Medical Assistance

Hello

I am a single mother of 2 sons with type 1 diabetes.  My insurance just recently changed and my co-pays are beginning to become unmanagable.  Insulin will now cost $85.00 month times 2 and test strips $85.00 month times 2.  they are both on the insulin pump and now pump supplies that were 100% covered will cost me $1000.00 every 3 months until I fulfill the deductible which then the new year will start all over.  The manufacturer offered me a payment plan!!  I am needing assistance and coming up empty.  Anyone have any success with this?

[CCmamalisa]

I'm not sure what state you live in, but in Michigan we have Children's Special Health Care through the state.  It is a program for children with special health needs and is somewhat part of the medicaid program...however it is not the same as medicaid.  It is something you have to pay for, however, there is a sliding scale that goes by income.  We've fallen in the middle-high payment plan, however, it's nothing compared to the cost of insulin, pump supplies, & test strips.  It also covers co-pays & deductibles for any doctor visit that is related to diabetes.  It even covered an ER visit copay when my daughter had the stomach flu.  I hate to think where we'd be without it, and I only have 1 child w. T1.  We found out about it through my daughter's endocrinologist, so you may want to start by asking yours if your state has such a program.  Our doctor arranged to get the paperwork sent to us, and we then filed the paperwork with the state.  It was a few months before it all kicked in, however, it is now a definite lifesaver.  My daughter is covered under it until the age of 21 as long as the premiums are paid.  Our highest premium has been $300/year....which you & I both know is a drop in the bucket;o)

Hope this helps!