Cost of diabetic supplies

Maddogg · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 09:15 AM

How much do you all pay for your diabetic supplies such as pen needles, syringes, insulin, bs test strips...

I'm lucky my insurance covers nearly 80% of my diabetic supplies, but it still costs me several hundred dollars (CDN$) a year in supplies.

lgvincent · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 10:09 AM

Yes, supplies are expensive. Humalog is $60.00 per vial and NPH is about half that. I have assistance with blood glucose strips but I still have to pay about $30.00 each month for 150 and I have a hard time paying for them.

Shalyndria · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 04:03 PM

All in CDN $'s:

Pump supplies I have 100% direct coverage on, so I don't pay a penny. Otherwise It'd probably cost me $400/month (choke).

Everything else I have 80% direct coverage so strips (100's) are $18 every week and a half/two weeks, lancets are about $3, and a 10mL vial of Novorapid is about $5.

And my government gives addicts free syringes. What can we do but shake our heads?!

Shy

HeatherP · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 04:41 PM

I'm fortunate that California requires health ins to cover testing supplies, however, my co-pay is $25 per rx, meaning that for insulin, strips and syringes I end up spending $75-100 per month.

Belinda · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 06:43 PM

Okay I am not sure what insurance everyone has but here is how I learned to get my money's worth.
If you are on a pump have you Dr. write the prescription that way and your insurance will pay. I get a 3 month supply at a time which is 9 vials for 15.00. The strips are only sold in qualities of max 200 so I get those once a month for 15.00 as well. I have yet to buy new lancets because I have been to seminars etc... where they pass them out. To get the max in strips have your dr. write to check when waking up, before each meal and 2 hours after and at bedtime. Even if you use only 100 a month this will save you some money where you can get a month ahead. Also check your insurance for maintenance drugs (insulin). Remember insurance premiums start over in Jan. so do all you doctor stuff now while you have in those deductables. My pump supplies I am not sure since I haven't had to get any in 3 years...long story if you need to know just ask!

rzrbks · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 07:15 PM

My insurance Co. covers 50% of my supplies, tests, etc. but none of my insulin or other medications

Jon · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2003, 11:23 PM

I pay $3 for every prescription, but I have to deal with crappy hospitals. I can't wait until August when I can change my insurance. I would gladly pay more for quality help.

snydermom · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2003, 05:34 AM

From Pennsylvania - age 65 & low-income:

Medicare pays for most of the monitor, strips & lancets. (Last bill for 300 strips & 300 lancets was $31.)

PACENET (2nd tier/low-income thro the PA Lottery) is $500 deductible and then $15 co-pay on "most" other drugs. However, it does NOT pay for syringes.

HeatherP · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2003, 09:36 AM

Jon- you're in the same approx area as I am. I have Blue Shield HMO. It's expensive-my husband and I pay $750/month-we're a small employer, so I don't know how the premiums compare. However, I'd have to say they take pretty good care of me. My dr's are good and I'm allowed to see the CDE whenever I want, and my referrals get processed pretty quickly. You might want to look into this insurance when you have the opportunity. I really hope you're able to change to insurance that's more helpful for you and your son.

Jon · #10 (**permalink**) 10-22-2003, 11:33 PM

Waiting for August...

ells · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003, 09:34 AM

Hi. I live in the UK and all my apparatus is free,as are the meds and dentistry, I have paid into national insurance when I was employed though, Ells

Alaska · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003, 10:04 AM

I have a 25 dollar copay per month on each subscription EXCEPT they do not cover test strips.........but we are working on that as we speak

snakeye · #13 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003, 06:26 PM

Well, I live in Turkey and I'm still in the coverage of my fathers insurance because I'm a unv. student (or try to keep myself as a student! ssshhh) the most I can (which is 7 yrs max)

I don't pay a dime for the supplies but I get a pack of 50 Medisense Optiums for 2 months which is not enough...

I get everything in time however it's quite a headache at the hospital...

Do you know how much is the 50 Medisense Optium in the US or Canada? Or the question could be how much do you pay and what brand do you use..

lgvincent says 30$ for 150....that is quite low!!!
The optium here was something like over 80$ for a 50 pack.

mg_2204 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 03:58 PM

Hello!

When we moved from Canada to England, I was surprised of the excellent diabetic follow up they have over here... and the little money we pay for the supplies. Monitor is free. Strips and lancets I have to buy but pay very little for them. I feel very lucky! In Canada, the diabetic clinic was just an annual check-up with your doc, lasting no more than 5 minutes. Didn't always sent you for blood analysis either! Eye exams are free in UK for me as I've suffered from glaucoma in the past.

Marie

notme · #15 (**permalink**) 10-29-2003, 11:49 PM

This year I pay $40.00 per Rx for a three month supply. Next year I will pay $60.00 per month for a three month supply with a $100.00 deductible. My pump supplies this year are covered at 100% because they are considered Durable Medical Equipement. I don't know if that will change next year, I am still waiting to hear from my insurance company for an answer.

I figure all in all last year my medical expenses were approximately $2,000.00 and that doesn't include my insurance premium of $500.00 per month. Next year it will be about $700.00.

I can't afford diabetes anymore. Can someone please take over for me???

Nancy