In Need of a Pump

[trishagarth94]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the boards. I was diagnosed with type 1 almost a year ago and my endo thinks that it's time for me to start on the pump only one problem I DON'T have any insurance. He makes me a deal when I see him on payment for visits but I am even struggleing to pay for insulin and everything else. If there is any one out there who could help. Maybe some one who has an old pump that they are not using anymore it would help me out greatly.

[notme]

The pump is only the beginning of the expenses, trish. The pump itself costs about $6,000.00. The supplies for using the pump is very expensive. If you are struggling to pay for insulin, I think the pump supplies would be impossible. Insurance is the only way most of us could ever afford to stay on the pump. Pumping is more expensive than MDI.

Here are the prices I took off the Medtronic website for a 508.

Quick-set ™ (10/box) 9mm Cannula / 43" Tubing MMT-390 $116.00
MiniMed Reservoir (10/box) MMT-103A $33.00

You would need approximately one and a half boxes per month of each as well as your insulin.


Call Medtronic and a couple of the other pump companies and I am sure they can give you a cost breakdown on pumping.

[JediSkipdogg]

Essentially add the supplies you already buy and then add another $150 a month to it for pump supplies. $150 is a rough number, but it's the low end of what pumping will cost you per month. So if you have trouble with other supplies, then pumping may not be for you as you don't need less with pumping, you need more.

[Keezheekoni]

I agree with the other two posters... Pumping is really expensive. If I ever lose my insurance, I'll have to go back to MDI. You need more test strips per month, more novolog, infusion sets, cartridges, etc. It's definitely not for someone who doesn't have insurance. All of the prescription assistance programs will not cover pump supplies, nor will being on Medicaid (as far as I know, and honestly they shouldn't if they do!)

Sorry!

[trishagarth94]

Thanks you guys, I am currently trying to get Blue Cross Blue Shield and it has been a hassle. And because it was a pre-exsisting condition they said it will be at least 12 months before it is covered. I would have insurance if I was still in school becasue I would still be on my parents but I just finished school and can't find a job with benifits out here.

[Keezheekoni]

Yeah, you'll find that most self-pay insurance has pre-existing condition clauses. It's unfortunate...

Were you in college or high school? If you can't find anything in your field right away, and you still live with your parents, there are always jobs at Starbucks, McD's, Barnes&Noble, etc. that provide some type of benefits. I know that Starbucks is stellar for giving part-time employees full benefits...

I know that when you first get out of college and you can't find anything in your field, it's tough. A lot of people go through that.

Hope you find something soon!

[someone]

Yes, as others have said, for most, pump supplies are very hard to pay for without insurance. I don't know if you are on Lantus now, but if you can't afford a pump, Lantus is the closest alternative. For me, the pump has been a matter of convenience rather than control. My a1c on Lantus was always 5.5-6.5 and really hasn't gone any lower with the pump.

[trishagarth94]

I just finished college. No I do not live with my parents, I live in an apartment by myself, although I have thought about moving back in with them so that I can affoard everything. I work full time with an agency that goes into seniors homes and helps with their daily living right now I am working almost 60 hours a week and bringing home enough to barely get by and they have no benifits. I have been trying to get into the local hospital but have had no luck, yet. It really sucks that there is a waiting period, if I were thinking about the insurance 6 1/2 months ago I could have started the process and been 6 months into the waiting period but didn't think that my parents insurance was going to drop me so soon.

[trishagarth94]

Yes, as others have said, for most, pump supplies are very hard to pay for without insurance. I don't know if you are on Lantus now, but if you can't afford a pump, Lantus is the closest alternative. For me, the pump has been a matter of convenience rather than control. My a1c on Lantus was always 5.5-6.5 and really hasn't gone any lower with the pump.

I was on Lantus, but I was always really high in the morning.

[Jorj Gaidin]

So when I was in college, I had sucky insurance and I certainly couldn't afford to pay for pump supplies on my own. The insurance wanted me to pay 2,000 before they'd start paying anything at all. I was living in Wisconsin at the time and I got supplies through the VNW (Visiting Nurses Association of Wisconsin). They had a cost sharing program that allowed them to waive entirely the cost of my supplies (what insurance would not pay for). I understand I was still using insurance here, but I do know they will work with you if you do not have insurance.

Another thing to consider... do you qualify for Medicare? If not, perhaps the state has some sort of grant program or cost sharing program you might qualify for.

[trishagarth94]

So when I was in college, I had sucky insurance and I certainly couldn't afford to pay for pump supplies on my own. The insurance wanted me to pay 2,000 before they'd start paying anything at all. I was living in Wisconsin at the time and I got supplies through the VNW (Visiting Nurses Association of Wisconsin). They had a cost sharing program that allowed them to waive entirely the cost of my supplies (what insurance would not pay for). I understand I was still using insurance here, but I do know they will work with you if you do not have insurance.

Another thing to consider... do you qualify for Medicare? If not, perhaps the state has some sort of grant program or cost sharing program you might qualify for.

Thanks for the help

[VinceF]

There is a place I think they help but you'll have to check them out for yourself, I found them on Insulin-pumpers.org website listed under the links. It the Ray Charles III Diabetes association they accept donations too. Hope this helps I really don't know how they work.

[trishagarth94]

There is a place I think they help but you'll have to check them out for yourself, I found them on Insulin-pumpers.org website listed under the links. It the Ray Charles III Diabetes association they accept donations too. Hope this helps I really don't know how they work.

I found them and I sent in my information yesterday. Thanks

[trishagarth94]

Got accepted by Blue Cross Blue Shield. :) My endo sent a letter to BCBS and they have contacted me and they are going to cover 90% which is good, they said that they didn't have to pay but because my doc was so persistant about it they are going to go ahead and cover 90% of it. They will cover 90% of supplies also, Until deductable is meant then 100% :) :) :) :) they are also going to cover meter, strips, insulin, syringes, etc. at 90%. So today is a very good day.

[lgvincent]

Certainly sounds that way!

[VinceF]

That's great news! Good luck

[Jorj Gaidin]

Got accepted by Blue Cross Blue Shield. :) My endo sent a letter to BCBS and they have contacted me and they are going to cover 90% which is good, they said that they didn't have to pay but because my doc was so persistant about it they are going to go ahead and cover 90% of it. They will cover 90% of supplies also, Until deductable is meant then 100% :) :) :) :) they are also going to cover meter, strips, insulin, syringes, etc. at 90%. So today is a very good day.

Congratulations!

[trishagarth94]

Congratulations!

Thanks Y'all. I now this is corny but my horescope yesterday said that "Life is settling down, try and relax, everything will work itself out". Now I have to decide which pump that I want to use, any suggestions?

[sleepy_hound]

Congrats!! I am still waiting for a bill from someone...my insurance DENIED the claim, though I did get an authorization somewhere and got my pump and 3 months of supplies!??? I imagine someone wants to get paid. Animas has been very good in fighting on my behalf so far. My insurance just stinks the big one.

[trishagarth94]

Congrats!! I am still waiting for a bill from someone...my insurance DENIED the claim, though I did get an authorization somewhere and got my pump and 3 months of supplies!??? I imagine someone wants to get paid. Animas has been very good in fighting on my behalf so far. My insurance just stinks the big one.

I know how insurance can be. Hope that everything works out for you.

[Funnygrl]

I was on Lantus, but I was always really high in the morning.
You can try adding a little NPH at bedtime to get a night time peak with Lantus to prevent morning highs.

Never mind- saw your post about insurance. Mega congrats!