[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum, Cindel

Wow........I can't believe your insurance company won't pay for anything diabetes related. That makes no sense at all!

Karen

[Funnygrl]

Originally Posted by cindel

Thank you for the welcome everyone.

My insurance company won't pay for ANYTHING doing with diabetes. That's would be the problem. I just don't understand why. I will definitely call again and talk to whoever can actually give me straight answers.

Depending on the state, I don't think that's legal. Most states have mandates for diabetes supplies. Maybe they'll only cover it if you mail order?

[JediSkipdogg]

Cindel, I agree with Linda. I'm assuming you don't have prescription coverage with your insurance and that's why they won't cover it. Or is there some other reason that you know of?

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

Depending on the state, I don't think that's legal. Most states have mandates for diabetes supplies. Maybe they'll only cover it if you mail order?

If his company doesn't have a prescription rider attached to the insurance plan that's perfectly legal. If they do have one, they may simply be stating you must only use this brand and/or order it from here, again, totally legal with regards to the law.

[pegasus]

Hi, Cindel,
A few thoughts:
* Ask your doc about meters/strips. The comp reps often give them away and they fill up storage rooms--my doc gave me *2* One-touch Ultras (I like to carry one around and leave one at home). And, of course, they all come with extra strips.
* The meter companies also often offer "rebates" that result in them being free--the recurring need for strips is where they make your money--so if you call and ask the company for a rebate-eligibile meter, you'd get one with more strips.
* Depending on how you get your insurance, see if the insurance company has a different plan you can rollover to that will upgrade you to one that covers your diabetes supplies. Make sure it's something like a "rollover" that doesn't result in a pre-existing condition "look back"--those won't cover your diabetes for a period of time. If they do, it will of course depend on whether you can afford the new plan ...
* Ask the meter company about "compassionate use" programs. Like insulin companies, there are some companies that have programs to diminish their bad rep for price gouging and excessive profits by providing some free or low-cost supplies to people who truly can't afford it. It may not be easy to find, but if you call and are persistent, you may find it. It also may mean calling another company and getting a completely new meter, but if you can get free strips out of it, it would be worth it.
* If you happen to be in the state of NY, then your insurance company is lying to you, because they're required to cover all diabetes supplies.

Good luck!

EDIT:
The American Diabetes Association may have a state-by-state guide on which states are required to cover diabetes supplies

[patricia52]

You may still be able to get a free Accu Chek Aviva with 60 strips by calling 1-800-456-3431. It comes with the MultiClick lancing device and 2 drums.
Check out some of the other posts to find other free meter offers. They come with a few strips. This could help until you can find a better solution.
Good luck. (((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))).

[SGT Shoutmore]

I read this thread and it simply annoyed me to no end. How in the name of Zeus's hineyhole can a diabetic that MUST test their blood glucose be denied life necessity items such as test strips and lancets? This is the United States, a part of what we pay in taxes is supposed to be specifically for social programs to provide for those unable to do so on their own. Not everyone is as fortunate as those of us with health insurance, it angers me to no end to when I consider that there are diabetics that are treated as disposable people based upon this very thing. I m taxed for everything I earn or buy, I'd like to think I get my dag blessed money's worth for my taxes. My insurance pays outrageous prices for things, I'd like to think that medical supply companies can kick down some of these things to those less fortunate than I. (Sorry, I am spiked today, so, my mood is foul).

So, I was suficiently annoyed, I was motivated to do some looking about in google, I found the "Partnership for Prescription Assistance" and they are supposed to help with this kind of thing by providing at no cost these supplies, including medication to those unable to afford it, here's the link: https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

I take my oath upon it that I believe that there is a special place in H E Double Hockeysticks for fat cat dirty rotten stinking rich insurance company executives, for in truth, there is an inherent thread of justice in creation that is metted out in spades and without mercy but instead, dripping with contempt and fury.

[morrisma]

Welcome to the club.

I have seen references here that say to ask the meter companies for help if you are uninsured. If your insurance really isn't covering anything for diabetes, then the uninsured options should certainly help you. I'd visit websites for meter companies and see if they offer any help for the uninsured.
Mike

[Scrabblechick]

Sarge, you do have a way with words. LOL.

These are the same insurance companies who, unless you buy a stinkin' expensive dental rider, do not cover dental care, even though we all know poor dental care can lead to a host of ugly complications for which the insurance company will pay.

I'm wrangling with mine about my diabetes education class. They want to call it major medical and make me pay for the first $400 of it. However, they will pay for dialysis and all the nasty complications that inevitably follow uncontrolled diabetes.

My theory is they WANT us to die off sooner! Less overall expense that way. They may lay out a few thousand for dialysis, but the odds are overwhelmingly in their favor that we will not live very long on it and will die, thus ending the money they are having to pay and presumably, decreasing the surplus population.

In the immortal words of Shakespeare, they are: "foul, bunch-backed toads" and "elvish-mark'd, abortive, rooting hogs."

[slipperyelm]

Welcome to the foums, Cindel.

Is your insurance not going to pay for doctor visits for monitoring your diabetes and for getting prescriptions? Will they not pay for lab work if it is related to diabetes? Is your insurance to cover "catastrophic" health events only? If you don't mind, I'd be interested in knowing the name of the company and the name of the plan.

I had to change insurance plans not long ago and my out of pocket expenses went up quite a bit, so I'm really empathetic.

Make sure to read this forum frequently and get yourself a couple of books from the library to really understand diabetes and the options to handle it. The more you know, the more you can get yourself into a good place with it.

[Candace]

I just started reading through these and i had some questions. I am 19 and i've been type 1 for almost 4 years. 5 days before my 16th birthday i was diagnosed. I am on the insulin pump and have been for about 6 months. I was recently taken off my insurance becasue i turned 19, and was to old to recieve it. I couldnt find any plans that i could afford, and ones that were free. I go to college full time and work full time, and i've been on my own( money wise) since i was 17. I am recieving this "donated" type of coverage for my insulin only, but i cannot get help with my quick set infusion sets, reserviors, and test strips, or doctors visits. I havent been to my doctor in almost a year because it is just simply too expensive and with everything else i have to pay,which run me over $200.00 a month, i cannot afford much more. Does anyone know of organzations or anything like that that might donate or help pay for this stuff, im desparate and about to scream from all the stress. Thank you!
candace.