Type 1 Diabetes on Animas pump NO HEALTH INSURANCE!!

[Laurinluvsu]

Hi!  I have had Diabetes for almost 18 years and have always had health ins.  I recently switched jobs and applied for health coverage, but... being that I have Diabetes I am on a year long waiting period.  I am trying all over to find some type of health plan.  I am in the progress of getting an answer from BCBS of Arizona to have health coverage excluding Diabetes and thyroid disease.  My husband and I are working hard to come up with the money for all of my meds, Animas supplies and all other diabetic supplies. I am getting really frustrated.  Does anyone know where I can get help to get my supplies?  I don't know what else to do.  We make too much money to even apply for any type of government help.... yet not enough money to support our household.  I am caught between a rock and a hard place.

Please, if anyone has any idea....please let me know.

[Forum-M.D.-wak]

See if you can get Medicaid. If you search on line under health insurance there are policies you can get.  Check with your state insurance department. Some states like NY have a non preexisting law which means you MUST be covered without a waiting period. The only way a new insurance cannot cover you is of you did not have coverage for 61 days.  Contact your last job.  By FEDERAL LAW they MUST offer you COBRA insurance. You musty pay for it but they have to offer it to you fro 18 months.  I have attached an email address that answers questions, contact them they can help you with your former employer, they did for me


http://www.cobrainsurance.com/COBRA_FAQ.htm#What%20Plans%20Are%20Not%20Subject%20to%20COBRA?

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm


Hope this helps. Good luck

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I'm another volunteer here and suggest that you visit the JDRF website (http://www.jdrf.org) and look for our sister-initiative Online Diabetes Support Team (ODST).  Unlike us, their volunteers are equipped to work with individuals with information & support.

I believe they have one volunteer who has become quite an expert on regulations & also resources available in different states.  In addition, they may be able to connect you with others in your area that could help -- perhaps folks with leftover supplies after switching pumps, for example.

If you decide to contact them, please mention that you were referred to ODST from the MedHelp/JDRF Forum.

Good luck; as a fellow pumper I understand how frightening it is to face a potential lapse in supplies.  Do be sure to keep plenty of syringes on hand & discuss with your doctor what insulin routine you should use just in case you need to take an unwelcome pump vacation.

Good luck & hang in there.

[ashwinbapa]

MEDICINES,HERBS AND EXRCISE DO HELP IN SICKNESS.BUT SOME HOLY READING WILL BRIGHTEN.PLEASE VISIT FOR HOLY READING

www.ashwinbapa.blogspot.com

[Laurinluvsu]

I am past the Cobra due date because I was told I would not have a problem getting coverage on my company's plan.  So, being that I did not know any thing about qualifying events I missed the enrollment period.  I have not had coverage since August of 2006.  SO...I am in the process of qualifying for BCBS.  I am looking for animas supplies and glucose supplies that don't cost as much money...as for seeing an Endocrinologist...I pay out of pocket.  Things are very tough and I don't know where to turn.  I will try the information / numbers you gave me.  Thank you!!

[Bethie79sd]

I had the 1 yr waiting period with my new job as well and it was outrageous to get it through an insurance company on my own.  I just asked my Drs offices if they ever got any samples of my medications, I know that they don't have pump supplies but they may have your insulin and or other medications that you use.  Good Luck I know that it can be very frustrating.  

[nurse2minister]

Some medication and supply companies have patient assitance programs, go to each individual site and apply directly, each company has their own rules and regulations, even if you think you do not qualify, apply any way, you never know. Also check with various charitable organizations in the community that may have funds or resources to give you assistance.  Other meds, switch to generic--however you will not be able to do that with the insuline pump--most companys only manufature their own supplies and there are not generics.  

Let your needs be know to family, friends, church and clubs in which you belong.  I am sure, most of them will not allow you to go without your supplies.  Do plenty of websearches and just hang in there.  I know it is tough.

[mcneely]

I am a business owner and at one time wanted my wife to quit her job to stay home with our newborn. Her job was providing insurance where as a single business owner I could not get any insurance with diabetes, besides from the state which is extremely expensive and your name is thrown into a pool - which is not good in my opinion. I learned a few things during those weeks so here area few pointers:

1) check to see if you can get medicaid in the meantime
2) call the pump manufacturer and tell them your situation. I know minimed offers financial aid and it is based off your income (and debts I think) - this will cut the supplies costs down.
3) there are a few places online where you can ask for help from the World Wide Web - to fund you through these tough times. I have seen folks asking for assistance so a father could have back surgery or a child could get cancer treatment. So give it a try, I think it is free to create the "fund". http://fundable.org/
4) as someone already mentioned, tell your church and friends your situation.
5) doctors have lots of samples and give them out. The manufacturers give these graciously so don't be afraid to ask your doc
6) I think the american diabetes society has some pages worth reading on how to get help when financially challenged. They may even be able to offer help in some tangiable way. I know when I called their toll free number the person on the other end was really helpful.
7) for your prescriptions, think about buying them in Canada. Sorry folks, some of you may not agree but it is an option. You can buy some prescriptions online through a Canadian drug store. I don't even think you have to provide a prescription - less hassles there.

I hope that helps.