MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENTS

HEALTH INSURANCE

• If you have private insurance: Laws in most states require that insurance companies offer coverage to pay, completely or partially, for diabetes supplies and education. Make sure you know what level of benefits for diabetes that your insurer provides.
• If you are eligible for Medicare Part B or Medicaid insurance coverage: These programs cover diabetes supplies and education at levels that vary according to state. In most states, a group of Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers have been given responsibility by the federal government for processing claims in their respective geographic regions.
• Education is critical for understanding how to control diabetes. Some education is covered by Medicare Part B. For those people with diabetes that have private insurance, state requirements on education coverage vary.
• As of January 2002, Medicare has added medical nutritional therapy, as offered by a dietitian, into the diabetes benefit.
• To look up your own state s consumer guidelines for health insurance, a useful website is http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net.

INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR DIABETES SUPPLIES

Many health insurance plans and Medicare cover much of the cost of diabetes testing supplies, including blood glucose monitors and test strips. If you are covered by Medicare, your benefits may entitle you to reimbursement for your purchase of the EasyGluco® and Control AST® Blood Glucose Monitoring System. If you are also covered by a Medicare supplement, the full cost of your diabetes testing supplies may be covered.

MEDICARE COVERAGE

Medicare is for those over 65 and others below 65 who are disabled. If you have diabetes and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you are eligible for benefits for diabetes supplies and education. For complete information, go to Medicare.

MEDICAID COVERAGE

If you have an income that meets government guidelines, you may be eligible for benefits to receive diabetes supplies and education under Medicaid. For complete information, go to Medicaid.

PRIVATE INSURANCE COVERAGE

The cost of diabetes testing supplies, including the EasyGluco® and Control AST® Blood Glucose Monitoring System, are covered by many private insurance and managed healthcare plans. It's possible that a portion or all of your diabetes treatment and supplies will be covered under your plan. To determine your coverage, talk to your insurance provider or your company's benefits expert.