How to Get Diabetes Testing Supplies
On July 1, 2013, a Medicare National Mail-Order Program for diabetes screening supplies went into result. The mail-order diabetes materials included in the National Mail-Order Program are: blood sugar test strips, lancets, lancet devices, batteries and control solution. Recipients who desire their diabetes testing products provided to their home needs to use a Medicare national mail-order contract supplier. Beneficiaries also have the option to get their screening materials from a local shop (regional drug stores or shop providers) registered in Medicare.
This impacts Medicare beneficiaries in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, who have Original Medicare. These changes do not use to Medicare Advantage plans (like an HMO or PPO). If you are registered in a personal plan through Medicare, you can call your strategy to learn which suppliers you can use.
Where can I get diabetes Testing Supplies?
If this applies to you and you desire diabetes screening products delivered to your home, you should use an authorized Medicare national mail-order agreement supplier in order for Medicare to help pay for the products. To discover a contract provider, call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov/supplier.
Alternatively, Medicare will still cover your diabetes screening supplies if you purchase them at a local Medicare-enrolled pharmacy or other store.
If you purchase supplies at a pharmacy or other shop, make sure to ask if the shop accepts “Medicare assignment!” This implies the store will accept the Medicare-approved quantity as payment in full, and you can not be charged more than 20% coinsurance (after you satisfy your deductible). If a local shop does not accept Medicare task, you might be charged more than the 20% coinsurance. Make certain to talk to the shop to learn what your payment will be.
I saw an announcement that Medicare is continuing the National Mail-Order Program for Diabetes Testing Supplies and new mail-order supplier contracts go into effect on July 1, 2016. I have actually been receiving my diabetes testing products from a mail-order agreement provider. What does this mean for me?
Medicare announced it is continuing the National Mail-Order Program for Diabetes Testing Supplies and brand-new mail-order supplier agreements enter into impact on July 1, 2016. This suggests if you have actually been getting your diabetes screening materials through the mail and would like to continue to do so, you might have to choose a new provider beginning July 1, 2016. If your current mail-order provider was given a new agreement with Medicare, you will be able to continue getting your products from them after July 1, 2016. If your existing mail-order supplier was not given a brand-new agreement with Medicare, you will have to pick a brand-new Medicare mail-order provider for your diabetes screening products.
See also: Free Kit for Children Newly Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes
You can ask your present mail-order agreement provider if they will continue to be part of the Medicare National-Mail Order Program after July 1, 2016 or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov/supplier to obtain a list of mail-order agreement suppliers for diabetes testing supplies. You still likewise have the alternative to get your testing supplies from a regional store enrolled in Medicare.
What will I pay for diabetes testing supplies?
After you have actually paid your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved payment amount for materials and you are responsible for 20% of the cost (called a 20% coinsurance). The coinsurance may be covered by additional insurance, such as a Medigap strategy, if you have such coverage. Medicare’s accepted payment quantity will be the very same whether you purchase your diabetes screening products at a regional shop or have them provided to your home. National mail-order contract suppliers and regional stores that accept project cannot charge you more than 20% coinsurance. Keep in mind: You might pay more if you get your products from a local store that does decline task.
I like the blood sugar monitor and testing supplies I currently use. Can a mail-order contract provider switch me to a different brand name?
No. Mail-order agreement providers are not enabled to affect you or provide you an incentive to switch to a different brand name of glucose screen and testing materials.
The National Mail-Order Program for diabetes testing supplies does not require that you alter your glucose screening screen. Mail-order agreement providers must offer the brand name of testing materials that deals with your screen. If the contract supplier does not bring your brand name of supplies, you can ask about other brands, however the provider can not give you information about various brands unless you ask.
If you are satisfied with your present display, you may need to look around to find a mail-order agreement supplier or a local shop that can offer you with the products you need. To find a Medicare provider in your area, call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or see www.medicare.gov/supplier.
The National Mail-Order Program also consists of a security to assist recipients get the specific supplies they require when they are medically required. Your doctor needs to recommend the specific product or brand of products in composing, and note in your medical record that you require this particular item or supply to avoid an unfavorable medical outcome. If your doctor does that, then a Medicare contract supplier need to:
- Offer you the precise brand you require;
- Help you find another contract supplier that has that brand; or
- Work with your doctor to find an alternative brand for you and get a modified written prescription from your doctor.
To find out more
- To discover a Medicare supplier in your area and for additional information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or check out www.medicare.gov/supplier.
- Free medical insurance therapy and personalized assistance for Medicare recipients is available in every state through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to find the telephone number of the SHIP office closest to you.
Be careful of Fraud: Medicare has rules to safeguard you from unsolicited telephone call from suppliers. If you get calls from providers you’ve never ever used prior to asking you to change suppliers or if you get products in the mail you did not order, you can call the Fraud Hotline at the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Also read: How to Get Free Diabetes Test Strips
