Medicare Part B vs. Part D for Diabetic Supplies: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one is managing diabetes on Medicare, you've probably run into a confusing question at least once: Is this covered under Part B or Part D?

It's one of the most common points of confusion for Medicare beneficiaries — and getting it wrong can mean unexpected out-of-pocket costs or missed coverage you're entitled to. At Wellscript Pharmacy, we work with Medicare patients every day, and we want to make this as clear and simple as possible.

Here's everything you need to know.

The Short Answer

Medicare covers diabetic supplies in two different ways depending on what the supply is and how it's used:

• Medicare Part B covers supplies used to test and monitor blood sugar — things like glucose meters, test strips, lancets, and lancet devices.
• Medicare Part D covers insulin and other diabetes medications prescribed by your doctor.

Understanding which program applies to your situation determines where you fill your prescriptions, how much you pay, and what you need from your doctor.

What Medicare Part B Covers for Diabetes

Medicare Part B is your medical insurance — it covers outpatient services, durable medical equipment (DME), and certain supplies your doctor orders as part of your treatment.

For diabetic patients, Part B covers:

• Blood glucose monitors (meters)
• Test strips (quantity limits may apply based on your treatment type)
• Lancets and lancet devices
• Glucose control solutions (used to test that your monitor is working correctly)
• Therapeutic shoes or inserts for patients with diabetic foot conditions (with a qualifying prescription)

What Part B Does NOT Cover

Part B does not cover insulin — unless you use an insulin pump. If you use an external insulin infusion pump, the pump itself and the insulin used in the pump are covered under Part B as durable medical equipment.

Standard insulin taken by injection or pen is covered under Part D, not Part B.

What You'll Typically Pay Under Part B

After meeting your Part B deductible, Medicare generally covers 80% of the approved cost for diabetic supplies. You're responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance, unless you have supplemental coverage (like a Medigap policy) that covers the rest.

What Medicare Part D Covers for Diabetes

Medicare Part D is your prescription drug coverage. It's either included in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or purchased separately as a standalone plan.

For diabetic patients, Part D covers:

• Insulin (injections, pens, and vials)
• Oral diabetes medications (like metformin, glipizide, Jardiance, Ozempic, and others)
• Non-insulin injectables (like GLP-1 medications such as Victoza or Trulicity)
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors and supplies — Note: coverage for CGMs has expanded in recent years; check your specific plan

The Insulin Savings Cap

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare beneficiaries are now capped at $35 per month per covered insulin, regardless of the plan or the drug's list price. This is a significant savings for many patients managing diabetes with insulin.

Important: Formularies Vary by Plan

Every Part D plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs). Not every insulin or diabetes medication will be on every plan's formulary, and tier placement affects your copay. If your medication isn't covered or is placed on a high cost-sharing tier, you or your doctor can request a formulary exception.

Can You Use Part B and Part D Together?

Yes — and many Medicare patients with diabetes do. For example:

• Your blood glucose meter and test strips → billed through Part B
• Your insulin or oral medications → filled through your Part D prescription drug plan

At Wellscript Pharmacy, we're set up to work with both. We can help you understand which coverage applies to your supplies and make sure everything is billed correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Filling Part B supplies at the wrong pharmacy.Part B diabetic supplies must be dispensed through a pharmacy or supplier enrolled in Medicare as a DME supplier. Not all pharmacies are enrolled. Wellscript Pharmacy is a licensed Michigan pharmacy — call us to confirm coverage before filling.

2. Assuming all insulin is covered the same way.As mentioned above, insulin used in an insulin pump is Part B. Injected or pen insulin is Part D. Getting this mixed up can result in claim denials.

3. Not checking your plan's formulary.If your doctor prescribes a brand-name GLP-1 or newer diabetes medication, make sure it's on your Part D plan's formulary before you arrive at the pharmacy. A quick call to us or to your plan can save you a surprise bill.

4. Missing the quantity limits on test strips.Part B has quantity limits for test strips based on your diabetes treatment type. Patients using insulin may qualify for more strips per month than those managing with diet or oral medications alone. Your doctor's documentation of your treatment can affect how many strips are covered.

How Wellscript Pharmacy Can Help

Managing diabetes comes with enough to think about. At Wellscript Pharmacy, we take the insurance confusion off your plate.

We offer free prescription delivery across metro Detroit — including Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Royal Oak, and 50+ surrounding zip codes. Whether your medications are covered under Part B or Part D, we'll work with your plan to make sure your supplies and prescriptions get to your door without hassle.

Our pharmacists are available to answer your questions about coverage, help coordinate with your doctor's office, and make sure you're getting everything your plan allows.

Ready to get started? Call Wellscript Pharmacy at (248) 792-7059 or visit us at wellscriptpharmacy.com to transfer your prescriptions or set up free delivery today.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Medicare coverage rules and plan benefits can change. Always verify your specific coverage with your Medicare plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE.