This month the DSMA Blog Carnival wants us to complete a sentence. “I wish my insurance company paid for _________because ______________.” Can I just say EVERYTHING???But seriously, “everything” is my answer. I’ve been pretty lucky as health insurance goes. I have my insulin pump. My CGM got approved without much hassle. My first test strip order with my new insurance was denied because I test 8 - 10 times a day and they said that was more than they would cover, but I asked my endo's office to appeal it and within a week all of the test strips I need were delivered to my door. So yes, it could be worse . . . . but it could also be better.
I wish my insurance company would cover strips for which ever brand meter I’d like to use - instead of just the two brands they’ve decided I can choose from. While we are at it, I wish they'd also pay for the actual meter because I'm majorly pining for the iBGStar but don't have an extra $80 to shell out for it. I wish my insurance company covered all brands of insulin equally - instead of having “preferred” brands with lower copays. Unfortunately, my body does not “prefer” the brands on the lower copay tier. Even with coverage, the copays on the stuff I need is ridiculously expensive!
But still, I’m pretty lucky with insurance. I think of people who can’t get coverage for insulin pumps. I think of friends who are allowed only one or two test strips a day. I think of those who go to sleep every night scared stiff of lows, but can’t get coverage for a CGM to keep them safe. And I think of the struggles people with other illnesses and conditions go through over insurance.
So instead I wish ALL insurance companies paid for EVERYTHING PEOPLE WITH DIABETES (or any health condition) NEED TO LIVE LONG HEALTHY LIVES because WE DESERVE IT.
This post is my May entry in the DSMA Blog Carnival. If you’d like to participate too, you can get all of the information at http://diabetessocmed.com/2012/may-dsma-blog-carnival-2/ .
Well said, Karen! I wholeheartedly agree.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have been pretty lucky also and even though I had to fight for a CGMS, I was able to get. I know other people have to fight for every little thing and that just wears you down.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, gonna have to pull up that song on Spotify now! :)
ReplyDelete:) I've been singing it all afternoon.
DeleteI wish insurance paid for vacation time. Vacation time makes me happy. Happy helps control my BS. Stress, sadness, anger, and crap don't. A little happiness can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteBut I know that necessities are important too.
Amen, sista!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought of the Springsteen song as soon as I read the title to your post. But, I mean.......duh. :D
ReplyDeleteHigh copays are super lame.
I thought of the Springsteen song as soon as I read the title to your post. But, I mean.......duh. :D
ReplyDeleteHigh copays are super lame.
The Boss and you say it well!
ReplyDeletePerfect. I'm new to T1D and furious that I have to wrangle with insurance to get the items my daughter needs to live. Who knew that I now have to deal with a sub-insurance group covering pharmacutical needs that refuses to cover the test strips our Dr. recommends and cancelled our order for lancets and pen needles for no reason. Ugh. I am ever-thankful for insurance, but heartbroken when I think of those who have nothing and the struggles our family now faces in this world.
ReplyDeleteMy husband's Dexcom is our issue. He is on Medicare and they don't even have a "code" for it. Don't they realize that it is keeping him out of the emergency room and out of the hospital. He does not recognize lows and we have had several close calls with this issue. I would go to any lengths to convince them it needs to be covered. Any suggestions?
ReplyDelete