supplies from a local or mail-order medical supplier who has been awarded a contract with Medicare or you will have to pay 100 percent out of pocket. (For those who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, there are different rules depending on which plan is chosen.)
A listing of Medicare-approved medical suppliers is available at medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers.
Melanie, if you are happy with your current diabetic monitor, test strips and lancets, you will want to use a supplier that stocks your items.
If you change to a new supplier, then you will need a current doctor/medical provider’s order to have your order transferred to the Medicare-approved supplier. And you need a new order from your doctor for your diabetic lancets and test strips every 12 months. This is very important, because if you do not receive a new prescription, you will pay 100 percent out of pocket.
Always make sure your medical supplier is a Medicare-approved diabetic and/or durable medical equipment provider that accepts Medicare assignment.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664.
