It’s now Day 4 of Diabetes Blog Week and the homestretch is in sight. I am starting to fade a bit when it comes to daily writing and reading about diabetes. Fortunately I’ve read some great blogposts this week and am inspired to make it to the finish line. Today the subject is healthcare and our fearless DBW leader, Karen Graffeo of Bitter-Sweet™, has given us permission to get grouchy. Right now I have good doctors and good insurance. Not everyone else is as lucky.

Today’s Topic:  Most people who live with a chronic illness end up with a lot of experience when it comes to dealing with healthcare. How would you improve or change your healthcare experience? What would you like to see happening during medical visits with your healthcare team? How about when dealing with your health insurance companies? What’s your Healthcare Wish List or Biggest Frustration? Today is the day to share it all!

Wow. I think that those of us with diabetes could write an encyclopedia on this topic. The thing that bothers me the most about the healthcare system in the United States is the consistent inconsistency of it.

New year ==> New Insurance plan ==> Used Humalog last year. Forced to switch to Novolog.

New job ==> Different insurance company ==> Current endocrinologist is now out-of-network.

Same year ==> Same insurance plan ==> Won’t cover my brand of pump anymore.

Next-door neighbors with Type 2 diabetes  ==> My insurance reimburses diabetes education ==> Yours doesn’t.

Next-door neighbors with same income ==> You work for a large corporation and pay $500/month for health insurance ==> I am self-employed and pay $1000/month for similar insurance.

An insurance company pays my dentist $75 for an office visit ==> I don’t have dental coverage and must pay $135 for the same visit.

I have my 65th birthday ==> When I was 64 I had full insurance coverage for a CGM ==> Now it is considered “precautionary” and not reimbursable.

I could go on and on but it would drive me crazy. What worries me most about our healthcare system is that it is going to get worse before it gets better:-(

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