How Much Does a CGM Cost? Price Breakdown

Continuous Glucose Monitoring is a go-to device for diabetes patients to manage and track glucose levels in a few moments. Well, it provides endless benefits but also comes with a specific price tag. 

However, CGMS does come with a larger investment. But how much does a CGM cost? This question has become the most debated. The end price of CGMS varies according to brand, type of sensor, insurance coverage, copays, and whether they are bought over-the-counter. In this article, we will explain the costs of CGM devices.

About Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) involves wearing these devices to check the sugar level in the fluid under your skin. Regular blood sugar meters only tell you the number at one moment when you prick your finger. CGM devices give you information all day and all night without stopping. This steady stream of data shows you patterns and changes, so you can make better choices about insulin shots, food, and exercise.

Every CGM system has three basic parts:

• Sensor: You put this tiny piece under your skin, usually on your belly or upper arm. It checks sugar levels in the fluid under your skin every few minutes. How well it works and how long it lasts depends on which model you get.
• Transmitter: This part connects to the sensor and sends the sugar readings to your display device without wires.
• Receiver or Display Device: This can be a special device just for this purpose, or more often now, an app on your phone that gets the sugar data and shows you when your levels are too high or too low.

When steady data like this is available, CGM devices help people better control their blood sugar, have fewer dangerous low-sugar episodes, and feel better overall.

Why Is Knowing the Cost of CGM Important?

Choosing to use a CGM is both a health choice and a money choice. The costs are often high, and you have to pay them repeatedly. Learning about all the costs ahead of time helps patients and families make smart decisions and plan how to pay for them.

Here are the main reasons why you need to understand the costs:

• Budgeting: CGM devices are something you invest in for a long time. Tracking what you spend at the start and what you spend each month makes budgeting easier and surprises less likely.
• Comparison Shopping: Different brands and types exist, so checking the cost lets you decide based on both how much you’ll pay and what features each product has.
• Insurance Navigation: Different insurance plans cover CGM devices in different ways. Knowing the costs helps you pick insurance plans or figure out how to get your insurance to pay for it.
• Financial Assistance Exploration: When you know how expensive it is, you can look for help from companies that make the devices, government programs, or other ways to get financial help.
• Maximizing Value: Understanding all the costs ensures that you get the best deal for your money by balancing cost with the benefits to your health.

Now that we know why costs matter, we can look at exactly what you have to pay for CGM devices.

Initial Cost of a CGM System

When you buy a CGM system, you have to pay for many different things at the start, not just the device. These upfront costs can be very different depending on which brand, model, and extra items you choose.

1. Device Purchase Price

When you start, the cost you see is for the CGM device itself. You should be sure to have the transmitter as well as a reader or receiver if you require it.

Some popular CGM device makers are Dexcom, Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre, Medtronic and Eversense. The way products are priced varies from company to company:

• Dexcom G6 and G7: These tools are often extremely accurate and work great alongside different gadgets. You can expect to pay between $300 and $350 for a Dexcom transmitter, which typically lasts three months. If you choose not to view the data on your phone, an extra $200-$300 will be needed for a receiver device.
• FreeStyle Libre: This is usually cheaper than others. The FreeStyle Libre reader costs around $70-$100, but you don’t have to buy it. Many people just use apps on their phones, which saves money upfront.
• Medtronic Guardian Connect: This system often requires you to buy a receiver along with sensors and transmitters. The starting kit costs between $700 and $1,000.
• Eversense: This is different because the sensor goes inside your body and needs a small surgery. This system costs more at first because you have to pay medical fees too.

The first purchase is the biggest money hurdle, and insurance often helps pay for some of these costs.

2. Sensor Cost and Lifespan

The sensor is probably the most important part of a CGM and costs the most money over time. You have to throw away and replace sensors regularly because they stop working accurately after a while.

• Sensor price: These usually cost between $35 to $75 each, but the price depends a lot on which model and where you buy it.
• Sensor lifespan: Most sensors work for 7 to 14 days. Although the FDA cleared Dexcom G6 sensors for ten days, some patients still wear them for up to fourteen days. You can use a FreeStyle Libre sensor for 14 days, while Eversense sensors are valid for up to 90 days but must be put in using surgery.
• Volume of sensors: The number of sensors needed each month varies between people. Most users need 2 to 4 sensors every month.

