Is Dexcom covered by Medicare?
Does Medicare cover Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7?
Yes. The Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems are covered by Medicare if you meet the Medicare coverage criteria. You can get Medicare coverage for therapeutic CGM if you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and intensively manage your insulin. During the COVID Public Health Emergency, if you are a Medicare beneficiary using basal insulin only, or no insulin, you may qualify for CGM coverage, if your provider can document your medical need. Dexcom now ships Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 to Medicare patients with traditional fee-for-service coverage. For a full description of coverage criteria, Click HERE.
CMS recently announced expanded coverage for CGM that will take effect April 2023. The expanded coverage will allow patients who use any insulin at all, or those who don’t use insulin but have certain types of low blood sugar events to qualify for CGM coverage. This expansion will be permanent and does not depend on the continuation of the COVID public health emergency.
Reach out to your Distributor with any questions about the specifics of the new Medicare coverage requirements for Dexcom CGM.
I am a current G6 user, how do I upgrade to Dexcom G7?
If you are a current G6 patient, please contact your distributor for pricing and upgrading options to Dexcom G7. If you currently use Dexcom G6 with a connected insulin pump, we recommend continuing it until Dexcom G7 adds compatibility with your pump or pen. We're working with our insulin delivery partners to integrate with Dexcom G7 as soon as possible.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover the Dexcom G7 Receiver?
If your insurance does not cover the G7 receiver, Dexcom has a discounted receiver program through GoodRx for getting a G7 receiver at an affordable price. Visit the Dexcom Savings Center for more information. Terms and conditions apply.
Medicare Coverage Criteria
Medicare patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy may be able to obtain reimbursement if the following Medicare coverage criteria are met:
• The patient has diabetes;
• The patient is insulin-treated with three or more daily injections (MDI) of insulin or a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump;
• The patient's insulin treatment regimen requires frequent adjustments based on therapeutic CGM testing results;
• Within six months prior to ordering the CGM, the patient had an in-person visit with the treating practitioner to evaluate their diabetes control and determine that the above criteria have been met; and Every six months following the initial prescription of the CGM, the patient has an in-person visit with the treating practitioner to assess adherence to their CGM regimen and diabetes treatment plan.
• During the COVID public health emergency, patients who do not use insulin have been able to qualify for CGM coverage if their provider can document their medical need.
In order to qualify for Medicare coverage of your Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 supplies, Medicare requires that you have a receiver that is compatible with Dexcom G6 or a receiver that is compatible with Dexcom G7 and that you use that receiver with your supplies, even if you also use a compatible smart device.* Medicare does not cover Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 supplies that are only used with a smartphone or other mobile device.
For a full description of coverage criteria, click here.
*To view a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility
Reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE with any questions about the Medicare coverage requirements for Dexcom CGM.
I am a new Medicare customer. How do I get my Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7?
Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are available to Medicare patients through a medical distributor (see distributor list below).
Call your existing distributor to place your Dexcom order today. If you are not working with a distributor, please call a distributor from the list below to start the ordering process.
If you use a connected insulin pump or pen, we recommend using Dexcom G6 until Dexcom G7 adds compatibility with your pump or pen while our insulin delivery partners integrate with Dexcom G7.
Distributor | Phone Number |
Advanced Diabetes Supplies | 877-838-3026 |
Byram Healthcare | 800-775-4372 |
CCS Medical | 800-949-6481 |
Diabetes Management & Supplies | 888-738-7929 |
Edgepark | 866-400-5183 |
Edwards Healthcare | 888-344-3434 |
Solara Medical Supplies | 800-423-0896 option 2 |
US Medical | 877-659-9875 |
Will Dexcom provide my diabetes testing supplies?
No. Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) supplies are not included in your CGM product shipments because Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 do not require fingerstick calibrations.* You must purchase any BGM testing supplies that you need for the future.
*If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
How can I view my glucose data?
You can view your glucose data through the Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 Apps, your Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 receiver, and the Clarity Mobile or Desktop applications.
