I occasionally have readers who contact me by email rather than leave comments on my blogposts. Kathy K from New York is one of those readers. She and I have an amazingly number of things in common. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1974 at age 23 after recently graduating from school and getting married. I was diagnosed in 1976 at age 24 after recently graduating from school and getting married. She has 2 children and 5 grandchildren. I have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. Do you see a pattern here?

Kathy is a few steps ahead of me in the Medicare process. Today she has written about some of her experiences as a newcomer to Medicare. There is no doubt that she knows “diabetes.” In addition to living with Type 1, she is a retired RN and BSN Certified Diabetes Educator.

Welcome, Kathy K from New York, and I hope that this is the first of many guest posts!

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The Journey that is Medicare

Thank goodness that I found Laddie. I was fuming with frustration trying to get my first prescriptions, pump supplies and strips through Medicare. Even though Laddie is not quite there yet, her blog regarding her journey toward Medicare eligibility sounded exactly like mine.

The  psychological profile of most persons with Type 1 diabetes who use an insulin pump probably include such traits as independence, controlling, problem solving and motivated. (well maybe that’s just me!) I have lived with Type 1 diabetes for 42 years and thankfully had excellent health insurance and a wonderful physician willing to let me “run the show”

What a shock to realize that Medicare regulations takes all that away. You all know how we make sure we have enough pump supplies on hand, strips to cover frequent testing and insulin. I am here to tell you to be sure to have enough on hand to withstand ins and outs of new insurance rules.

Some of the biggies are Medicare does not cover CGM. Only 100 test strips are allowed if you take insulin and calculating your individual costs for medications is an accounting nightmare! But wait, there’s more to share. Do not take any of those restrictions at face value. My motto “Never take NO for an answer.” As many people that you call looking for help, that’s as many different answers you can get for the very same question.

Here is what I found out along my journey.  I am now knee deep in the muddy waters of Medicare coverage. Medicare has been approving some CGMs. A very specific appeal process needs to be followed but even courts have directed Medicare to approve of these devices. With that said, contact your supplier for help. They will probably offer you a decreased price for persons who have to pay out of pocket. My experience with Medtronic is that before you order supplies, you have to sign a disclaimer that states:  1) bill Medicare the full price and you will proceed with the appeals process to get the bill for $473.00 for a box of 5 sensors. If the appeal fails, you are responsible for the entire amount. Or 2) I want the sensors but will pay a decreased price up front now and cannot then bill Medicare and go through the appeals process. This price is about 45% off or approximately $260.

Another fact to keep in mind for those on an insulin pump, the insulin used in the infusion device is covered under Part B of your Medicare health insurance. Do not back down on this one. Find a pharmacy that has experience billing this way and use them. For me that was Walgreens. My Walmart pharmacist looked at me like I had two heads when when I was trying to explain this. I have a Medicare supplement policy that picks up all costs that are not paid by Medicare. So my cost $0!! Yep, that’s right—$0 for my Humalog insulin. My infusion sets and reservoirs are also covered under this same policy. That is one of my biggest successes in this journey. A new order for pump supplies, for me reservoirs and infusion sets, cannot be started until you only have 5 sets left!!! or 81 days from the previous order.

Another change I encountered is that I can no longer get my test strips from the pump company. There is a bidding process for providers in some areas and whomever Medicare chooses as the winner of the bid is the type of strips and the place where you need get them. Additionally, you will only be allowed 100 strips per month. Not nearly enough for me and probably you too! Once again Medicare also known as CMS, has a process for appeal. You need to supply a log of your tests and a physician note documenting the need. I have yet to submit for strips. I am not due to reorder yet.

Lastly, at least for now, is drug coverage. This is the biggest stumbling block for me. I tried the mail order supplier the insurance company suggested. I am quite dissatisfied with this company and that is another long story. I am finding it difficult to follow how much each of my medications cost and how far down the line to the donut hole I am. Hopefully, that’s a learning curve I will master soon.

DISCLAIMER:  Please do your own research into your specific state and insurance companies regulations. This is just my experience in the journey that is Medicare.

ONE MORE THING:  I have an additional psychological trait. I am so stubborn with a 2 year-old’s “ME DO IT!” attitude. Hummmm… A 2 year-old battles Medicare! Stay tuned.