What diabetic supplies will Medicare cover?

Blood Glucose Meters, Test Strips, Control solutions, Lancets, Lancing Devices and Batteries for your meter and Insulin Pump supplies.

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Will Medicare cover the cost of my diabetic supplies, even if I don't use insulin?

If you have diabetes and are on Medicare, you may be eligible to receive home delivery of diabetic supplies such as a glucose meter, test strips, lancets, lancing devices, and other items to help you control diabetes.

Medicare says that you may save money by getting your diabetic supplies from a provider that accepts the price assigned by Medicare. Diabetic Care Services accepts the price assigned by Medicare, which means we will request direct payment from Medicare and/or private insurance carrier(s).

• Under assignment, DiabeticCareServices.com agrees to accept the approved charge determined by Medicare and/or insurance carrier(s) as the full charge for the covered service.
• DiabeticCareServices.com will not collect from the customer, for any item it accepts assignment on, for the covered services more than the applicable deductible and co-insurance, if any.

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How much do I pay?

Medicare will reimburse either 80% of the Medicare-approved amount or 80% of the retail price, whichever is lower. This means that once the annual "Part B" deductible is paid, you pay the other 20%. If you have supplemental or secondary insurance, you may pay nothing at all.

Diabetic Care Services will take care of all the Medicare paperwork and billing submissions for you.

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What are the Medicare reimbursement guidelines?

Product	For insulin treated patients	For non-insulin treated patients
Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems	1 every 5 years	1 every 5 years
Test Strips	100 per month	100 every 3 months
Lancing Device	1 every 6 months	1 every 6 month
Lancets	100 per month	100 every 3 months
Control Solution	1 every month	1 every month
Batteries	1-2 every year	1-2 every year

Important note: If your doctor recommends that you test more often than the guidelines allow for, he or she can authorize you to get more products that are reimbursed by Medicare. The prescription will need to authorize the number of times a day you should be testing, and the reasons why he or she recommends more testing. Diabetic Care Services will contact your doctor and get the prescription for you.

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What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare's new prescription drug coverage -- Medicare Part D, also known as Medicare's new prescription drug coverage program, goes into effect January 1, 2006. This program was developed to address the rising cost of prescription drugs by helping Medicare beneficiaries with the cost of their medications.

Most people who are eligible for Medicare will recognize significant savings opportunities by joining a Medicare Part D plan. There are many plans available, and all plans will be administered by private companies. Plans fall into two categories. The prescription drug plan covers only drugs and can be used with your traditional Medicare Part A or B and/or a Medicare supplement plan. The other category for those who currently have Medicare Part C is called a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan which combines prescription drug coverage with other healthcare services.

Check with your pharmacist for assistance to determine what plans are available in your area.

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What items will Medicare Part D cover?

Most legend drugs, insulin and insulin supplies, such as syringes, needles, gauze, alcohol, swabs, insulin pens and needle-free syringes.  Vaccines, prescription-basked smoking cessation products, injectable drugs and infusion drugs that can be self-administered or administered in the home setting, if they are not already covered under Medicare Part A or B.  Drugs that are not already covered under Part B (or for an indication that might not be covered under Part B), such as infusion drugs that are delivered through a mechanism, such as a drip bag; intramuscular and intravenous drugs, such as antibiotics; pain management drugs; chemotherapy drugs; parenteral nutrition; immunoglobulin; and other infused drugs.

This is not an all inclusive list of drugs covered by Medicare Part D.

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Who is eligible for Medicare Part D?

Generally, people who are 65 years old or older, and others with certain disabilities. Coverage cannot be denied due to health reasons. Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of health status, or current prescription expenses.

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When do I sign up for Medicare Part D?

Beginning November 15, 2005. The initial enrollment period begins on November 15,2005 and continues through May 15,2006. Participation is voluntary unless you already have both Medicare and Medicaid, where you will be enrolled automatically. You will be notified by CMS of the plan chosen for your needs.

It is important to join prior to May 15 or when you become eligible for Medicare as a delay in enrollment may cause you to be penalized with higher monthly premiums. The late enrollment fee will be approximately 1% of your premium for each month you delay, and you'll be charged this fee for as long as you participate in Medicare Part D. Please note, if your delayed enrollment was due to the fact you already were participating in a qualified prescription drug plan that is now being discontinued, those fees may not apply.

This year's enrollment period begins November 15, 2005 and runs through May 15, 2006

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Is extra help available for those who need it?

Yes. Premiums may be reduced or eliminated and other payments may be less for people with limited incomes. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you already qualify for limited-income assistance. If you don't qualify for Medicaid, you may still qualify for some assistance if your annual income is below $14,355* for an individual, or $19,245* for a couple. For clarification, contact your local Social Security Administration office. *Actual numbers may vary

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What will Medicare Part D cost me?

What will it cost me? The plan itself may have a charge, called a premium. Currently the average premium is $32.00 per month. Under the standard benefit: