Medicare covers a wide range of diabetes-related services at no cost to you under Part B. Whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, are at risk for developing it, or have prediabetes, there are free screenings, prevention programs, and self-management training sessions available in 2026. Understanding what is covered and what steps to take can help you avoid out-of-pocket costs and catch problems early.
What Medicare Covers for Diabetes at No Cost
Under Medicare Part B, several diabetes-related services are considered preventive and carry no cost-sharing. This means you pay $0 with no deductible applied when you receive these services from a Medicare-enrolled provider.
Free Diabetes Screenings
Medicare Part B covers up to two diabetes screening tests per year if you are considered at risk. You pay nothing for these screenings, and the Part B deductible does not apply.
You may qualify for free diabetes screenings if you have any of the following risk factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- History of abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
- A history of high blood sugar
- Age 65 or older
- A family history of diabetes
- A prior diagnosis of gestational diabetes
- You are overweight and have at least two of the above risk factors
The screening test can be a fasting glucose test or other blood glucose measurement ordered by your doctor. If results come back abnormal, Medicare will cover additional follow-up screenings within the same year.
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP): Free for Prediabetes
The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) is one of the most valuable free benefits available for people with prediabetes. It is a structured, year-long behavior change program covered entirely by Medicare Part B, with no cost-sharing.
Who qualifies for the MDPP:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Medicare enrollment | Must be enrolled in Medicare Part B or Part C (Medicare Advantage) |
| BMI | 25 or higher (23 or higher if you identify as Asian) |
| Blood glucose lab result | Must fall within prediabetes range (within the past 12 months) |
| No prior diabetes diagnosis | Must not have been previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes |
Lab values that confirm prediabetes eligibility:
| Test | Prediabetes Range |
|---|
| Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) | 5.7% to 6.4% |
| Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) | 110 to 125 mg/dL |
| 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance | 140 to 199 mg/dL |
What the program includes:
The MDPP runs for up to 12 months and includes up to 22 sessions total:
- 16 weekly core sessions in the first 6 months focused on diet, physical activity, and behavior change
- 6 monthly follow-up sessions in months 7 through 12 to help maintain progress
Starting January 1, 2026, the MDPP can be delivered in person, fully online via live virtual sessions, or in a combination of both formats. There is no longer a requirement for suppliers to maintain a physical location, making it easier to participate from home. Also effective in 2026, there is no limit on how many times a beneficiary may enroll in the MDPP through December 31, 2029.
Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT)
Medicare Part B covers Diabetes Self-Management Training for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. This is different from the prevention program, which targets prediabetes.
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible for DSMT. However, some Medicare Advantage plans cover DSMT with lower or no cost-sharing.
DSMT coverage includes:
- Up to 10 hours of training in the first year you are diagnosed
- Up to 2 hours per year in subsequent years for ongoing training
- Sessions must be ordered by your doctor or treating provider
- Training must be provided by a CMS-accredited diabetes educator or program
Topics covered in DSMT typically include blood glucose monitoring, medication management, healthy eating, physical activity, and risk reduction strategies.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B also covers Medical Nutrition Therapy. This is individualized nutritional counseling provided by a registered dietitian. Coverage includes:
- 3 hours of one-on-one counseling in the first year
- 2 hours per year in subsequent years
- Additional hours if your doctor determines your condition has changed and more sessions are medically necessary
You pay nothing for MNT if the registered dietitian accepts Medicare assignment and your doctor refers you.
Other Diabetes Supplies Covered by Medicare
While not all diabetes supplies are free, Medicare covers several with standard Part B cost-sharing (20% after deductible) or through Part D drug plans.
| Service or Supply | Coverage | Your Cost |
|---|
| Blood glucose monitors | Part B (durable medical equipment) | 20% after deductible |
| Testing strips and lancets | Part B | 20% after deductible |
| Insulin (non-pump use) | Part D drug plan | Varies by plan, capped at $35/month in 2026 |
| Insulin pump and supplies | Part B (if medically necessary) | 20% after deductible |
| Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) | Part B | 20% after deductible |
| Therapeutic shoes for diabetic foot | Part B (one pair per year) | 20% after deductible |
| Flu and pneumococcal vaccines | Part B preventive | $0 |
Insulin price cap in 2026: Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D plans are required to cap cost-sharing for covered insulin at $35 per month per prescription. This applies to all Part D enrollees.
How to Access Free Medicare Diabetes Preventive Services
Step 1: Confirm your Medicare enrollment
Free preventive diabetes services are only available if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), the same preventive services must be covered, though you access them through your plan's network.
