Medicare coverage · Diabetes
Does Medicare cover diabetic test strips and lancets?
Short answer: Yes — Medicare Part B covers blood-glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, and control solution for all people with diabetes, whether or not you use insulin.
Source: medicare.gov · CMS diabetes-supplies guidance · LCD L33822.
Coverage information verified against Medicare (CMS) sources · Last updated July 2026. Educational information, not medical advice — talk with your physician about what's right for you.
Who qualifies?
Medicare covers this when your records show all of the following. Your prescriber's documentation is what establishes each point:
- You have diabetes.
- Your treating provider has ordered blood-glucose testing supplies for you.
- Quantities within Medicare's limits (higher allowances apply if you use insulin).
Not sure if you qualify?
Check your Medicare coverage in one step, or talk to an intake specialist. We verify your benefits and coordinate the order with your prescriber — no cost or commitment to check.
What Medicare covers
- Blood-glucose monitor, test strips, lancets and lancet device, and control solution under Part B.
- Usual limits: up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets per 3 months for insulin users; 100 and 100 for non-insulin users; 1 lancet device per 6 months.
- Medicare Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the annual Part B deductible; the remaining share is your responsibility (or a secondary plan's, such as Medicaid or a supplement).
Coverage details and amounts are set by CMS and can change each year. We confirm your current, specific coverage before anything is ordered.
See diabetic supplies we provideCommon questions
How many test strips will Medicare cover?+
Up to 300 strips and 300 lancets every 3 months if you use insulin, or 100 and 100 if you don't. Higher amounts can be covered with documentation of medical necessity from your provider.
Do I need to use insulin for Medicare to cover test strips?+
No — Medicare covers testing supplies for people with diabetes whether or not they use insulin; the quantity limits differ.
What do I need to get started?+
Your treating provider's order and documentation that you meet the criteria above. Start the eligibility check or call an agent — we confirm your benefits and coordinate the order and paperwork with your prescriber's office. There's no cost or commitment to check.
Have a question?
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