Medtronic announced the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will expand Medicare coverage for all types of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), including adjunctive and non-adjunctive CGMs. This includes CGMs that integrate with Medtronic insulin pumps. The proposed rule was finalized on December 21 and will be effective starting 60 days after official publication.
 
"We commend CMS for taking action to help more people with diabetes and empowering them to choose the therapies that best meet their diabetes management needs," said Jeff Farkas, vice president of health economics, reimbursement, and government affairs for the Diabetes business at Medtronic. "This is a very important benefit expansion for our customers who have experienced significant clinical and quality of life benefits from their integrated Medtronic insulin pump systems and are now able to receive coverage for all components of their system on Medicare."
 
This expanded coverage also ensures continuity of therapy for people on certain Medtronic insulin pump systems transitioning into Medicare—including Medtronic hybrid closed loop systems which automatically adjust insulin delivery based on readings from the integrated CGM. Medtronic will continue to offer its CGM Access Discount to all Medicare customers until the ruling takes effect.
 
"The CMS ruling brings much needed relief for the many individuals with diabetes who, like me, desire to continue on their Medtronic insulin pump as they transition into Medicare. I'm very appreciative of the company's efforts to make CGM as affordable as possible while they worked with CMS to make this a reality," said Medtronic patient and Ambassador Terry Weland. "I've experienced tremendous benefits from integrated pump therapy, and I'm thrilled that this opens up access for many more people looking for ways to enhance their diabetes management. CGM technology is important to me and many others like me to help maintain good glucose control and better health outcomes."