Veterans Affairs (VA) and TRICARE

FreeStyle Libre systems are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense TRICARE for those who qualify1-4.
Two people seated on a couch looking at a smartphone together, with a CGM sensor visible on the upper arm of one person.

VA or TRICARE: What you need to know

Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage1,2

You may qualify for Libre systems if you have been diagnosed with T1D or T2D, meet with your healthcare provider every 6 months, and one of the following applies:

Illustration of a notepad with a checklist, symbolizing a doctor's recommendation or prescription.

Your doctor recommends daily insulin to help control your glucose.
Hypoglycemia history icon showing a line graph with a check mark, representing tracking or reviewing low blood sugar history.

You have a history of problematic hypoglycemia (or low sugar levels).

T1D = type 1 diabetes; T2D = type 2 diabetes

For the full prescription criteria, download our Veterans Affairs criteria guide.

TRICARE coverage3,4
 

You (or members of your family) may qualify for Libre systems if you have been diagnosed with T1D or T2D, have filled an insulin prescription in the last 6 months, and one of the following applies:

Insulin icon

You (or your family member) are currently being treated with insulin.
Insulin pump icon

You (or your family member) are receiving subcutaneous insulin infusion (i.e. insulin pump).
Medical treatment icon

You (or your family member) are receiving insulin therapy, and there is a history of medical treatment for severe hypoglycemia (or low sugar levels).

Prior authorization (PA) with VA or TRICARE

To qualify for coverage you may need PA from your insurance plan.

  1. PA is extra information (or forms) from your healthcare provider to show you are eligible for Libre CGM systems.
  2. Your healthcare provider takes care of this process.

CGM = continuous glucose monitor(ing)

How much will I pay for Libre systems sensors through TRICARE?

Coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary based on your individual insurance plan.

To learn more about pharmacy* costs, visit the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.

How to get started with Libre systems

Healthcare professional holding a clipboard and speaking with a patient during a medical consultation.
  • Start the conversation with your healthcare provider.

    To see if Libre systems are right for you, use our discussion guide to help start the conversation.

  • Get your prescription.

    During your conversation with your healthcare provider, ask for a prescription for one of our Libre CGM systems.

  • Fill your prescription.

    Fill your prescription for one of our Libre CGM systems at a pharmacy* that accepts VA and TRICARE customers.

Need more help? 

For more assistance, contact our Customer Care Team for support.

Call 1-833-VA-LIBRE (1-833-825-4273).

Help available 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, excluding holidays.

Answers to your VA/TRICARE questions

Yes. You can pay out-of-pocket for Libre systems if they aren’t covered by your VA/TRICARE plan.

Please contact your pharmacy* or supplier* for more information.

Abbott provides this information as a courtesy and does not guarantee payment or coverage.

* Participating pharmacies are subject to change without notice. Product availability may vary by retailer [or DME].

The Libre systems are covered by the Department of Defense TRICARE for those who qualify3,4. Please contact your healthcare provider—they will need to provide PA.

References: 3. Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. “Recommendations from the February 2024 Meeting.” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Meeting-References/2024/03/27/UF-BAP-Background-Document-April-3-2024-time-zone-edited. 4. Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. “Recommendations from the November 2022 Meeting.” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://www.health.mil/Reference-Center/Meeting-References/2022/12/16/BAP-Background-Document-for-the-Nov-2022-PT-Meeting.

In order to qualify for coverage, your healthcare provider will need to confirm2:

  • A diabetes diagnosis (T1D or T2D)
  • You use daily insulin to help control your glucose.
  • You have a history of problematic hypoglycemia (or low sugar levels).
  • You have been trained to use a CGM and learned about fingerstick testing for calibration, and how to evaluate “high” or “low” blood glucose results or trends based on readings and/or alarms.
  • You attend follow-up visits with your healthcare provider at least every six months.

Reference: 2. Memorandum, Updated Guidance on Patient Selection Criteria for Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), July 7, 2023. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In order to qualify for coverage, your healthcare provider will need to confirm3,4:

  • A diabetes diagnosis (T1D or T2D)
  • You have filled an insulin prescription in the last 180 days.
  • You use insulin, or use an insulin pump, and regularly adjust your doses.
  • You’ve completed diabetes education, or are in the process of doing so.
  • You check your blood sugar at least four times per day.
  • You’ve visited a TRICARE-authorized healthcare provider to review your diabetes care plan within the past six months.

References: 3. Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. “Recommendations from the February 2024 Meeting.” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Meeting-References/2024/03/27/UF-BAP-Background-Document-April-3-2024-time-zone-edited. 4. Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. “Recommendations from the November 2022 Meeting.” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://www.health.mil/Reference-Center/Meeting-References/2022/12/16/BAP-Background-Document-for-the-Nov-2022-PT-Meeting.

FreeStyle Libre 3 system is cleared to be used by children 4 years and older with Libre 3 sensor and 2 years and older with Libre 3 Plus sensor.

FreeStyle Libre 2 system is cleared to be used by children 4 years and older with Libre 2 sensor and 2 years and older with Libre 2 Plus sensor.

Medicare and other payor criteria may apply.

Abbott provides this information as a courtesy and does not guarantee payment or coverage.

* Participating pharmacies are subject to change without notice. Product availability may vary by retailer [or DME].

References: 1. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. 2. Memorandum, Updated Guidance on Patient Selection Criteria for Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), July 7, 2023. Department of Veterans Affairs. 3. Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. “Recommendations from the February 2024 Meeting.” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Meeting-References/2024/03/27/UF-BAP-Background-Document-April-3-2024-time-zone-edited. 4. Department of Defense Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. “Recommendations from the November 2022 Meeting.” U.S. Department of Defense. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://www.health.mil/Reference-Center/Meeting-References/2022/12/16/BAP-Background-Document-for-the-Nov-2022-PT-Meeting.

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