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The rules say that plans must pay for a medical service or item if regular Medicare would pay for it in this case. 
You can find this rule at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 422.101. 
 
The rules state that blood glucose monitors are meter devices that read color changes produced on specially 
treated reagent strips by glucose concentrations in the patients blood. The patient, using a disposable sterile 
lancet, draws a drop of blood, places it on a reagent strip and, following instructions which may vary with the 
device used, inserts it into the device to obtain a reading. Lancets, reagent strips, and other supplies necessary 
for the proper functioning of the device are also covered for patients for whom the device is indicated. Home 
blood glucose monitors enable certain patients to better control their blood glucose levels by frequently 
checking and appropriately contacting their attending physician for advice and treatment. Studies indicate that 
the patients ability to carefully follow proper procedures is critical to obtaining satisfactory results with these 
devices. In addition, the cost of the devices, with their supplies, limits economical use to patients who must 
make frequent checks of their blood glucose levels. Accordingly, coverage of home blood glucose monitors is 
limited to patients meeting the following conditions: 
 
     1. The patient has been diagnosed as having diabetes; 
     2. The patients physician states that the patient is capable of being trained to use the particular device 
prescribed in an appropriate manner. In some cases, the patient may not be able to perform this function, but a 
responsible individual can be trained to use the equipment and monitor the patient to assure that the intended 
effect is achieved. This is permissible if the record is properly documented by the patients physician; and 
     3. The device is designed for home rather than clinical use. 
 
There is also a blood glucose monitoring system designed especially for use by those with visual impairments. 
The monitors used in such systems are identical in terms of reliability and sensitivity to the standard blood 
glucose monitors described above. They differ by having such features as voice synthesizers, automatic timers, 
and specially designed arrangements of supplies and materials to enable the visually impaired to use the 
equipment without assistance. 
 
These special blood glucose monitoring systems are covered under Medicare if the following conditions are 
met: 
 
     1. The patient and device meet the three conditions listed above for coverage of standard home blood 
glucose monitors: and 
     2. The patient's physician certifies that he or she has a visual impairment severe enough to require use of this 
special monitoring system. 
 The additional features and equipment of these special systems justify a higher reimbursement amount than 
allowed for standard blood glucose monitors. Separately identify claims for such devices and establish a 
separate reimbursement amount for them. 
 
You can find this information in National Coverage Determination (NCD) Home Blood Glucose Monitors 
40.2. 
 
If you want to read these Medicare rules, you can go to this website www.medicareappeal.com. 
 
The Plan contract says that the Plan covers items and services in accordance with Medicare rules.