Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Freestyle Libre?

In this article:

• Types of Freestyle Libre
• Does BCBS cover Freestyle Libre?
• How to get approved
• Cost
• How to check your coverage
• What to do if coverage is denied
• How to save

In this article

• Types of Freestyle Libre
• Does BCBS cover Freestyle Libre?
• How to get approved
• Cost
• How to check your coverage
• What to do if coverage is denied
• How to save

Most BCBS plans cover the Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. Commercial BCBS members usually have the strongest coverage when the CGM is prescribed for Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. Coverage depends on the plan’s details and other factors, such as whether prior authorization is required. In addition, a Freestyle Libre may not be covered for uses like weight loss or general wellness. If you are denied coverage, there may be other ways to save.

What are the types of Freestyle Libre?

Currently, the Freestyle Libre systems available include:

• Freestyle Libre 2 Plus
• Freestyle Libre 3 Plus

Both types can be worn for up to 15 days and update glucose measurements every minute. The Libre 3 Plus is slightly smaller, has a different applicator, and has more memory storage.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Freestyle Libre?

According to Abbott, the Libre systems are covered by more than 95% of commercial insurance plans, and most covered patients pay $0 to $20 per month for sensors. What’s more, Abbott notes that a prior authorization approval could lead to savings of over 50% on the cost of Libre 3 Plus or Libre 2 Plus sensors. 

Coverage may depend on various factors such as:

• The benefits outlined in your specific BCBS plan
• Your diagnosis (for example, the Libre may be covered for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes, but not for weight loss)
• How the Freestyle Libre products are categorized on the plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs, organized into tiers that determine your out-of-pocket costs)
• Whether prior authorization, step therapy, or quantity limits are required

If you have a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan, Freestyle Libre is generally covered under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment (DME). However, this coverage is limited to certain people using insulin or those with a history of hypoglycemia. Under original Medicare, once you meet the 2026 Part B deductible of $283, you will typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the sensor and reader. 

State Medicaid plans through BCBS generally cover Freestyle Libre for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who meet certain criteria, but coverage varies by state. Many state Medicaid programs require prior authorization. If you have a BCBS-administered Medicaid plan, contact your plan directly to check coverage for CGMs.

How to get approved for Freestyle Libre

Some insurance plans may approve your prescription immediately without prior authorization. That’s the best-case scenario. However, even if your pharmacist tells you that you need prior authorization, your plan may still cover the Libre once your healthcare provider submits the necessary paperwork. 

Prior authorization means your insurance plan requires additional information before deciding whether to cover the prescription. For example, to cover a Freestyle Libre, your insurance may want to know your diagnosis and supporting information, such as recent lab work, including glucose and/or hemoglobin A1C, a measure of blood glucose control over around three months. With this information, hopefully, your plan will approve your prescription and contribute to the costs. 

However, you can still get a Libre, even if BCBS denies your prior authorization request. As long as you have a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, you can get a Freestyle Libre. You just might pay more out of pocket. If you have commercial BCBS coverage and are asked to pay more than $75 for a one-month supply (two sensors), you can contact Abbott customer care at 1-844-330-5535 or visit libresavings.com to get a savings card, even if your insurance has denied a prior authorization.

Another tip: whether or not your insurance covers the Libre, you can visit the Abbott website to sign up for a free sensor. 

How much does Freestyle Libre cost?

Without insurance, two Freestyle Libre 2 sensors (a one-month supply) cost about $250. You can use a free SingleCare card or coupon to pay as low as $152 at participating pharmacies.

Two Freestyle Libre 3 sensors (a one-month supply) cost about $230, but a free SingleCare card or coupon can bring the price to as low as $152. 

How to check whether your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan covers Freestyle Libre 

To find out whether your insurance plan covers Freestyle Libre, you can do any of the following:

• Call your specific insurance plan and ask for coverage and cost information on the Freestyle Libre sensors.
• Log in to your BCBS member portal and search the plan formulary or drug list for “Freestyle Libre” to check coverage details and any prior authorization requirements.
• Have your healthcare provider send a prescription to your pharmacy, and follow up with the pharmacy regarding coverage status.

What to do if Blue Cross Blue Shield won’t cover Freestyle Libre

If BCBS will not cover the Freestyle Libre, you still have several options:

• Work with your healthcare provider to submit a prior authorization request or appeal the denial with the right documentation, such as A1C results or hypoglycemic events.
• Ask your provider about switching to a covered CGM alternative, such as the Dexcom G7, Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian, or Eversense.
• Contact Abbott to sign up for a manufacturer copay card, which may help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Use a free SingleCare savings card or coupon to potentially lower the cash price of Freestyle Libre sensors at participating pharmacies.

How to save on Freestyle Libre

There are several ways to save on Freestyle Libre products, whether or not your insurance covers them. You can use SingleCare to save on your prescriptions at thousands of participating pharmacies. For discounts on the Freestyle Libre (as well as any other prescriptions), visit the SingleCare website, enter the information for your prescription (for example, Libre 3 Plus, one box, quantity of two boxes), and compare prices near you. There are no eligibility requirements to use SingleCare.