By Beverleigh H Piepers
Learning to live with the physical and emotional aspects of Type 2 diabetes is difficult enough without having to deal with the financial aspects of it and how it can impact your wallet. While even perfectly controlled diabetes costs money, you can anticipate and manage many treatment costs to some extent. For people who have been diagnosed with this disease it is important to know what is available and the challenges that might lie ahead.
Since Type 2 diabetes is typically considered a self-managed disease many of the factors associated with it are in the hands of the individual. When diabetic supplies such as test strips, lancets, insulin, meters, etc., are needed, these may, or may not, be covered under standard insurance plans. Since these are vital components of the treatment process it is important to know how to acquire them.
Shopping around will save you money on items you must purchase out of your own pocket as costs vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, and some items are available online. You will find rebates are often offered on glucose testing meters, and a few meters are almost free.
There will be occasions when diabetes medications, including insulin, might not be covered under a general insurance plan. Since all insurance plans are different it is up to you to determine what is covered and what isn't. In the instance where there is no coverage, there may be other options available. If you are a regular customer who purchases several medications, you may be able to negotiate discounts with your pharmacy on medications and diabetic supplies. Also you could do some "price shopping" and then present evidence of the lowest prices you can find, asking your pharmacist if he is prepared to match these prices.
Medicare is a source for diabetes supplies. They will typically require the diabetic to attend a Type 2 diabetes education program before coverage will begin, but it is useful information that will assist in the day-to-day aspects of diabetes. It is always a good idea to have your doctor involved when working with Medicare, as Medicare often requires special documentation.
For those people who are over 65, Medicare offers a wide variety of supplies. Some limitations are imposed, but if the individual works with their doctor they can have the recommended amount of diabetes equipment prescribed to ensure coverage. There is also coverage available through the Social Security Administration.
There are also programs for what are classified as "high risk pools". This is coverage for those who might be considered "uninsurable" due to any number of reasons. The coverage is similar to that which is offered by private insurers, but often carries higher deductibles or limited coverage to justify the risk by the company.
If someone loses his or her job there is often the opportunity to continue their health coverage through a COBRA plan. This might only be available for a specific time, but it will allow the diabetic to continue receiving treatment.
Often people simply do not have the financial means to care for their disease. When this occurs there are organizations that are in place that can assist with supplies, and sometimes even basic office visits.
Checking with the County Health Department is another option, as they will sometimes offer insulin for specific groups of individuals who qualify. Your doctor may also have other recommendations.
Learning to live with the physical and emotional aspects of Type 2 diabetes is difficult enough without having to deal with the financial aspects of it and how it can impact your wallet. While even perfectly controlled diabetes costs money, you can anticipate and manage many treatment costs to some extent. For people who have been diagnosed with this disease it is important to know what is available and the challenges that might lie ahead.
Since Type 2 diabetes is typically considered a self-managed disease many of the factors associated with it are in the hands of the individual. When diabetic supplies such as test strips, lancets, insulin, meters, etc., are needed, these may, or may not, be covered under standard insurance plans. Since these are vital components of the treatment process it is important to know how to acquire them.
Shopping around will save you money on items you must purchase out of your own pocket as costs vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, and some items are available online. You will find rebates are often offered on glucose testing meters, and a few meters are almost free.
There will be occasions when diabetes medications, including insulin, might not be covered under a general insurance plan. Since all insurance plans are different it is up to you to determine what is covered and what isn't. In the instance where there is no coverage, there may be other options available. If you are a regular customer who purchases several medications, you may be able to negotiate discounts with your pharmacy on medications and diabetic supplies. Also you could do some "price shopping" and then present evidence of the lowest prices you can find, asking your pharmacist if he is prepared to match these prices.
Medicare is a source for diabetes supplies. They will typically require the diabetic to attend a Type 2 diabetes education program before coverage will begin, but it is useful information that will assist in the day-to-day aspects of diabetes. It is always a good idea to have your doctor involved when working with Medicare, as Medicare often requires special documentation.
For those people who are over 65, Medicare offers a wide variety of supplies. Some limitations are imposed, but if the individual works with their doctor they can have the recommended amount of diabetes equipment prescribed to ensure coverage. There is also coverage available through the Social Security Administration.
There are also programs for what are classified as "high risk pools". This is coverage for those who might be considered "uninsurable" due to any number of reasons. The coverage is similar to that which is offered by private insurers, but often carries higher deductibles or limited coverage to justify the risk by the company.
If someone loses his or her job there is often the opportunity to continue their health coverage through a COBRA plan. This might only be available for a specific time, but it will allow the diabetic to continue receiving treatment.
Often people simply do not have the financial means to care for their disease. When this occurs there are organizations that are in place that can assist with supplies, and sometimes even basic office visits.
Checking with the County Health Department is another option, as they will sometimes offer insulin for specific groups of individuals who qualify. Your doctor may also have other recommendations.
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