You have probably heard by now that you can get your Medicare supplies for free, especially if you use one of the mail order supply companies.
These companies are great in that they deliver everything right to your door, remind you when it is time to renew your supply, do all the insurance paperwork for you with no upfront costs.
You may ask yourself though, what else is covered by my Medicare insurance besides my glucose testing meter, lancets, test strips, alcohol swabs and syringes? Actually quite a few things are covered that relate to your diagnosis of diabetes.
Since 2005, Medicare has new ways to help you learn how to better manage your health with nutrition therapy and self-management training.
Medicare now covers such things as glaucoma testing, foot care, hemoglobin A1c tests (special blood work for diabetics) and other special eye exams.
Medicare also covers consults with nutritionists to help plan your diet for diabetes.
It also covers your yearly flu shot and a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination.
You may only need the pneumonia one once.
To take advantage of these services your doctor will have to write you a prescription.
He should also be able to tell you about other Medicare services you are qualified for.
Keep in mind though that Medicare services don't cover some items, such as insulin pens, syringes and weight loss programs.
You can see the nutritionist for diet planning in relation to your diabetes though.
Medicare will also cover special shoes for diabetics as long as you also use lancets, glucose monitors and test strips.
Medicare covers custom molded shoes, depth inlay shoes and inserts for diabetics.
These too must have a prescription from your doctor that states the history of any foot conditions you have.