Two Major Updates for People with Diabetes

Product Manager | Shield HealthCare

04/17/23 5:00 AM PST

Two Major Updates: Medicare Expands CGM Access and Shield HealthCare Carries Dexcom G7

Two great wins for the diabetes community! Medicare has recently expanded access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, increasing access for approximately 1.5 million Americans with diabetes who currently use basal insulin treatment covered by Medicare. Shield HealthCare has also recently begun carrying the Dexcom G7, the latest and most advanced CGM technology available. Learn more below.

Medicare Expands CGM Access to More Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Managing diabetes just got easier! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an updated policy beginning April 2023 that expands Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) coverage to insulin-treated individuals with diabetes covered by Medicare, as well as non-insulin-using individuals who have a history of “problematic hypoglycemia” (defined as two or more episodes per year of severe hypoglycemia.) Studies show CGMs are an effective tool in achieving target glucose levels and improving quality of life for patients. By expanding coverage, the new policy is expected to help decrease health disparities in the diabetes community, and increase access for approximately 1.5 million Americans with diabetes who currently use basal insulin treatment covered by Medicare.

Medicare’s new eligibility criteria for Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) is effective as of April 17, 2023. You may be eligible to receive a fully-covered CGM if you are:

Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
Insulin-treated
Trained on how to use a prescribed CGM
Receiving a CGM that has been prescribed in accordance with FDA
Insured by Medicare

Introducing the powerfully simple DEXCOM G7 – AVAILABLE NOW TO MEDICARE MEMBERS!

The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is now more accessible to qualifying insulin-treated Medicare patients than ever before.

An easier way to manage diabetes without fingersticks

Dexcom G7, the simple CGM system, delivers real-time glucose numbers to your smartphone or smart watch — no fingersticks required. Effortlessly see your glucose levels and where they’re headed, so you can make smarter decisions about food and activity in the moment to take better control of your diabetes. A small, wearable sensor sends real-time glucose readings to the Dexcom G7 app or receiver every 5 minutes. You’ll see where you are, where you’re headed, and where you’ve been, making it easier to make better diabetes management decisions.