Since you have to replace sensors regularly, they cost the most money over time and make up a big part of what you pay each year to use a CGM.

3. Additional Equipment

Besides sensors and transmitters, other accessories might add to what you pay at first:

• Adhesive patches and tapes: To keep the sensor stuck on your skin, many patients buy extra sticky patches to stop sensors from falling off, especially when they exercise or take baths.
• Applicators: Some CGM systems come with throwaway applicators that you might need to replace sometimes.
• Chargers or cables: For transmitters or receivers that need to be charged, you might need replacement chargers or cables.

Even though these costs are smaller compared to sensors and transmitters, they can add up over time.

Estimated Prices: Recurring Costs of CGM

While people often focus on the first purchase price, the ongoing costs of replacing sensors and transmitters usually represent the bigger, continuing money commitment of using a CGM.

1. Sensor Replacement Costs

Since you have to replace sensors often, they make up the main part of recurring CGM costs.

• For people who change sensors every 10 to 14 days, the monthly sensor count is between 2 and 4.
• With each sensor costing between $35 to $75, monthly sensor costs can range from about $70 to $300.
• Each year, this could total from $840 to $3,600 or more depending on brand and how much you use it.

Some people try to use sensors longer than recommended to save money, but this might make them less accurate and companies that make them usually don’t recommend it.

2. Transmitter Replacement Costs

Transmitters last longer than sensors but don’t work forever. They typically work for 3 to 6 months depending on the brand and how much you use them.

• You can purchase a transmitter for anywhere between $200 and $350.
• Three to four upgrades of transmitters are needed each year, at a cost of $600 to $1,400.

With newer models like Dexcom G7, you must frequently replace the thin vibrating transmitters, which affects the cost.

This cost happens less often than sensor replacement, but is still a lot of money over a year.

3. Receiver Costs and Updates

While many people use phone apps to see CGM data, some like or need special receivers.

Receivers usually cost $200 to $300 upfront.

Replacement receivers or software updates might cost extra money, but this doesn’t happen very often.

Choosing to use a phone app display reduces costs at first and ongoing, but might not work for some people.

Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses for CGM

Getting to know insurance can often make CGM devices more affordable to get. Because each insurance company offers different coverage, the price you pay can differ by state and individual plan.

1. Medicare and Medicaid Coverage

CGM devices are now recognized by Medicare as useful for eligible patients.

• Therapeutic CGMs (like Dexcom G6) are covered by Medicare Part B for type 1 diabetes patients who take multiple insulin shots or use pumps.
• Coverage includes sensors, transmitters, and receivers, but you need documentation that shows you need it medically and approval ahead of time.
• Patients usually pay a 20% copay after they meet their deductibles.

Medicaid programs are different in each state. Some cover CGM devices completely and others require copayments or approval ahead of time.

2. Private Insurance Plans

Private insurance coverage changes a lot:

• Many insurance companies cover CGM systems, but coverage limits are different for which brands, parts, or supplies are included.
• Some require proof that you test blood sugar often and use insulin.
• Prior authorization paperwork from doctors is often needed.
• Copays, coinsurance, or deductibles may apply, leaving patients with big out-of-pocket costs.
• High deductible plans might mean you pay full price at first.

Checking with your insurance company or working with a diabetes educator can help clarify coverage details.

3. Assistance Programs and Discounts

Since the costs are high, many companies that make these devices provide financial help programs for patients who qualify:

• Dexcom offers patient assistance programs to reduce costs for qualifying low-income patients.
• Abbott has discount and rebate programs for FreeStyle Libre sensors.
• Nonprofit groups such as the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition supply guidance on getting financial help.

Patients might pay up to 50% less for healthcare by using these programs.

Factors Affecting the Cost of CGM

CGM costs are not the same for everyone. Several things influence total costs, making personalized cost evaluation important.

1. Type of Diabetes and Usage Patterns

Because sensors often fail in type 1 diabetes, patients might need to use CGM devices all the time to better handle their insulin therapy, which is a more expensive option. People living with type 2 diabetes may rely on CGM devices just sometimes or just for a short time, bringing down the overall costs a great deal.

