If you’re living with diabetes, you’re probably familiar with pricking your skin several times a day to measure your blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Medicare Part B can cover a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which offers a less invasive way of monitoring your blood sugar.
To get a CGM through Medicare Part B under its durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, you need to:
- have a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and need to test your blood sugar daily
- use insulin or have a history of low blood sugar issues
- have a prescription from a doctor for testing supplies and guidance on how frequently to monitor your blood glucose levels
- be trained, or have your caregiver trained, on how to use a CGM
- attend in-person or Medicare-approved telehealth consultations with your doctor at least every 6 months
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan instead of Original Medicare (parts A and B), your coverage will be at least the same as what’s offered under Medicare Part B. That said, as these are private plans, they may provide additional benefits.
Medicare should cover CGMs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from companies like Abbott, Dexcom, Ascensia, and Medtronic. These may include:
- Dexcom G6
- Abbott Freestyle Libre
- Medtronic Guardian
CGMS can cost between $100 and $400 a month. Your actual cost with Medicare will depend on the supplier and whether you rent or buy the device.
In 2025, after you’ve met the annual Part B deductible of $257, Part B should pay 80% of the cost of your CGM.
In some cases, after making rental payments for a pre-determined time, you’ll own the device. You also have to pay a monthly premium, which starts at $185, depending on your income.
Under Part C, your premium, deductible, and coinsurance depend on your plan. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.
Plus, if you want to enroll in a Part C plan, you still have to pay the Part B premium. That said, some Part C plans may cover your Part B premium.