Yes, Medicare now covers blood tests to screen people at risk for diabetes. Catching diabetes early can improve your quality of life by treating the condition before it results in more severe health problems. Diabetes is the leading cause of: blindness in adults; end-stage renal disease (ESRD); and leg amputations.
You are eligible for one Medicare-covered diabetes screening every 12 months if you:
- have hypertension;
- have dyslipidemia (a metabolism disorder);
- have high cholesterol;
- have a prior blood test showing low glucose (sugar) tolerance;
- are obese (body mass index of 30 or more); or
- meet at least two of the following:
- you are overweight (body mass index between 25 and 30);
- you have a family history of diabetes;
- you have a history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or have had a baby over nine pounds; or
- you are 65 years of age or older.
The Medicare-covered diabetes screening test includes :
- a fasting blood glucose tests; and/or
- a post-glucose challenge test.
To calculate your Body Mass Index, click on the link in the LINKS box.
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Medicare will cover two diabetes screening tests a calendar year. Having pre-diabetes means you have blood glucose (sugar) levels that are higher than normal, but are not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
To learn more about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association web site by following the link in the LINKS box.
Medicare will pay for 100% of its approved amount for the test even before you have met the Part B deductible.
