How much is Dexcom? Which Insurance Covers Dexcom?

Summary

• Dexcom CGM systems, like the G6 and G7, can cost between $4,000 to $8,000 per year without insurance

• Most commercial insurances, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA plans cover Dexcom, often with very low out-of-pocket costs

• Dexcom’s main components include sensors, transmitters, and optional receivers

• Coverage requirements often depend on insulin use and frequent blood sugar testing

• Savings are available through Dexcom’s patient assistance programs, discount cards, and insurance tools

• SugarMD helps patients access Dexcom with prescription support, coverage guidance, and remote CGM data management

If you have diabetes and have been thinking about switching to a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system, one of the first questions on your mind might be: how much does it actually cost?

Dexcom is a full monitoring system that includes sensors, transmitters, and sometimes a handheld receiver. The pricing can vary depending on whether you're paying cash or going through insurance, so let’s break it down in simple terms.

Dexcom Costs Without Insurance

Even without insurance, some people opt to pay for Dexcom out of pocket because of the real-time insights and freedom it provides.

Per-Component Cash Prices

Let’s use the Dexcom G6 as a reference point:

• Dexcom G6 Sensors
  Each sensor lasts 10 days. A three‑pack (roughly one‑month supply) runs about $265–$444. Total Diabetes Supply advertises a sale price of $339.89. MSC Medical Shop prices a similar three‑pack at $443.75
  
  

• Dexcom G6 Transmitters
  The transmitter is replaced every 90 days. Some discount suppliers like RapidRxUSA sell a G6 transmitter for $114.99, whereas Total Diabetes Supply’s listed sale price is $298.69. Here’s a breakdown of how often to replace the transmitter every three months.
  
  

• Dexcom G6 Receiver
  Optional if you use the Dexcom app, this dedicated handheld receiver costs roughly $249–$376. CityDME shows the G6 receiver at $375.98
  
  

• Dexcom G7 Sensors
  The newer G7 sensor combines sensor and transmitter into a single disposable unit, simplifying things. Each sensor lasts 10 days. MSC Medical Shop lists a single G7 sensor for $147.92 , while Diabetic Supplies Unlimited sells a one‑pack at $128.99, a two‑pack at $257.98 and a three‑pack at $386.97.
  
  

Estimated Annual Out-of-Pocket Costs

If you are paying entirely out of pocket:

• Transmitters for a year: About $720

• Sensors (36 per year): You’ll need around 36 sensors per year. At about $265–$444 for a three‑pack, that totals roughly $3,200–$5,300. 

• Optional receiver: $200 to $400

• Total annual cost: About $4,000–$8,000 per year, depending on the mix of G6 and G7 supplies and vendor pricing.

Dexcom Coverage by Insurance Providers

The good news is that most major insurance providers do cover Dexcom, as long as certain medical requirements are met.

Commercial Insurance Plans

Insurance providers like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross often cover the Dexcom G6 and G7.

• Co-pays are usually between $0 to $35 if Dexcom is covered under your pharmacy benefits

• Without having met your deductible, costs may be higher

Medicare Coverage

Medicare covers Dexcom CGMs for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients under certain conditions:

• Patient uses insulin at least three times per day

• Patient regularly tests their blood sugar

• Doctor visit documentation is required
  
  

Out-of-pocket costs are typically about 20 percent, unless a Medicare Advantage plan or supplemental insurance is in place.

Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid coverage varies by state. Some states have broad CGM coverage, while others require documentation of insulin usage and daily testing. You can review your state’s policies through their Medicaid website or ask your diabetes care provider.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Coverage

Dexcom is also covered by VA benefits for qualifying veterans. Typically, this includes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.

• Requires a doctor's prescription

• Often no out-of-pocket costs

Is Price of Dexcom G6 worth it?

Is that expensive? Hell yeah? Is it worth it? That depends on your needs. You will need to consult with a diabetes doctor/endocrinologist to really understand your needs. You can also watch our YouTube video to understand if you really need Dexcom G6.

I do know where you live but most people cannot afford hundreds of dollars monthly with or without insurance. Yet, my service still helps patients to get their diabetes under control regardless of the device they use. My team also works with insurance to try to get the best coverage for our patients.

It is hard work. It can take sometimes hours. Patients get frustrated when the process goes more than a few weeks. Unfortunately between the Dexcom company, the insurance company in our office can be a tremendous amount of paperwork. If you ,have any insurance coverage is likely. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that your insurance will cover Dexcom G6. We will talk more about the insurance coverage of Dexcom G6 below.

Navigating Insurance and Reducing Dexcom Costs

If you’re looking to save, here are some tips.

Confirming Coverage

• Call your insurance provider and ask about Dexcom as a pharmacy or durable medical equipment benefit

• Use Dexcom’s insurance verification tools

• Have your doctor submit necessary records for pre-approval

Discount Programs

Dexcom runs a Pharmacy Savings Program. For example, many users can get the G7 for under $89 a month. Tools like SingleCare and GoodRx also list pharmacies with discounted prices. You can also explore ways to get a Dexcom G6 for free.

