If you get Medicare covered Part B prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, or supplies; make sure your pharmacy or supplier (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies – DMEPOS supplier) is enrolled in the Medicare Program.  If you go to a DMEPOS supplier that is not enrolled in the Medicare Program, you are responsible for paying the entire bill for any drugs or supplies. 

For Medicare covered supplies, in addition to finding out if the DMEPOS supplier is enrolled in the Medicare Program, you should also find out if they are participating.

• If they are enrolled and participating, they must accept assignment. This means they must accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. You should only pay your 20% co-pay (and any remaining Medicare Part B deductible) when you get your supplies. 
• If they are enrolled but not participating, they do not have to accept assignment. This means that charges may be higher, and you may pay more. You may also have to pay the entire charge at the time of service, and wait for Medicare to send you its share of the charge.

Please note that all Medicare enrolled pharmacies and suppliers must submit claims for glucose monitor test strips. You cannot submit claims for glucose test strips to Medicare directly.

For Medicare covered Part B drugs and biologicals, it does not matter if your pharmacy is participating with Medicare. Under current law, all Medicare enrolled pharmacies must accept assignment for Medicare covered drugs and biologicals. If you purchase these items from a Medicare-enrolled pharmacy or supplier, you should only pay your 20% co-pay (and any remaining Medicare Part B deductible) when you get your prescriptions or supplies. Medicare will pay the remaining 80% directly to the pharmacy or supplier after they submit the claim.