When CGMs fail unexpectedly, patients often face full retail prices. Without alternatives, they risk dangerous glucose swings or ER-level costs.

What’s happening

Retail CGM sensors often cost hundreds without insurance. However, discount programs, coupons, or manufacturer assistance can drastically reduce the cost—even mid-cycle. In 2025, when her insurance declined an early replacement, her pharmacy found a workaround:

“They found a coupon… and I got four for under $200.”
— Sally Figueroa

What you can do

• Ask your pharmacist to search manufacturer coupons
• Compare prices between pharmacies
• Explore nonprofit CGM assistance foundations
• Keep a spare when feasible

What to avoid

• Letting a missing sensor turn into an emergency
• Accepting the first quoted price
  

How to move forward

Backup sensors prevent both physical danger and financial crisis.

Our Pay It Forward Approach

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Verification Note

Checked and verified active December, 2025.
All sources are government, nonprofit, peer-reviewed, or primary institutional resources directly supporting claims in this article.

Clinical importance of CGMs and emergency risk when sensors fail

American Diabetes Association (ADA) — Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): Standards of Care
Documents CGMs as essential safety tools that reduce severe hypoglycemia, ER visits, and hospitalizations.
https://diabetes.org/diabetes/technology/continuous-glucose-monitors-cgms

ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Technology (2024)
Clinical guidelines detailing CGM use, replacement needs, and safety implications of interruption.
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/Supplement_1/S137/153947

Risks of interrupted CGM access and emergency utilization

National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Severe Hypoglycemia and Emergency Care
Reviews the relationship between glucose monitoring gaps and emergency department utilization.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070224/

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) — Preventable ER Visits in Diabetes Care
Identifies lack of monitoring and delayed intervention as major contributors to emergency events.
https://www.ahrq.gov/data/infographics/diabetes-emergency.html

Insurance replacement timelines and supply restrictions

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Refill and Replacement Rules
Explains day-supply limits, refill schedules, and replacement policies that affect CGM access.
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/determinationprocess/dmepos

CMS — Medicare Coverage of Continuous Glucose Monitors
Details eligibility, replacement timing, and limitations that also influence commercial insurer policies.
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33822

Manufacturer coupons, replacement programs, and discount pathways

Dexcom — Sensor Replacement and Product Support Policy
Describes manufacturer replacement eligibility for failed or detached sensors.
https://www.dexcom.com/support

Abbott FreeStyle Libre — Sensor Replacement and Assistance Programs
Outlines replacement options, coupons, and support for early sensor failure.
https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/support.html

Pharmacy discount programs and cash-price variation

National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) — Prescription Discount Cards Explained
Explains how pharmacies can apply manufacturer coupons, cash pricing, and discount programs mid-cycle.
https://ncpa.org/prescription-discount-cards

GoodRx Research — Why Prescription and Device Prices Vary by Pharmacy
Documents significant price variation for the same product across pharmacies and pricing methods.
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/general-health/why-prescription-prices-vary

Financial impact of avoiding CGM-related emergencies

Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Cost of Emergency Department Visits
Shows average ER visit costs for diabetes-related emergencies often exceed $1,300–$2,500.
https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/health-care-costs-a-primer/

CDC — Emergency Department Visits for Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
National data confirming the high cost and frequency of preventable diabetes emergencies.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/emergency-room.html

Patient advocacy and backup-supply guidance

Patient Advocate Foundation — Diabetes Supply Access and Appeals
Advises patients on replacement appeals, emergency access, and discount strategies.
https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/diabetes/

JDRF — Insurance and Supply Access Resources
Guidance on navigating CGM coverage interruptions and emergency planning.
https://www.jdrf.org/t1d-resources/insurance/