I was excited to find that Medicare covers the FreeStyle Lebre. My ACC has been bad for years and I just can’t seem to bring it down. So I got my kit and started using this new no finger stick method. I love that you can check your sugar as often as you want. I was finally learning how my sugar levels rise and fall with food, insulin and activity. So my sensors were used up and I checked with the pharmacy to get my refill. Medicare doesn’t cover the sensor refills. I was told it would cost me $90. for each 14 day sensor out of pocket. No one tells you that when they send you the kit. My sugar was staying within range more each week. I was looking forward to my next A1C. I don’t know whether to be dissapointed or pissed off. Has anyone else had this problem?
I can’t speak to the problem, it is my teenage son that uses a CGM and so we aren’t dealing with Medicare. But I will say that we learned more in the first month using a CGM, than in the previous 6 with fingersticks. If you can’t get the Medicare thing fixed, you may want to pay out of pocket (if you can afford it) for 2-3 months worth of sensors.
For us, the learning leveled off after a couple of months worth of testing. i.e. basal tests, pre-bolus tests, etc.
I think that is incorrect, but there is a trick. There are both 10-day and 14-day sensors available. Medicare, I believe, only covers 3 10-day sensors per month, but no 14-day sensors.
I am quite sure that Medicare covers the 10-day sensors:
https://diatribe.org/medicare-now-covers-abbotts-freestyle-libre-cgm
I am less sure about my statement on the 14-day sensors. It would probably be worth calling Abbott directly. Does anyone know more?
In either case, you can resolve your problem by ordering 10-day sensors rather than 14-day sensors! Are you using a pharmacy or another type of supply arrangement?
Here is updated diatribe, which includes 14 day Libre. It also states approved for Medicare, and list of suppliers in link from the article.
Link/download of Medicare info:
Click here for Abbott’s healthcare provider page on Medicare coverage
This is great news !!
Please check info I just posted to find possible providers for 14 day.
I started using Freestyle Libre 3 months ago which I paid for out of pocket. I am still dealing
with my Aetna Medicare Advantage insurance to get it paid for. They say as of 2019 they will cover
80% of the cost. There are just a couple of hoops you must jump through. First you have to get a Pre certification for it from your doctor. Then you have to get it charged to part B and supplied by a
Durable Medical Equipment provider which they will let me know about after I get it pre certified.
I will not relent on this my A1C went from 7.3 to 6.2 as of this morning.
Terry
I bought my 14 day sensors from walmart, out of pocket, using goodrx for 116$
That is great!
How many sensors did you get?
Two sensors. Using no insurance only goodrx.