the pump

i am and have been very intreseted in getting hooked up on the pump. i am 18 now and told my doctor lets do it. when my mother and i learned of how much it would all cost, we couldn't beleive it, but after talking this over with family members, they decided i should still do it and they would help with the expenses. i was pratically all set, and had done my log for a week when my doctor explained that we would have to pay an additional amount for the supplies each month. my mom realized that this wasn't going to be a possibility for me and apolagized. more than anything i want a pump but just can't afford it. we have checked out jdf and trying to see if there is any help but there really isn't any. what can i do to make this a possibility for me. thanks

[Mr_Gatorade]

I would also like to pump insulin, but there's no possible way to
pay for it or for the recurring monthly expenses.  Perhaps in the future, you'll meet somebody who has health insurance or money. So keep your health intact as much as possible by keeping your BG under control.  I recommend you read the book "Diabetes Solution" by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein.  I also recommend you take up cross-country running to keep your weight under control.
Nick

[JDRF-Team-dm]

Dear iwearmoonboots,

Thank you so much for reaching out to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I certainly understand your frustration. It is obvious that you are trying very hard to do everything right.

I have found three websites that I would like you check out.

1) www.jdrf.com. At the top right you will see "Living with" In the search box enter "financial assistance for supplies). There will be 10 items on that page. Scroll to the bottom and open 10.

2)http://childrenwithdiabetes.com/dteam/index_insurance_2003.htm This a wonderful resource for many things dealing with type 1 diabetes. I use them quite often.

3)http://www.expressmedicalsupply.com/diabeteshtml.

I hope these sites will help you. Others will probably be posting comments also. Please keep an eye out for them.

I wish you the best and please, let us know how things are working out. I am very glad that you have such a supportive family. There are so many people with diabetes who are forced to try to manage without medical insurance.

Good Luck,

dm

[JDRF Volunteer WAK]

Before you give up, I would contact your insurance company and see how they can help you.  I would also contact the different pump companies. I know that some of them do help out those people that need the pump.  They can give loners and have programs to help with the costs.  

Good luck

[ThorPatterson-Ritz]

I spoke to the company Animas that produces a nice pump. I currently use MiniMed which is horrible.  They treated me very poorly and I have had major problems with their product. My advise is stay away from them.

When I spoke with a sales person from Animas they told me they have several different ways to purchase their pumps if I didn't have insurance. A reduced price, loan, etc.  You might wamt to speak with the company directly. The website to Animas is: http://www.animascorp.com/index2.shtml

As far as supplies go.  I know the "companies" and "doctors" don't won't tell you this but I often reuse the syringes a couple of times, I don't change the site every two days as they recommend, etc.  This has worked for me over the 6 years I have used the pump and has allowed me to continue to use it when money was tight.  

Best of luck in finding some resource. Try a community resource as well. Some times a church organization, local diabetic group or community drive can help.  Last year I knew someone who had switched pumps (From MiniMed) and had a years worth of supplies to give to me.