September 1, 2020 – Abbott (Abbott Park, IL) announced its next-generation FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system is now available to Medicare patients. Having met the codes for therapeutic CGM systems used for coverage by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is now accessible to all Medicare patients with diabetes who meet the eligibility criteria.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system includes a sensor that is worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days. The system includes optional real-time alarms and measures glucose levels every minute. With a one-second scan using a handheld reader over the sensor, the system provides users with a real-time glucose reading, trend arrow and eight-hour history.
The pandemic is changing the way healthcare is delivered with greater acceptance of telehealth and medical technologies with remote monitoring capabilities such as CGMs. For instance, during the public health emergency, CMS is giving healthcare professionals more flexibility to prescribe CGMs to those who qualify. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is allowing the FreeStyle Libre system to be used in hospital settings during the pandemic, making Abbott’s diabetes technology more easily accessible.
Abbott has secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre portfolio in 37 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S.
