Does Medicare cover Freestyle Libre?

In this article:

• Does Medicare cover FreeStyle Libre? 
• How much does FreeStyle Libre cost with Medicare?
• Medicare requirements for FreeStyle Libre
• How much does FreeStyle Libre cost?
• Other ways to save on FreeStyle Libre
• Additional Medicare coverage for diabetes 

In this article

• Does Medicare cover FreeStyle Libre? 
• How much does FreeStyle Libre cost with Medicare?
• Medicare requirements for FreeStyle Libre
• How much does FreeStyle Libre cost?
• Other ways to save on FreeStyle Libre
• Additional Medicare coverage for diabetes 

FreeStyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which allows you to monitor your blood sugar levels all day and night. The Libre sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm and can stay in place for up to 15 days. There are several versions of the Libre: the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, with previous versions being phased out as of September 2025. If your healthcare provider recommends a Libre sensor, you will want to know if your Medicare plan covers it to avoid paying the full cost out of pocket. 

Does Medicare cover FreeStyle Libre? 

Medicare typically covers the Libre sensors for people with diabetes (Type 1 or 2) who use insulin or have problematic hypoglycemia (episodes of severely low blood sugar). 

“Medicare covers continuous glucose monitors, like FreeStyle Libre, under certain conditions,” explained Christina Valenzuela, a co-owner of Vista Mutual Insurance Services, an agency specializing in Medicare insurance. She went on to explain, “Medicare Part B and many Medicare Advantage Plans cover CGMs as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).“

Since FreeStyle Libre is considered DME, it is covered by Medicare Part B (outpatient medical insurance) rather than Medicare Part D (prescription drug insurance). 

How much does FreeStyle Libre cost with Medicare?

You will be responsible for 100% of the cost of FreeStyle Libre until you meet your Part B deductible. After you meet your deductible, Medicare will typically pay for 80% of the FreeStyle Libre, and you’ll pay 20% of the cost if you qualify for the device. If you have supplemental coverage, like a Medigap plan, an additional portion (or possibly all) of the 20% cost will be covered.

Medicare requirements for FreeStyle Libre

If you have Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, here is what you typically need for insurance to cover a CGM, like the FreeStyle Libre: 

• A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider
• An insulin prescription OR a history of problematic hypoglycemia
• A visit with your healthcare provider within the past six months before ordering the CGM to evaluate your diabetes control and confirm that you are eligible 

How to order FreeStyle Libre through Medicare

You’ll need to get a prescription from your healthcare provider for the FreeStyle Libre. If you qualify for coverage through Medicare, you’ll get the device from a pharmacy or medical equipment supplier that accepts Medicare. If you don’t have a location near you that offers the FreeStyle Libre, you can also order it through the mail. 

As each FreeStyle Libre lasts for 15 days, Medicare will usually cover two sensors every month. You’ll get these refills the same way you got your original prescription for the device.

How much does FreeStyle Libre cost?

On average, two FreeStyle Libre sensors cost $225 without insurance. Each FreeStyle Libre reader has an average cost of $104 without insurance, although many people choose to use the mobile app rather than a separate reader device. 

If you are eligible for Medicare coverage of FreeStyle Libre products under Part B, your cost will likely be about 20% of the cash price, after you meet your deductible. Using the average prices above, one box of two FreeStyle Libre sensors will be about $45 with Medicare, and one FreeStyle Libre reader will be about $21 with Medicare.

Compare FreeStyle Libre costs
FreeStyle Libre products	Average cost without insurance*	Average cost with SingleCare**	Get coupon
FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor*	$244 for 2 sensors	$143 for 2 sensors	Free coupons
FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor*	$225 for 2 sensors	$143 for 2 sensors	Free coupons
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor	$229 for 2 sensors	$153 for 2 sensors	Free coupons
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor	$236 for 2 sensors	$153 for 2 sensors	Free coupons

*Expected to be discontinued in September 2025

**Average cost at time of publication. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy and location.

Save on diabetes medication and supplies

Other ways to save on FreeStyle Libre

If you don’t qualify for the FreeStyle Libre through your insurance plan, or you need more savings than Medicare coverage offers, there are a few options.

Medicare Savings Program

A Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a good option offered by the state to help pay your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. If you qualify, the MSP may also pay for your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. 

Medicaid

You may also qualify for Medicaid, which can be used as secondary coverage alongside your Medicare insurance. 

Extra Help

For those with Medicare coverage on the device, you can also sign up for the Extra Help program if you have a limited income. It helps to significantly cover out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. You can see if you qualify on the Social Security Administration’s website. 

Insulin affordability changes

Since 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been testing enhanced Part D plans (called the Senior Savings Model) to help Medicare recipients with diabetes save on insulin costs. This ensured that those needing insulin would not pay more than $35 for it. After the Senior Savings Model was discontinued, the Inflation Reduction Act maintained this cost limit of $35 or less per month for insulin. You can learn more about insulin savings with Medicare here.

Medigaps

You can also see if you qualify for a Medigap plan, which is supplemental insurance you’ll use in addition to Medicare to help with any out-of-pocket costs.

Free SingleCare coupons

SingleCare has coupons for all FreeStyle Libre products, which offer savings of up to 80% for your specific device. Check them out to see if you’ll save on the innovative device. 

Additional Medicare coverage for diabetes 

If you have diabetes, here’s what else Original Medicare typically covers in regard to diabetic treatment and supplies.

RELATED: What does Medicare cover for diabetes?

Medicare Part B coverage

Medicare Part B covers many different items in terms of diabetic supplies. In general, you’ll pay 100% of these medical supply costs until you have met your Part B deductible. After you meet the deductible, you will pay 20% and Medicare will pay for the other 80% if you have diabetes and meet the necessary requirements. You can see a full breakdown in the Medicare Diabetes Coverage PDF. 

Here’s what diabetes care is typically covered under Medicare Part B:

• Diabetic screening tests
• The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program
• Diabetes self-management training
• Diabetes supplies and equipment, including blood sugar test strips, lancet devices, and lancets. Usually, there is a limit to how many of these supplies you can get each month. 
• Blood glucose monitors: Medicare will cover the blood glucose monitor if you qualify, and your healthcare provider writes a prescription for a specific device justifying why you need it. This could be the Medicare-approved FreeStyle Libre system or the Dexcom G6 or G7 CGM.
• Foot exams and treatment
• Glaucoma tests

Medicare Part D coverage

Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage, also covers some diabetic supplies. Medicare Part D covers: 

• Diabetes drugs
• Diabetic supplies to administer insulin, like gauze, syringes, and alcohol swabs
• Insulin that is not administered via an insulin pump, such as injection pens

If you don’t meet the Medicare requirements for Freestyle Libre coverage, talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend a way to monitor your glucose that’s covered by your insurance. You can also use SingleCare discounts to save on Freestyle Libre sensors without insurance.