Supplies
jamie_lee80
Posts: 176 Member
Yesterday I received my bill from medtronic for 3 months of supplies for my reservoirs, infusion sets and CGM sensors. I was very surprised that after my insurance was applied that I still owe them almost $800! Does anyone know if there is a company that you can buy these supplies from at a discounted price? I called the company that I order my insulin and test strips from and they do not offer pump supplies.
Thanks in advance for any info!
Thanks in advance for any info!
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Replies
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This makes me so sad at what you have to go through in the states. Your condition isn't reversible, isn't preventable so why should you have to pay for something to keep you alive. In the UK, normally you pay about £8 per dispensed item from a pharmacy. As a type one diabetic you don't pay anything, for any item- including for antibiotics if you're ill, any mental medication- all because they understand any illness can affect your blood sugar. Eventually when I pay taxes I'll be paying that way. But I just get so angry about the healthcare in the states and I'm sorry you have to put up with it. I wish you luck in finding a cheaper option!0
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Is that part of your deductable?
We went from 100% DME coverage last year to a deductable this year. Rude awakening0 -
My insurance deductible just reset in July so yes, that is a big part of it. Last year I got my pump in November and I was responsible for about $2,000 of the cost so it took care of my deductible right away. They are telling me that after I hit my yearly deductible it should go down to around $400, which still sucks, but really, what can you do?0
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Oh, I know....in the same boat. I wish they would bring back our old plan- we paid more for it monthly, but the coverage was just less stressful.....plus I switched from Minimed to Animas last year and their billing is atrocious. I've never spend so much time on the phone regarding improper billing.0
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Minimed has a proprietary system for their infusions sets, so they have to be Minimed to work. There are some other places that sell Minimed supplies, but I can't believe they would be less than buying direct from the manufacturer... insurance would probably get to keep the discount regardless.
It does suck, I agree... the financial side of type 1 diabetes is the worst, IMO. As a young person, I saw (and still see) other people my age doing things that I could never afford because of either the cost or the risk... living without money would be a death sentence. For example, I have a high school classmate who is 30 (so a bit older than typical). He recently quit his job, is selling his car and his various possessions (I am guessing he will get enough for plane tickets plus a little more), and is going to go on a trip through Europe for the next several months. Afterwards, who knows what he will do... that sounds like an adventure, but it would be deadly for a diabetic who could not afford medication.
Does your employer offer flex plans (i.e. section 125 plans, or "cafeteria" plans)? If yes, that is a way to set aside pre-tax money for medical bills. It helps (but is still not helpful enough, of course).
It is no wonder why so many pumpers over-wear our supplies...0 -
My old plan had DME coverage. My new plan does not. In NH deductibles get reset on January 1. My plan starts on August 1. Here's the fun part. I have a $3000 deductible. So, basically, I'm out of pocket until January 1. Then, I start over. I work a 40 week, everything I make either pays for my insurance or meds and diabetic supplies. It's not fair.0
