My mom lives in an ALF and has diabetes. She can no longer check her glucose levels accurately. Will Medicare help pay for the nursing home to check her?

Asked by bdink1223  |  Feb 7, 2012

My mom lives in an Assisted Living Facility. She is diabetic and has become unable to correctly check her glucose levels. The facility charges $8 each time they do an accu-check on her; they do it twice a day. Will Medicare help pay for this? Apparently they pay for the insulin.

Answer This Question

 
 
 
  •  Answers 1 to 3 of 3 
 
 

Carol Bradley Bursack, Feb 7, 2012

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."

 

They may. You'll have to check with Medicare. If you sign her up online at Medicare.gov, that can make checking what is covered easier. Otherwise, call them. Medicare B may cover this service. Have the charges been submitted and rejected? If she has a supplemental policy (you'll have to check with the policy issuer), they might cover this cost. If the policy she has doesn't, you may want to check around at other options for a supplemental policy. You should have several choices.
Take care,
Carol

 
 

justcare

Give a Hug

Apr 11, 2012

Many assisted living communities are able to assist with the diabetic meds and checks. It all comes at an additional cost, but it is still pennies compared to the cost of a nursing home.

 
 

lildeb

Give a Hug

May 1, 2012

Is that 8.00 just for checking her blood-sugar b/s on the meter or does that include the strips-supplies as well? To me if the $8 bucks is just to check her bls, I think it that is kind of expensive! However, I guess a Nursing Home would cost more. Does the place have a conjunction side where they can move her to another part in the living where their be a nurse on board? The price may go up so you may want to check.
Medicare will pay for the strips as long as she has a physician's prescription. Sometimes, it will cover up to 200 strips if the she is needing to check more than twice a day and of course the physician will have to state that in his prescription.

 
  •  Answers 1 to 3 of 3 

Answer this Question

Please stay on topic or ask a new question.

Find Senior Housing And Care That Fits You Needs

I am looking for:
Search location:











Housing


Care


Join the Discussion

Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers

 

Like AgingCare.com on Facebook