FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Does Medicare pay for my diabetes testing supplies?
A: All Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes (insulin treated and non-insulin treated) are eligible for coverage of diabetes testing supplies such as test strips, lancets, control solution, batteries and new meter. If Medicare is your primary insurer, Medicare pays 80% of your diabetes testing supply costs once your annual deductible is met. If you have supplemental insurance, they may pay most of the remaining 20%. Of course, any uncovered co-pays and deductibles will apply.
Q: How do I know my diabetes supplies are covered by Medicare?
A: MedWise will verify your eligibility and benefits prior to sending your first shipment. Deductibles and co-pays may apply.
Q: If I have a co-pay with my current provider of diabetes test supplies, will I have the same with you?
A: To know exactly what your co-pay will be, we must first verify your insurance coverage. This is a fast, simple process, and there’s no cost, no risk and no obligation to purchase anything. For more information call 1-800-596-4465.
Q: Are there limits on the quantity of diabetes supplies that Medicare will reimburse?
A: Medicare establishes certain limits based on whether or not you are an insulin-dependent diabetic. Your doctor will indicate how often you should test. Medicare may cover additional testing supplies if your doctor determines it is medically necessary.
Q: Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?
A: Yes, Medicare will cover the cost of one pair of therapeutic shoes (diabetic shoes) and 3 pairs of inserts for people with diabetes per calendar year if you have a medical need for them. The Medicare payment for therapeutic shoes is subject to the requirement that they are necessary and reasonable for protection of insensitive feet or neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet.) Your treating doctor must complete a certificate of medical necessity for the therapeutic shoes and document the need in your medical records.
Q: How much will diabetic shoes cost me?
A: How much you pay will depend on whether or not you have Part B coverage and where you buy your shoes. However, if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B these general rules apply: After you have paid your yearly deductible, you will pay 20% of the approved Medicare amount for the shoes and inserts. You will pay less if you buy from a Medicare participating supplier who accepts assignment, like MedWise. If you receive your Medicare through a Medicare Advantage Health Plan, you may owe little to nothing depending on the plan with which you have signed up and your benefits with the plan. If you have supplemental Medigap insurance, you might owe little to no money for your shoes.
Q: Where do I buy diabetic shoes?
A: At MedWise. We are a Medicare approved provider for diabetic shoes. If you buy from a supplier who is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare will not pay for the shoes.
Q: When is my co-payment due?
A: You will receive a statement for any co-insurance, co-payment or deductibles due after your insurance reimburses
MedWise. For more information, please call toll free: 1-800-596-4465.
Q: Do you accept credit cards for co-payments and deductible payments?
A: Yes. We can accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover for payment. We also accept personal checks.
Q: My previous provider didn’t charge me anything for my supplies, will I have the same deal with you?
A: If you have Medicare and supplemental insurance, the answer is probably yes. In general, Medicare covers 80% of the cost of test supplies, and supplemental insurance often covers the 20% co-payment, so you will not be responsible for any balance. If you have Medicaid as a secondary carrier, again you will probably not be responsible for paying the 20% co-pay. Medicaid typically covers the 20% co-insurance. If you have no coverage for your co-payment, it is a violation of Medicare requirements for any provider to waive the 20% co-payment.
Q: When my deductible is due at the beginning of the year, will you charge me that up front, or do you accept
payment plans?
A: If you have Medicare, the law mandates that we charge you for your co-insurance and annual deductibles. However, we’ll do our best to make payment arrangements as easy as possible for you.
Q: I am in desperate need of supplies. Can you send my supplies without complete paperwork?
A: Yes. If your paperwork is incomplete, we can bill your credit card. Then we will finish your paperwork as quickly as
possible and arrange for your insurance reimbursement to come directly to you. To comply with legal regulations, we cannot bill Medicare for your supplies until your paperwork is complete.
Q: Who can I contact for more information about Medicare eligibility?
A: You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or go to www.medicare.gov.