Veterans Affairs and TRICARE coverage

The FreeStyle Libre CGM systems are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense TRICARE for those who qualify1-3.

Woman checking her blood glucose on a mobile device at the breakfast table while a man in uniform looks on.
Woman checking her blood glucose on a mobile device at the breakfast table while a man in uniform looks on.
Woman checking her blood glucose on a mobile device at the breakfast table while a man in uniform looks on.

The FreeStyle Libre CGM systems are covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense TRICARE for those who qualify1-3.

Veterans Affairs coverage

If you have insurance through Veterans Affairs, see if you qualify for coverage of one of our FreeStyle Libre CGM systems1,2:

Prescription Criteria1:

When your doctor prescribes the CGM they, must confirm and document that you have diabetes and are being treated with daily insulin. 

It is recommended that CGM be considered under the following circumstances: 

  • If you require daily insulin to achieve desired glycemic management targets and/or avoid hypoglycemia
  • If you have uncommon conditions in which hypoglycemia is a significant concern (for example, post-gastrectomy, paraneoplastic syndromes, reactive hypoglycemia) may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Endocrinology subject matter expert at the VISN or facility

You will need to know: 

  • How to use a CGM device
  • About fingerstick testing for calibration to evaluate “high” or “low” blood glucose results or trends based on readings and/or alarms recommended by your healthcare team

You have followed your doctor’s recommendations for glucose testing and medication adherence.

You agree to ongoing medical appointments with the multidisciplinary team at least every 6 months.

Therapeutic CGM is provided based on the Veteran’s individual medical needs and is prescribed based upon clinician and patient shared decision making as recommended by the VA/DoD Guidelines of Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care (2017)2.

CGM = continuous glucose monitoring

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

TRICARE coverage and policy to prescribe3

All beneficiaries receiving the FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 systems under the TRICARE medical benefit will require Prior Authorization (PA) to receive coverage under the pharmacy benefit. 

PA criteria apply to all new and current users of the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems and is approved if all criteria are met.

Prior Authorization Criteria:

Your doctor has filled out an initial prior authorization (expires in 1 year).

  • You have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes OR Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • One of the following situations applies to you:
    • You have been using basal and prandial insulin injections
    • You are using a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (i.e., insulin pump) 
    • You have Type 2 diabetes mellitus and are receiving insulin therapy, and have a history of severe hypoglycemia episodes requiring medical intervention
  • Your FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 system is prescribed by an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist
  • Your patient records are submitted with all required documentation 
  • You must be 4 years of age or older

You and your doctor assess the usage of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) test strips.

For renewal, your coverage will be approved every year if you continue to meet the required criteria.

There is no requirement for a minimal number of SMBG test strips to be used daily, in order to receive one of our FreeStyle Libre CGM systems3.

For the full prescription criteria, download our TRICARE prescribing guide.

Army veteran checks his blood glucose while sitting at a picnic table while a younger man looks on

How to get started

Start the conversation with your doctor in 3 easy steps with our discussion guide and see if CGM is right for you.

Makes life with diabetes so much easier to deal with.

Daniel S

Looking for additional support?

For more assistance, contact our Customer Care Team for support at 1-833-825-4273 (833-VA-LIBRE). The team is available 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, excluding holidays.

Have questions? We have answers!
 

Can I pay cash for the FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 system if it is not covered by my insurance? How much would I be paying?

I have insurance provided through the Department of Veteran Affairs; how can I access the FreeStyle Libre 2 system?

I have insurance provided through the Department of Defense TRICARE; how can I access the FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 system?

Already have one of the FreeStyle Libre CGM systems?

Learn how to set up your system today.
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