Do you really need Dexcom Knowing The Cost For Diabetes Control?

A lot of my patients will want to use Dexcom G6 or freestyle libre just to avoid fingersticks. Dexcom G6 helps with diabetes treatment decisions. Unfortunately, if you are only taking metformin or only oral agents for diabetes, none of the insurances will cover Dexcom G6. Plus Dexcom is very costly.

Insurance companies go by medical necessity not necessarily patient convenience. I am all about patient convenience for my patients. On the other hand insurance companies are there to protect their own interests.

These devices are expensive and if insurance companies start covering Dexcom for every patient with diabetes the insurance premiums will skyrocket. But do you really need Dexcom G6? Do you really need to carry a device on your body when you can check your blood sugar with a fingerstick a few times a week? Do you really need Dexcom? Watch this. 

Most of the time patients check their blood sugars excessively. This happens when they are newly diagnosed when they are obsessed with their blood sugars. The truth of the fact this if you are not on medications that cause low blood sugars and your blood sugars are typically in the same or similar range there is no need to keep checking blood sugars every morning or every evening.

Is Dexcom Durable Medical Equipment For Continuous Glucose Monitoring?

Although both Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are considered durable medical equipment (DME) for continuous glucose monitoring. Nowadays endocrinologists/diabetes doctors can transmit a prescription electronically to a local pharmacy.

Depending on the insurance coverage, insurance may pick up your Dexcom cost and you can pick it up just like picking up a prescription. That is been a good day if you have good insurance. Most insurances as we discussed will recheck to claim the first time and ask for further evidence that the patient needs Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7.

Persistence and perseverance are the keys. It takes a lot of time and effort for the doctor's office to deal with the insurance requirements and paperwork. I sometimes joke with my patients and tell them if I was a lawyer charging you hourly he would get if you would get a $2000 bill for the number of hours we work to get these things done. I am glad we doctors do not work or charge like attorneys. I am sure you are too. Nevertheless dexcom system helps with diabetes treatment decisions.

Dexcom clarity

Dexcom clarity allows patients to upload glucose data from a CGM device and then view the data easily. it helps with diabetes treatment decisions. Endocrinologist/diabetes doctors can also see uploads even remotely. Patients and doctors can see trends, and glucose statistics on a day-by-day basis.

Patients can also email them to their endocrinologist/diabetes doctor. So in this COVID-19 era being able to communicate with your endocrinologist/diabetes doctor Is very important. My team will always be on your side to manage her diabetes to the best of your and our ability. 

Dexcom parts

Dexcom is composed of a receiver, a transmitter, and sensors. The receiver is a device that communicates with the transmitter to show the glucose data on the screen. Dexcom clarity app does the exact same thing. So, you will not need a receiver if you are using the Dexcom clarity app. Some people prefer to have both on the other hand.

Both the receiver and your Dexcom clarity app will also show cgms glucose levels and trends. You will see arrow indicators on your screen for both Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7. The sensor sensed glucose in the interstitial fluid and transmitted to the transmitter.

You will need to replace Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 transmitter every 3 months. You will need to replace the sensor every 10 days. Some people find ways to extend the life of the sensor however, that is not FDA approved. 

There are some tricks that some of my patients use which primarily extend or actually double the life of the sensor. Again there may be some safety concerns here. For those who can not afford the dexcom you can consider patient assistance programs.

When is Dexcom G7 going to be available?

We know you guys have been enjoying Dexcom G6 very much. I hope this article explained Dexcom and Dexcom costs adequately.  Soon Dexcom and Verily are planning to lounge Dexcom G7. My initial impression is that Dexcom D7 is going to be thinner. Hopefully, it will be less expensive. according to Dexcom G6 is going to be a fully disposable continuous glucose monitor.

Due to COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic, I believe the timeline for Dexcom G7 to hit the market will be delayed. The best expectation would be the end of 2022. Join our community at SugarMDs and see Dr. Ergin and his team. You will be glad you did because we provide the best concierge service for patients with diabetes.

We do everything in our power to get through the best possible care and diabetic devices such as Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7, or freestyle libre. We not only help you get coverage but also remotely monitor you and treat you. You do not have to wait for the doctor's office or beg your doctor to see and interpret your Dexcom data. Make sure you visit our YouTube channel and Facebook. Be part of our community.

How SugarMD Supports Your Dexcom Journey

SugarMD helps patients across the country get access to Dexcom through:

• Prescription and insurance paperwork support

• Appeals and follow-ups for denied claims

• Telemedicine & remote glucose monitoring through SugarMD
  

Conclusion

Dexcom is a powerful tool for managing diabetes, but understanding the cost and insurance process is key. Whether you have private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or VA coverage, there are multiple paths to make Dexcom more affordable.

Don’t let confusion or paperwork slow you down. With support from providers like SugarMD and access to cost-saving resources, you can take full advantage of this life-changing technology.

About the Author

Dr. Ahmet Ergin is the author of The Ultimate Diabetes Book and the Founder of the SugarMD youtube channel. He practices in Port Saint Lucie, FL as an endocrinologist physician.