2. Brand and Model Features

More expensive CGM devices with advanced features like customizable alerts, phone integration, and pump compatibility usually cost more upfront and ongoing.

Less expensive models might not have some features, but still provide useful glucose trend data for many people.

3. Geographic and Pharmacy Variations

Prices can be very different depending on location and where you buy:

• Urban vs. rural pharmacies 
• Online suppliers vs. local pharmacies
• Negotiated pharmacy pricing

Shopping around can help reduce costs.

Comparing CGM Costs: Dexcom vs. FreeStyle Libre vs. Others

Feature	Dexcom G6/G7	FreeStyle Libre 2/3	Medtronic Guardian Connect	Eversense Implantable CGM
Initial Cost	$700 – $1,000 (transmitter + receiver)	$70 – $100 (reader optional; phone compatible)	$700 – $1,000 (kit including receiver)	$1,000+ (includes implantation procedure)
Sensor Cost	$70 per sensor	~$70 per sensor	$60 – $70 per sensor	Included in implant procedure; replacement sensors every 90 days
Sensor Lifespan	10 days (Dexcom G6), up to 14 days (off-label use)	14 days	7 days	90 days (3 months)
Transmitter Lifespan	3 months, costs $300-$350	Integrated in sensor, no separate transmitter	1-3 months, costs vary	Implanted sensor lasts 3 months, transmitter replaced every 90 days
Receiver/Display	Optional receiver ($200-$300) or smartphone app	Optional reader ($70-$100) or smartphone app	Receiver included; smartphone compatibility	Smartphone app + implanted sensor
Accuracy	High accuracy, FDA-approved for insulin dosing	Good accuracy, FDA-approved for dosing	Good, FDA-approved	High accuracy, implantable
Alerts & Alarms	Customizable real-time alerts for highs/lows	Available with Libre 2 and 3	Customizable alerts	Customizable alerts
Integration with Pumps	Yes, compatible with many insulin pumps	Limited integration	Primarily for Medtronic pumps	No integration with pumps
Annual Cost Estimate	$4,500 – $6,000	$1,800 – $2,500	$3,000 – $5,000	$4,000 – $6,000 (includes medical costs)
Ideal For	Type 1 diabetes, insulin pump users	Type 1 and 2 diabetes, budget-conscious users

 

Tips to Manage and Reduce CGM Costs

1. Maximize Insurance Benefits

Make sure you have proper documentation and prior authorization. Work with healthcare providers to provide detailed medical necessity letters.

2. Utilize Manufacturer Assistance Programs

Apply for all available assistance and patient savings cards.

3. Negotiate for the Best Prices

Compare pharmacies and authorized online retailers for sensor and transmitter prices.

4. Use Smartphone Apps

Don’t buy special receivers if your phone works with the system.

5. Discuss Extended Sensor Use Carefully

Some patients use sensors slightly longer, but only do this with professional guidance.

CGM: Is It Worth the Cost?

Despite their relatively high cost, CGM devices make managing blood sugar easier, reduce serious cases of low blood sugar and help improve a person’s daily life. As a result, your chances of expensive diabetes complications go down.

Conclusion 

Continuous glucose monitoring is the next great thing in diabetes management. With CGM at your disposal, patients can determine their glucose levels in real time with accurate glycemic control, minimizing the risk of dangerous hypoglycemia. Since CGMS brings along various costs, which can stand as a barrier for many. 

Therefore, to make an informed choice about CMS, it is important for users to understand the end cost of the device. While considering the cost, it is ideal to understand both the initial investment in devices, transmitters, and sensors and the recurring costs, particularly the frequency of sensor replacements and the periodic renewal of transmitters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Much Does A CGM Cost Without Insurance?

Depending on the brand and medication, annual costs may range from $1,200 to $6,000.

2. Does Medicare Cover CGM Devices?

Medicare covers certain CGM devices with prior authorization for eligible type 1 diabetes patients on intensive insulin therapy.

3. Can I Use My Smartphone Instead Of A Receiver?

Yes, many CGM devices support smartphone apps that show glucose data, eliminating receiver costs.

4. Are There Cheaper Alternatives To CGM Devices?

Traditional glucose meters cost less but don’t provide continuous data.

5. How Often Do Sensors Need Replacement?

Usually every 7 to 14 days, depending on the device.

Evelyn Brown