FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare: Your Complete 2025 Coverage Guide
This article provides general information about Medicare coverage for CGM systems, including a comparison of Freestyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare options. Always verify coverage details with Medicare and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
If you’re comparing the FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom for Medicare coverage in 2025, you’re not alone. Many seniors find choosing between these two leading continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems overwhelming. Let’s break down exactly how these devices work with Medicare and help you make the best choice for your needs.
It should be noted as of June 21, 2025, Dexcom has had a recall of over 2 million units for faulty readings.
As someone who’s helped thousands of seniors navigate this decision, I understand the confusion. Both systems are excellent, both are covered by Medicare, and both can transform your diabetes management. The key is understanding which one aligns with your lifestyle, comfort level, and specific health needs.
Quick Comparison: FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare Coverage
Before diving deep, here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage for both systems:
Coverage Equality:
• Both FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom are covered under Medicare Part B • Medicare pays 80% of approved costs after deductible • Your 20% copay can be covered by supplemental insurance • No Medicare preference between brands – choice is yours
Key Functional Differences:
• FreeStyle Libre: Manual scanning required (you control when to check) • Dexcom: Automatic continuous readings (alerts come to you) • Libre: Simpler system with fewer parts • Dexcom: More complex but more features
2025 Update:
Important: Medicare no longer requires testing blood sugar 3 times daily to qualify for CGM coverage. This opens access to many more seniors!
Medicare Coverage Requirements: Same for Both Systems
Whether you choose FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare coverage, the requirements are identical:
1. Diabetes Diagnosis
- Type 1 diabetes, OR
- Type 2 diabetes
- Documented in medical records
2. Recent Medical Visit
- Face-to-face or telehealth appointment
- Within the past 6 months
- With treating physician
- Prescription obtained
3. Treatment Criteria (Meet ONE):
- Using insulin (any frequency), OR
- Documented problematic hypoglycemia:
- Two or more Level 2 events (below 54 mg/dL)
- One Level 3 event (requiring assistance)
- Hypoglycemia unawareness
4. Training Commitment
- Willing to complete CGM training
- Prescription serves as proof
- Usually provided by DME supplier
- Takes about 30-60 minutes
5. Follow-up Agreement
- Continue seeing doctor
- Share CGM data
- Every 6 months minimum
FreeStyle Libre: Medicare Coverage and Features
Let’s examine what makes FreeStyle Libre unique in the FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare comparison:
The FreeStyle Libre System
Components Covered by Medicare:
- Sensors (2-3 per month)
- Reader device OR smartphone app
- All necessary supplies
- Training and support
Key Features for Seniors
1. Simplicity First
- One-piece sensor application
- No separate transmitter
- Fewer parts to manage
- Less that can go wrong
2. Manual Scanning Control
- You decide when to check
- No unexpected alarms
- Quiet operation
- Check on your schedule
3. Ease of Use
- Simple scanning motion
- Works through clothing
- 14-day sensor life
- No calibration needed
4. Size Advantage
- Smallest CGM available
- Discreet under clothing
- Comfortable for sleep
- Less likely to catch on things
FreeStyle Libre Models Available
FreeStyle Libre 2:
- Manual scanning required
- Optional high/low alarms
- 14-day wear
- Proven reliability
FreeStyle Libre 3:
- Automatic readings every minute
- Real-time glucose updates
- 70% smaller than Libre 2
- Newest technology
Cost with Medicare
Monthly Costs (Typical):
- Medicare Part B deductible: $240/year (2025)
- After deductible: $30-40/month
- With Medigap: Often $0
- Sensors: 2 per month included
Who Thrives with FreeStyle Libre
In our FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare analysis, Libre works best for:
Ideal Candidates:
- Seniors wanting simplicity
- Those who check glucose regularly
- People preferring quiet devices
- Budget-conscious individuals
- Those with good routine habits
Margaret, 73: “I love my FreeStyle Libre. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t beep at me during church or bridge club.”
Dexcom: Medicare Coverage and Features
Now let’s explore Dexcom’s offerings in the FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare comparison:
The Dexcom System
Components Covered by Medicare:
- Sensors (3 per month for G6, 2-3 for G7)
- Transmitter (replaced every 3 months for G6)
- Receiver OR smartphone app
- All supplies and training
Key Features for Seniors
1. Continuous Automation
- Readings every 5 minutes
- No scanning required
- 24/7 monitoring
- Complete glucose picture
2. Advanced Alerts
- Customizable high/low alarms
- Predictive alerts
- Urgent low glucose alarm
- Rate of change warnings
3. Family Connectivity
- Real-time sharing with up to 10 people
- Remote monitoring
- Peace of mind for families
- Emergency support possible
4. Comprehensive Data
- Detailed trends
- Pattern recognition
- Time in range metrics
- Clarity app analysis
Dexcom Models Available
Dexcom G6:
- 10-day sensor wear
- Separate transmitter
- No calibration required
- Established technology
Dexcom G7:
- All-in-one design
- 60% smaller than G6
- 10.5-day wear plus 12-hour grace
- 30-minute warm-up (fastest)
Cost with Medicare
Monthly Costs (Typical):
- Medicare Part B deductible: $240/year
- After deductible: $50-70/month
- With Medigap: Often $0
- Higher due to more components
Who Thrives with Dexcom
In our FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare comparison, Dexcom excels for:
Ideal Candidates:
- Those with hypoglycemia unawareness
- Seniors living alone
- Active individuals
- Tech-comfortable users
- Families wanting remote monitoring
Robert, 69: “Dexcom gives my wife peace of mind when I’m out golfing. She can see my numbers from home.”
