Dexcom Stelo: Who It Is For, Price and Coverage
Dexcom Stelo is sold over the counter. The maker’s page says: adults 18 and older who are not on insulin. Dexcom says not to use it if you have problematic hypoglycemia. Below are the maker’s own statements on wear time, warm-up, phone needs, pumps and price, each checked on 2026-10-22.
The facts at a glance
| Fact | Dexcom Stelo |
|---|---|
| Prescription or over the counter | Over the counter (no prescription) |
| Who it is for (maker) | Adults 18 and older who are not on insulin. Dexcom says not to use it if you have problematic hypoglycemia. |
| Wear time | About 15 days |
| Warm-up | Not stated on Stelo's page |
| Phone and app | Stelo says a compatible smartphone is required to pair a new sensor with an Apple Watch and points to a compatibility page for app details. We did not read minimum versions. |
| Insulin pump / AID compatibility (maker) | Not for people on insulin, so not used with pumps. |
| Price (maker) | $89.00 per month on subscription (listed as down from $99.00). HSA/FSA eligible. A one-time purchase price was not shown. |
| Medicare | Stelo is sold over the counter. Medicare's CGM rules (LCD L33822) cover prescribed CGMs for insulin-treated people or those with problematic lows, and Stelo is not for people on insulin. We found no statement from Medicare or Dexcom that Part B pays for Stelo. |
Each fact is from the maker’s own page, checked Dexcom Stelo: 2026-10-22. “Not stated” means the maker’s page did not say. Prices and coverage change; confirm with the maker.
Who it is cleared for
Adults 18 and older who are not on insulin. Dexcom says not to use it if you have problematic hypoglycemia. A CGM is cleared by the FDA for specific uses, and the maker’s label is the final word. Over-the-counter sensors are built for people who do not use insulin. If you take insulin, a prescription system is the kind cleared for that.
Wear time and warm-up
Wear time: About 15 days. Warm-up: Not stated on Stelo's page. A warm-up is the period after you start a sensor when it does not yet show glucose readings. Start a sensor when you can wait that long, and keep a backup meter if your care team advises one.
Phone and app
Stelo says a compatible smartphone is required to pair a new sensor with an Apple Watch and points to a compatibility page for app details. We did not read minimum versions.
Insulin pump and AID compatibility
Not for people on insulin, so not used with pumps. Compatibility depends on the pump model and software, so check the pump maker’s page too.
Price
$89.00 per month on subscription (listed as down from $99.00). HSA/FSA eligible. A one-time purchase price was not shown.
Our supply cost calculator lets you enter your own insurance numbers and compare cash with insured cost.
Medicare
Stelo is sold over the counter. Medicare's CGM rules (LCD L33822) cover prescribed CGMs for insulin-treated people or those with problematic lows, and Stelo is not for people on insulin. We found no statement from Medicare or Dexcom that Part B pays for Stelo.
Medicare’s own rules are on Does Medicare cover a CGM?
More from the maker
- Stelo's footnote says 77.9% of sensors lasted the full 15 days, so roughly one in five may not.
- Dexcom says the device is not intended to be used to take medical action without talking with a healthcare professional.
What to do with the readings
A CGM report lets you work out a GMI and time in range, and you can keep notes in the private blood sugar log. Bring the report to your care team. See every device side by side in the CGM comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dexcom Stelo need a prescription?
No. The maker sells it over the counter. Check the maker’s page for current terms.
Who is Dexcom Stelo for?
Adults 18 and older who are not on insulin. Dexcom says not to use it if you have problematic hypoglycemia.
How much does Dexcom Stelo cost?
$89.00 per month on subscription (listed as down from $99.00). HSA/FSA eligible. A one-time purchase price was not shown.
Does Medicare cover Dexcom Stelo?
Stelo is sold over the counter. Medicare's CGM rules (LCD L33822) cover prescribed CGMs for insulin-treated people or those with problematic lows, and Stelo is not for people on insulin. We found no statement from Medicare or Dexcom that Part B pays for Stelo.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