Step 2: Get a referral or order from your doctor
For services like DSMT and MNT, you need a written order from your doctor or treating provider. For diabetes screenings, your doctor needs to confirm you meet at least one risk factor. For the MDPP, ask your doctor to provide lab results confirming prediabetes.
Step 3: Find an MDPP supplier
Not all providers offer the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. Search for accredited MDPP suppliers at medicare.gov or ask your primary care provider for a referral. In 2026, many suppliers offer fully virtual programs, so geography is less of a barrier.
Step 4: Verify your provider accepts Medicare
Before scheduling any appointment, confirm the provider accepts Medicare assignment. This ensures the preventive service is billed correctly and your out-of-pocket cost is $0 for eligible preventive services.
Step 5: Bring your Medicare card and documentation
Bring your Medicare card to all appointments. For the MDPP, bring documentation of your lab results (within the past 12 months) showing prediabetes values. The supplier may also verify your BMI at your first session.
Medicare Savings Programs: Reducing Other Diabetes Costs
If you have limited income, Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help pay for your Part B premium, deductible, and cost-sharing, reducing or eliminating what you owe for diabetes supplies and services that are not fully covered.
There are four MSP levels based on income:
| Program | Pays | 2026 Monthly Income Limit (Individual) | 2026 Monthly Income Limit (Couple) |
|---|
| Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance | Approximately $1,275 | Approximately $1,724 |
| Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) | Part B premium only | Approximately $1,526 | Approximately $2,063 |
| Qualifying Individual (QI) | Part B premium only | Approximately $1,715 | Approximately $2,319 |
| Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) | Part A premium only | Approximately $4,615 | Approximately $6,239 |
Income limits are updated annually and vary slightly by state. If you qualify for QMB, providers are not allowed to bill you for Medicare cost-sharing on covered services, which means your diabetes supplies and visits could effectively be free.
To apply for a Medicare Savings Program, contact your state Medicaid agency or use our free eligibility screener to find out which programs you may qualify for.
Annual Wellness Visit: Your Starting Point
Each year, Medicare Part B covers a free Annual Wellness Visit with your doctor. During this visit, your doctor reviews your health risks, updates your medical history, and can order preventive screenings including diabetes tests.
This visit is a good opportunity to:
- Discuss your risk factors for diabetes
- Get a referral for the MDPP if you have prediabetes
- Order updated lab work to confirm eligibility
- Review your current diabetes medications and supplies
The Annual Wellness Visit is covered at 100%, meaning you pay $0. The visit is separate from a regular office visit, so make sure your provider codes it correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for free Medicare diabetes screenings?
You qualify for free diabetes screenings through Medicare Part B if you have one or more risk factors for diabetes, such as high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, a family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes. Medicare covers up to two screenings per year at no cost.
Is the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program really free?
Yes. The MDPP is covered as a preventive service under Medicare Part B, which means you pay $0 and the deductible does not apply. You must meet the eligibility requirements, including having prediabetes confirmed by a lab test and a BMI of 25 or higher (23 or higher for Asian beneficiaries).
Can I do the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program online?
Yes. Starting in 2026, the MDPP can be completed entirely online through live virtual sessions. Suppliers are no longer required to maintain in-person locations. This applies through at least December 31, 2029.
Does Medicare cover insulin for free?
Insulin is not free, but if you have Medicare Part D, your monthly cost-sharing for covered insulin is capped at $35 per month per prescription. Insulin used with an insulin pump may be covered under Part B at 20% after the deductible.
What is the income limit to get help paying for Medicare diabetes costs?
There is no income limit to access Medicare's free preventive diabetes services, such as screenings and the MDPP. However, if you have limited income, Medicare Savings Programs can help pay for your premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing. Income limits for MSPs vary but generally start around $1,275 per month for individuals. Use our eligibility screener to check your options.
How do I find a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program supplier?
Visit medicare.gov and search for MDPP suppliers in your area, or ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Many suppliers now offer fully virtual programs, so you are not limited to local options.
Does Medicare Advantage cover the same diabetes preventive services?
Yes. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are required to cover all preventive services that Original Medicare covers, including diabetes screenings and the MDPP at no cost. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional diabetes benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides.
What happens after I finish the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program?
After completing the initial 12-month MDPP, you may re-enroll if you continue to meet eligibility criteria. Starting in 2026, there is no cap on the number of times a Medicare beneficiary can enroll in the MDPP through December 31, 2029.
If you are managing diabetes or at risk for it, Medicare's preventive benefits can help you take action without worrying about cost. Use our free benefits screener to see which Medicare savings programs you may also qualify for, and to find out how to reduce what you pay for ongoing diabetes care.
