Rural Senior Gets CGM: Overcoming Access Challenges

When Martha Johnson needed a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage her diabetes in rural Montana, she wasn’t sure where to start. Living 60 miles from the nearest endocrinologist, rural senior CGM access seemed like an impossible challenge. But today, Martha checks her blood sugar with ease using her smartphone – and she’s helping other seniors in her community do the same.

Breaking Down Rural Senior CGM Access Barriers

Like many seniors living in rural areas, Martha faced three main challenges:

• Distance from specialty medical care
• Limited local pharmacy options
• Spotty internet connectivity

Martha’s Journey to CGM Success

Here’s how Martha overcame each obstacle, with steps you can follow:

Step 1: Telehealth Consultation

Martha learned that Medicare covers telehealth visits for CGM prescriptions. Her primary care doctor connected her with a diabetes educator virtually.

Step 2: Mail-Order CGM Supplies

Instead of relying on local pharmacies, Martha enrolled in Medicare’s mail-order program for diabetes supplies. Her CGM sensors arrive every 90 days.

Step 3: Getting Connected

Martha’s granddaughter helped her set up a mobile hotspot for reliable internet. Now she can sync her CGM readings even when local service is spotty.

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