2025 CGM Supplies Prices & Availability at Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Costco Insights

For individuals managing diabetes, 2024 marks a significant shift in how continuous glucose monitor (CGM) supplies can be obtained. Increasingly, these essential devices are becoming available at local retail pharmacies, simplifying access and reducing wait times for vital diabetes management tools.

Traditionally, CGMs were purchased directly from manufacturers or specialized distributors, but now major pharmacy chains and wholesale retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Costco are stocking these products, making them more convenient to acquire.

Take the Dexcom G6 system as an example: Costco offers discounted pricing exclusively for members, allowing customers to pick up transmitters, sensors, and receivers in-store without the usual weeks-long shipping delay. This local availability is a game-changer for many who require timely refills.

Similarly, Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system is widely available across national pharmacy chains, and Medtronic Diabetes is actively exploring pharmacy distribution channels to expand access further.

The trend towards pharmacy availability reflects the growing CGM market's demand for affordable, accessible options, extending beyond just those with diabetes to a broader consumer base.

Current Pharmacy Prices for CGM Supplies in 2024

Costs vary depending on insurance coverage, copays, and deductibles, but here are the approximate cash prices for the main CGM brands found in pharmacies today:

Dexcom G6 Pricing

Dexcom remains the leading CGM brand, and its widespread pharmacy presence is welcomed by users nationwide.

At pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, a G6 transmitter typically costs just under $300, while a three-pack of G6 sensors averages around $400. Insurance coverage as a pharmacy benefit can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes to a flat copay or coinsurance.

Costco members benefit from exclusive pricing through its pharmacy program (membership fee applies). As of early 2024, prices include:

• G6 transmitter: Approximately $280 (membership discount lowers this to around $130)
• Three-pack G6 sensors: Roughly $385 (with membership discount near $300)
• G6 receiver: About $420 (membership price around $200)

Note that these prices are for self-pay customers; insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically do not apply at Costco pharmacies.

Be aware that some pharmacy staff may not be fully informed about these discounts, so it’s advisable to confirm pricing and eligibility directly with the pharmacy or Costco corporate.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre Pricing

The FreeStyle Libre system, popular for its ease of use, is widely available in pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and Costco.

Abbott reports that most of their 500,000 U.S. users obtain sensors through retail pharmacies. The Libre system is notably more affordable, costing approximately 70% less than other CGM brands.

Typical pricing includes:

• Libre sensor: Around $54 per sensor list price, with retail pharmacy prices ranging between $58–$69
• With commercial insurance: Monthly costs generally fall between $10 and $75 for 14-day sensors
• Handheld reader: Approximately $70, though many users opt for the free LibreLink mobile app instead

Abbott continues to invest in pharmacist education and training to support the growing pharmacy distribution channel.

Medtronic & Eversense CGMs: Pharmacy Availability Status

Medtronic is actively evaluating pharmacy distribution options but currently has limited pharmacy presence. Their spokesperson confirms ongoing efforts to expand retail pharmacy access.

The implantable Eversense CGM requires minor surgical implantation and thus remains unavailable in pharmacies. Supplies are typically shipped directly to healthcare providers through durable medical equipment channels.

Why Has Pharmacy Access for CGMs Taken Time to Develop?

Since 2015, insurance companies have begun classifying CGM supplies as pharmacy benefits rather than durable medical equipment, enabling retail pharmacy purchases. Early adopters like Anthem and UnitedHealthcare paved the way for this shift.

Despite progress, insurance coverage varies widely, affecting out-of-pocket costs and pharmacy benefit applicability. Many users still rely on direct or third-party suppliers.

Pharmacy distribution streamlines the process, reducing delivery from a month-long, eight-step sequence to as few as four steps, allowing patients to obtain devices within 1–2 days.

Dexcom aims to increase pharmacy-based sales to 70% of its sensor business, having already surpassed 50% by the end of 2019.

Walgreens’ Role in Expanding CGM Access

Walgreens made significant strides in 2019 by offering Dexcom G6 supplies to Medicare beneficiaries directly through their pharmacies, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Their Find Care marketplace allows patients to request Dexcom G6 prescriptions via a simple questionnaire reviewed by healthcare providers, streamlining access.

With the upcoming launch of the consumer-friendly, disposable Dexcom-Verily G7 in 2024, pharmacy availability is expected to grow further.

Still, CGM adoption among type 1 diabetes patients remains around 35%, partly due to provider hesitancy in prescribing.

Addressing Physician Reluctance to Prescribe CGMs

Nearly half of surveyed physicians cite insurance complexities as a barrier to prescribing CGMs. Increased pharmacy availability and affordability could encourage more prescriptions.

As CGMs gain traction among type 2 diabetes patients, accessible pharmacy purchasing options become increasingly vital.

Ultimately, wider pharmacy distribution of non-implantable CGMs promises to enhance affordability and accessibility for all users in the near future.

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