{"id":56343,"date":"2023-01-09T10:20:36","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T15:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56343"},"modified":"2025-10-16T13:00:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T17:00:21","slug":"does-medicare-cover-freestyle-libre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-medicare-cover-freestyle-libre\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Medicare cover Freestyle Libre?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 <\/span>FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Medicare cover FreeStyle Libre?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Medicare typically covers the Libre sensors for people with diabetes (<\/span>Type 1 or 2<\/span><\/a>) who use insulin or have problematic hypoglycemia (episodes of severely low blood sugar).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMedicare covers continuous glucose monitors, like FreeStyle Libre, under certain conditions,\u201d explained <\/span>Christina Valenzuela<\/span><\/a>, a co-owner of Vista Mutual Insurance Services, an agency specializing in Medicare insurance. She went on to explain, \u201cMedicare Part B and many Medicare Advantage Plans cover CGMs as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

Since FreeStyle Libre is considered DME, it is covered by Medicare Part B (outpatient medical insurance) rather than Medicare Part D (prescription drug insurance).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does FreeStyle Libre cost with Medicare?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare requirements for FreeStyle Libre<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, here is what you <\/span>typically need<\/span><\/a> for insurance to cover a CGM, like the FreeStyle Libre:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n