I.V. Prep & UniSolve

parrotluver · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 08:29 PM

Hi, I just joined today. My hubby has had type 1 diabetes for six years now.

We just recently switched insurance companies. Before, I never had any problem getting any of his pump supplies covered. I called Animas to order supplies today. I always handle all of this insurance stuff; it's just easier for one person to keep track of it. Anyway, the girl at Animas tells me that I have to pay for the I.V. Prep and UniSolve because United Healthcare doesn't cover it. I know it's not much to pay, but they nickle and dime me on everything else. I spend so much on meds every year and always meet the out-of-pocket expense, since my hubby not only has type 1, but also has Crohn's disease and a rare form of bone marrow cancer (myeloma). The Crohn's is by far the most expensive with Remicade treatments every 8 weeks at 10-12k a pop. (I have another Remicade infusion/low blood sugar story to post after this.

)

Do most insurance companies cover these products? Does yours? My previous insurance paid for the past five years. They also paid for batteries, even though my summary plan description said they were not eligible. I can kind understand not paying for the batteries, but I think they should be paying for for the I.V. Prep and UniSolve. I do have a self-funded help plan, so no help with state laws there. I have forwarded my question to the HR department and should hopefully hear something back next week. Just wondering what is everyone's experience?

Cyborg · #2 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 08:59 PM

Hello and welcome aboard.

I also use UHC and they don't cover the IV Prep. It's not very expensive out-of-pocket. One box usually lasts several months. I'm not sure what UniSolve is...

spike · #3 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrotluver

Hi, I just joined today. My hubby has had type 1 diabetes for six years now.

We just recently switched insurance companies. Before, I never had any problem getting any of his pump supplies covered. I called Animas to order supplies today. I always handle all of this insurance stuff; it's just easier for one person to keep track of it. Anyway, the girl at Animas tells me that I have to pay for the I.V. Prep and UniSolve because United Healthcare doesn't cover it. I know it's not much to pay, but they nickle and dime me on everything else. I spend so much on meds every year and always meet the out-of-pocket expense, since my hubby not only has type 1, but also has Crohn's disease and a rare form of bone marrow cancer (myeloma). The Crohn's is by far the most expensive with Remicade treatments every 8 weeks at 10-12k a pop. (I have another Remicade infusion/low blood sugar story to post after this.

)

Do most insurance companies cover these products? Does yours? My previous insurance paid for the past five years. They also paid for batteries, even though my summary plan description said they were not eligible. I can kind understand not paying for the batteries, but I think they should be paying for for the I.V. Prep and UniSolve. I do have a self-funded help plan, so no help with state laws there. I have forwarded my question to the HR department and should hopefully hear something back next week. Just wondering what is everyone's experience?

what are you using IV prep for? If it's for keeping sets stuck on better, there's a better product by Smith & Nephew (same folks that sell IV prep)--it's called Skin Prep. Much stickier.

parrotluver · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:02 PM

It's an adhesive remover.

I haven't heard of the Skin Prep. We'll have to try it.

Cyborg · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike

what are you using IV prep for?

IV Prep is firstly an antiseptic. It also helps with adhesion. I use them before the new set and after the old set (same pad).

spike · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyborg

IV Prep is firstly an antiseptic. It also helps with adhesion. I use them before the new set and after the old set (same pad).

LOL! I KNOW what it is! I was asking what they were using it for, because I had a suggestion in mind for them, which I decided to include in the same post.

parrotluver · #7 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:14 PM

Oh yeah. I know what you're talking about now. He tried the skin prep before but it was a little too much. He used it when he was working (outside). It helped a lot in the summer. Unfortunately, he is not working now so he doesn't really need anything like that.

Cyborg · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:14 PM

Is Skin Prep the same type of product? Perhaps cheaper...

spike · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrotluver

Oh yeah. I know what you're talking about now. He tried the skin prep before but it was a little too much. He used it when he was working (outside). It helped a lot in the summer. Unfortunately, he is not working now so he doesn't really need anything like that.

Great holding power, huh? <g> That's the only thing that would keep my older style sets on me during the summers. the new sets stick better than MM's old Soft Sets. I had to use the Skin Prep and an IV3000 to have any chance of keeping the set on for even one session of yardwork. Using them both, I'd usually get my customary 3 days out of each set.

Keezheekoni · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 09:36 PM

Welcome to the board! I'm sorry that I don't have any info for you. I know that in WA state a lot of the doctors are dropping UHC members. I'm starting to think that the WA insurance commissioner is going to force them out of WA too...

Anyhow, I'd normally tell you to check your state mandates, but since it's a self-funded plan, you don't have those safeguards. I'm thinking that maybe your husband's doctor might take pity on him and give him a supply? You never know!

spike · #11 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 10:50 PM

Skin Prep is made by the same people as the IV Prep, but it's got less alcohol and more sticky chemical in it to provide a tenacious bond for dressings and sets. It's not super expensive, IIRC, but to know the exact price check on line. I haven't paid for it out of my pocket so I don't know. If memory serves, it was about $10-12 per box a few years ago. Worth every penny if you can't keep your sets attached w/o it. I could have SWORN that I'd already mentioned they are both made by Smith & Nephew.

dgrilli · #12 (**permalink**) 08-13-2006, 03:53 PM

I have United Health Care also and do not pay for IV Prep. I bought a box from Animas and the shipping was almost as expensive that the box of IV Preps. I remember about $7.50 for the Preps and about a little over $6.00 for the shipping.

I pay alot of money for this Health Care from UHC and feel like I want to buy stock in it because they are so cheap with their benifits. Maybe I could get a better return from them then the Dow. (LOL)

Beleive me it's business first then your well being.

Why are they charging so much for a little Vial of Novolog Insulin? The price is absurd.

Tim_Roy · #13 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 09:54 PM

I use the IV preps. The adhesive remover? I'm still on the same box my pump came with. I didn't even use the IV preps until one of my Sils came out in the middle of a reservoir. It helps in the sweaty Vegas sun.

I don't use the adhesive remover. It's really not necessary, IMO. A shower takes care of what little adhesion remains after I've removed my Silhouettes.