Are regular diabetic syringes covered by Medicare, including Part D?

Under the Original Medicare Plan (Medicare Part A or Part B), insulin, syringes, and needles are not covered.

There is an exception for insulin used with an insulin pump. If you use an external insulin pump, insulin and the pump could be covered as durable medical equipment. There may be some limits on covered supplies or how often you get them. For more information, please refer to the coverage information listed under Durable Medical Equipment.

Insulin and certain medical supplies used to inject insulin are covered under Medicare prescription drug coverage. Medicare offers prescription drug coverage (also called Part D) for everyone with Medicare through Medicare drug plans. Some, but not all, Medicare Part D drug plans cover syringes and needles for injecting insulin.

You can join a Medicare drug plan and pay a monthly premium. Most plans cover insulin, syringes, and other diabetic supplies. If you decide not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible for Medicare, you may pay a penalty if you join later. Generally, if you didn’t join when you were first eligible, you can join a Medicare drug plan or change plans between November 15 and December 31 of each year. For more information on Medicare prescription drug coverage, please visit the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder on the Medicare web site.

Remember: the open season to join or change your participation in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan ends on December 31st.

DSH