Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices Covered By Medicare

The centers for medicare and medicaid services cms will cover therapeutic continuous glucose monitoring cgm and have set the criteria that must be met.

Continuous glucose monitoring devices covered by medicare.

Medicare coverage of these devices varies with respect to both the type of device and the medical condition of the patient for whom the device is prescribed. In the past it has not been covered. In a surprise move late last week the centers for medicare and medicaid services cms issued a policy decision allowing for certain continuous glucose monitors cgm to be covered under medicare. Medicare covers therapeutic continuous glucose monitors cgms and related supplies instead of blood sugar monitors for making diabetes treatment decisions like changes in diet and insulin dosage.

If you use insulin and require frequent adjustments to your insulin regimen dosage a cgm may be covered if your doctor determines that you meet all of the requirements for medicare coverage. Cms announced the criteria decision march 23 following their january ruling about granting coverage for cgm. Medicare coverage for therapeutic cgm includes certain beneficiaries who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and intensively manage their insulin. Medicare does not generally cover continuous glucose monitoring which according to the nih involves a sensor inserted under your skin for several days to a week.

Home blood glucose monitors.