CGM Sensor Buffer Budget Calculator

Estimate the cash cushion you need when continuous glucose monitor sensors fail early. Enter your monthly usage, replacement rate, sensor cost, insurance reimbursement, and an optional spare target to uncover monthly and annual out-of-pocket buffers plus how many backup sensors to keep on hand.

Count of sensors you typically insert each month.
Percent of sensors that fail early or need replacement shipments.
Your pharmacy or supplier price per sensor. Include shipping if it increases replacement cost.
Percent of the replacement cost reimbursed by insurance.
Optional. Defaults to keeping at least two backup sensors ready.

Always coordinate with your healthcare provider and insurer for official replacement policies.

Examples

  • 3 sensors per month, 18% failure rate, $92 per sensor, 70% reimbursement, minimum buffer 2 → Budget $55.20 per month; $662.40 per year; Keep 2 spare sensors on hand; Gross replacements $184.00 monthly.
  • 4 sensors per month, 12% failure rate, $104 per sensor, 60% reimbursement, minimum buffer 3 → Budget $124.80 per month; $1,497.60 per year; Keep 3 spare sensors on hand; Gross replacements $312.00 monthly.

FAQ

Can I include manufacturer replacement programs?

Lower the failure rate percentage to reflect sensors the manufacturer replaces free of charge, or set the reimbursement rate to 100% for those failures.

How should I plan for multi-user households?

Add up monthly sensor usage and expected failures across users, then use a larger minimum buffer so the spare drawer covers everyone.

What if my reimbursement varies by pharmacy?

Use the lowest reimbursement percentage you experience so the budget covers worst-case claim denials or out-of-network purchases.

How often should I revisit the buffer amount?

Recalculate every time your prescription, insurance coverage, or CGM model changes so the monthly and annual budgets track the latest pricing.

Additional Information

  • The spare sensor recommendation respects your minimum buffer preference and rounds up to cover the expected failed sensors.
  • Monthly out-of-pocket reflects replacement cost after insurance reimbursement; gross replacements show the full spend before coverage.
  • Annual totals multiply the monthly out-of-pocket buffer by 12 to help with HSA/FSA planning.
  • Adjust the failure rate based on manufacturer replacements or pharmacy spoilage credits to keep the buffer realistic.

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