Medicare does not cover Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 CGM supplies that are used only with a smartphone or other mobile device. Failure to use your receiver will result in loss of Medicare coverage for your Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 CGM supplies.
CMS Policy
Coverage of CGM system supplies and accessories are available for those therapeutic CGM systems where the beneficiary uses a receiver classified as DME to display glucose data. There is no Medicare benefit for supplies used with equipment that is not classified as DME. However, Medicare coverage is available for the CGM system supplies and accessories if a non-DME device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) is used in conjunction with the durable CGM receiver. Coverage of CGM system supplies and accessories are available for those therapeutic CGM systems where the beneficiary uses a receiver classified as DME to display glucose data. If a beneficiary intends to never use a receiver classified as DME as the display device, the supplies and accessories are not covered by Medicare.
Here are some examples of how a Medicare patient may use a smart device with their receiver:
• A patient uses both a receiver and a smartphone throughout the day
• A patient uses a receiver some days of the week and their smartphone other days of the week
Patients should reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE with any questions about the Medicare coverage requirements for Dexcom CGM.
Is my smart device compatible with Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7?
For a list of compatible devices, visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility.
I have a compatible smart device. How do I use my smart device to see my readings?
Dexcom G6
1. Go to the App Store or Google Play store from your smart device. Search for “Dexcom G6”. Download and open the app.
2. Create an account or log in using your Dexcom account. For example, a Dexcom Clarity account.
3. Follow the instructions in the app. When asked, enter the serial number (SN) of the transmitter you're wearing. This can be found on the transmitter box, back of the transmitter or in your Receiver Settings.
4. Your app joins your current sensor session.
In order to qualify for Medicare coverage of your Dexcom G6 supplies, Medicare requires that you have a receiver that is compatible with Dexcom G6 and that you use that receiver with your supplies, even if you also use a compatible smart device. Medicare does not cover Dexcom G6 supplies that are only used with a smartphone or other mobile device.
Dexcom G7
1. Go to the App Store or Google Play store from your smart device. Search for “Dexcom G7”. Download and open the app.
2. Create an account or log in using your Dexcom account. For example, a Dexcom Clarity account.
3. Follow the instructions in the app. When asked, enter the serial number (SN) of the sensor you're wearing. This can be found on the sensor box, sensor applicator, back of the transmitter or in your Receiver Settings.
4. Your app joins your current sensor session.
In order to qualify for Medicare coverage of your Dexcom G7 supplies, Medicare requires that you have a receiver that is compatible with Dexcom G7 and that you use that receiver with your supplies, even if you also use a compatible smart device. Medicare does not cover Dexcom G7 supplies that are only used with a smartphone or other mobile device.
How do I set up Dexcom Share, so that other people can see my glucose numbers?
Dexcom Share is a feature of the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 apps.
To set up Dexcom Share on Dexcom G6, press the Share icon (the triangle in the upper right hand corner of the screen) and follow the instructions. The app will walk you through sending invitations to up to 10 Followers. Your Followers will need to download the Dexcom Follow app to see your data.* †
To set up Dexcom Share on Dexcom G7, tap the “Connections” tab on the bottom bar of the app. Under “Available Connections” tap the Share icon (the triangle icon) and follow the instructions. The app will walk you through sending invitations to up to 10 Followers. Your Followers will need to download the Dexcom Follow app to see your data.* †
*For a list of compatible devices, visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility
† Separate Follow App required.
How much can I expect to pay for my Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 CGM System if I’m a Medicare customer?
Generally, Medicare patients pay 20% out of pocket.
I need help getting started. What can I do?
Visit www.dexcom.com/medicare to view online training videos. These videos can walk you through the steps to get started, including receiver and app set-up, and downloading Dexcom Clarity
Still need help? Call Dexcom Product Education & Training to speak with a Diabetes Coach at 877-339-2664.
For technical troubleshooting, our specialists are available 24/7 at 844-607-8398.
LBL019479 Rev004