Head-to-Head Comparison: Making Your Choice
Let’s directly compare FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare options:
Ease of Use
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Simplest) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (More features = complexity)
Accuracy
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (MARD: 7.9-9.3%) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (MARD: 8.2-9.0%) Both highly accurate
Cost with Medicare
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Lower monthly costs) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐ (Higher but covered)
Alerts & Alarms
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐ (Optional, basic) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Comprehensive, customizable)
Family Sharing
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐ (Libre 3 only) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (All models, more features)
Sensor Life
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (14 days) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10-10.5 days)
Size/Comfort
FreeStyle Libre: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Smallest available) Dexcom: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (G7 much improved)
Special Considerations for Seniors
When evaluating FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare options, consider:
Living Situation
Living Alone:
- Dexcom’s automatic alerts provide safety
- Family monitoring adds security
- Consider emergency response needs
With Spouse/Family:
- Either system works well
- Consider caregiver preferences
- Sharing capabilities may matter less
Technology Comfort
Tech-Savvy Seniors:
- Either system manageable
- May enjoy Dexcom’s features
- App usage comfortable
Tech-Hesitant Seniors:
- FreeStyle Libre often easier
- Simpler interface
- Less to learn
Health Factors
Hypoglycemia Unawareness:
- Dexcom strongly recommended
- Automatic alerts crucial
- Can be lifesaving
Stable Glucose Patterns:
- Either system appropriate
- Personal preference matters most
- Cost may drive decision
Lifestyle Considerations
Very Active:
- Consider sensor adhesion
- Water resistance important
- Automatic readings helpful
Routine-Oriented:
- Manual scanning works well
- Predictable check times
- Either system suitable
Getting Started with Medicare Coverage
Regardless of your FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare choice:
Step 1: Doctor Visit
- Discuss both options
- Get prescription for preferred system
- Ensure documentation complete
- Ask about training
Step 2: Choose DME Supplier
- Find Medicare-approved supplier
- Verify they carry both brands
- Confirm coverage details
- Ask about support services
Step 3: Complete Training
- Required for Medicare coverage
- Usually 30-60 minutes
- Can be in-person or virtual
- Includes troubleshooting
Step 4: Start Monitoring
- Apply first sensor
- Download apps if using
- Set up sharing if desired
- Begin your CGM journey
Cost Breakdown with Examples
Understanding true costs helps in FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare decisions:
Scenario 1: Original Medicare Only
FreeStyle Libre Monthly:
- Sensors: $150 retail
- Medicare pays: $120
- Your cost: $30
Dexcom Monthly:
- Sensors + supplies: $250 retail
- Medicare pays: $200
- Your cost: $50
Scenario 2: Medicare + Supplement
Both Systems:
- Medicare pays 80%
- Supplement pays 20%
- Your cost: $0 after deductible
Scenario 3: Medicare Advantage
- Varies by plan
- Check formulary
- May have preferred brand
- Could be $0-75/month
Making the Final Decision
To choose between FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare options:
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Do I need automatic alerts for safety?
- Yes → Lean toward Dexcom
- No → Either works
- Is family monitoring important?
- Yes → Dexcom has edge
- No → Either works
- Do I want the simplest option?
- Yes → FreeStyle Libre
- No → Either works
- Am I cost-sensitive?
- Yes → FreeStyle Libre
- No → Either works
- Do I have hypoglycemia unawareness?
- Yes → Strongly consider Dexcom
- No → Either works
Try Before Deciding
Many seniors benefit from:
- Asking for samples
- Watching demo videos
- Talking to current users
- Visiting diabetes educator
Expert Insights
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Endocrinologist: “Both systems are excellent. I recommend based on individual patient needs, not brand preference. Medicare coverage is identical.”
Tom Rodriguez, CDE: “In my experience, seniors who want simplicity love FreeStyle Libre, while those needing comprehensive monitoring prefer Dexcom.”
Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: “Medicare prefers one brand”
Truth: Medicare covers both equally
Myth 2: “One is more accurate”
Truth: Both highly accurate for daily use
Myth 3: “Switching brands is difficult”
Truth: You can change with new prescription
Myth 4: “More expensive means better”
Truth: Best system is one you’ll use consistently
Your Action Plan
- This Week:
- Review this comparison
- List your priorities
- Discuss with family
- Next Week:
- Schedule doctor appointment
- Prepare questions
- Get prescription
- This Month:
- Contact DME supplier
- Complete training
- Start monitoring
The Bottom Line
In the FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare debate, there’s no wrong choice. Both systems:
- Are fully covered by Medicare
- Provide accurate glucose monitoring
- Eliminate most finger sticks
- Improve diabetes management
Choose based on your:
- Safety needs
- Technology comfort
- Lifestyle preferences
- Family involvement
- Budget considerations
Remember, the best CGM is the one you’ll use consistently. Both FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom can transform your diabetes management when used regularly.
Switching Systems
Good news: If your first choice doesn’t work out:
- Medicare allows switching
- New prescription needed
- No waiting period
- Coverage continues
References
Need Help Choosing?
Our Medicare specialists understand the FreeStyle Libre vs Dexcom Medicare options and can help you navigate coverage for either system.
Call Now: 727-831-3729
We’ll help you get the CGM that’s right for your needs and ensure smooth Medicare coverage.
