Made for people with diabetes and their families

Find the right blood glucose meter, with confidence.

Plain-language tips for choosing a meter that’s easy to see, easy to use and easy on your budget — and a simple way to find out if Medicare Part B can help cover it.

A smiling older couple laughing together at a sunny kitchen table with a cup of tea and a glucose meter
  • Clear, friendly guidance, no jargon
  • No pressure and no obligation
  • Many people pay little or nothing, depending on their coverage

See if Medicare Part B can cover your meter

Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll follow up with information. It only takes a minute, and there’s no obligation.

Do you have Medicare Part B?
Before you send:
  • We may share your information with one Medicare-enrolled supplier so they can follow up on your request.
  • We don’t sell your information to multiple companies.
  • We never ask for your Medicare or Social Security number on this site. Please don’t enter them.
  • This is not a Medicare or government website.
Read our privacy notice

How to choose a blood glucose meter

The best meter is the one you can read, use comfortably and afford to keep using.

Ease of use

Look for a meter that’s comfortable to hold, with simple buttons and test strips that are easy to grip and insert. Fewer steps mean fewer mistakes.

Large, clear display

A big, high-contrast screen (and a backlight) makes numbers easier to read at a glance, in any light.

Strip cost

Strips are the ongoing cost, not the meter. Ask what your strips cost each month, and whether they’re the kind your plan covers.

Test strip coverage

Medicare Part B can cover strips and lancets that fit your meter. Check that your supplier or pharmacy carries strips for the meter you pick.

Bluetooth and apps

Some meters send readings to a phone app so you can share them with your doctor or family. Handy if you like technology, and optional if you don’t.

Talking meters

If vision is a concern, talking meters read your result out loud. Your doctor can note this need on your order.

What about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)? A CGM uses a small sensor worn on the body to track glucose through the day. Medicare Part B may cover a CGM for some people with diabetes, for example those who take insulin or have a history of low blood sugar. It’s a conversation to have with your doctor. Learn more at Medicare.gov.

Types of meters, and who they suit

Most people do well with a standard meter. A few features can make a big difference for comfort.

Standard fingerstick meters

A small blood drop on a test strip gives a reading in seconds.

Good for: most people who want something simple and dependable.

Large-display and high-contrast meters

Big numbers, backlit screens and easy-to-handle strips.

Good for: anyone with changing eyesight or less hand dexterity.

Talking meters

Speaks the result and often guides you through each step.

Good for: people with low vision.

Bluetooth “smart” meters

Sync readings to a phone app for easy tracking and sharing.

Good for: people who like apps, or families who help keep track.

A smiling older woman holding a compact glucose meter at her living room table

Questions to ask yourself

  • Can I easily read the screen without squinting?
  • Can I handle the strips and lancing device comfortably?
  • Do I want my readings to go to an app?
  • Will my supplier or pharmacy keep my strips in stock?
  • What will I pay for strips and lancets each month?

Your doctor or pharmacist can help you pick what fits your needs.

A grandfather and his granddaughter smiling together over a smartphone and a glucose meter

Medicare Part B and glucose meters

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers blood glucose meters and related supplies as durable medical equipment (DME). It’s Part B, not Part A: Part A is hospital coverage.

  • What’s covered: blood glucose meters, test strips, lancets and lancet devices, and control solution, when your doctor prescribes them.
  • How much: Medicare may cover up to 100 strips and 100 lancets every 3 months, or up to 300 of each if you use insulin. More may be covered if your doctor documents that it’s medically necessary.
  • What you may pay: after you meet the yearly Part B deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts assignment. Many people pay little or nothing when a Medigap policy, employer or retiree plan, or Medicaid helps with that 20%.

How it usually works

  1. Talk with your doctor. Medicare covers these supplies when your doctor or other health care provider prescribes them for use at home.
  2. Choose a Medicare-enrolled supplier or pharmacy. Ask if they accept assignment, which keeps your costs to the deductible and coinsurance.
  3. Pick a meter you’ll like using. Ask for strips and lancets that match it, and request refills when you need them.

Have Medicare Advantage?

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, it must cover what Original Medicare covers, but your plan may require certain pharmacies, suppliers or meter brands, and your costs may differ. Check with your plan.

Official details are on Medicare.gov: Blood sugar monitors · Blood sugar test strips · Lancets. Coverage depends on your plan, your doctor’s order and your supplier. Not sure what you have? Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
See if you qualify

Support that fits your life

Staying active, enjoying time with family and feeling in control of your numbers: the right meter can make everyday checking one less thing to worry about.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have managed diabetes for years, we’re here to help you sort through the options at your own pace.

Two smiling older adults walking together on a sunny park path

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover glucose meters?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers blood glucose meters, test strips, lancets and control solution for people with diabetes when a doctor prescribes them for home use. Coverage details can vary with your plan and supplier.

Is it Part A or Part B?

Part B. Part A covers hospital stays and related care. Glucose meters and supplies are covered under Part B as durable medical equipment.

Will I pay anything for my meter and supplies?

It depends. After you meet the Part B deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Many people pay little or nothing because a supplemental plan (such as Medigap), retiree coverage or Medicaid helps with that share. Your exact cost depends on your plan and your supplier.

How many test strips will Medicare cover?

Usually up to 100 strips and 100 lancets every 3 months if you don’t use insulin, and up to 300 of each if you do. Your doctor may be able to order more if it’s medically necessary.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes. Medicare covers these supplies when your doctor or other health care provider orders them. The prescription generally needs to be renewed each year, and you’ll need to request refills.

Can I pick any meter I want?

You can choose among the meters your Medicare-enrolled supplier or pharmacy carries. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may have preferred brands or suppliers. Choose one whose strips are easy to get and cover.

What does “accepts assignment” mean?

A supplier that accepts assignment agrees to charge only the Medicare-approved amount, so you pay just the deductible and coinsurance. It’s a good question to ask any supplier before you order.

What happens after I send my request?

We’ll use the details you share to follow up about your request, at the time you choose. There’s no cost and no obligation. Please don’t include your Medicare number or Social Security number in the form.

Is DiabetesMeter.com part of Medicare?

No. This is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS or the U.S. government. For official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Ready to find out if Medicare Part B can help?

It takes about a minute. No pressure, no obligation.

See if you qualify