Thanks for all the fabulous comments on my last post.  I got some great suggestions that I was able to follow up on.

Going on COBRA is considered an open enrollment event, meaning I can change anything and everything about my coverage.  If I drop to the least benefit plan that still has prescription coverage, I can cover just myself for under $200 a month.

Then I can put the kids on a good preventative plan to cover all the well-kid visits, vaccines and inevitable ear infections or pinkeye or strep, the usual stuff that comes up. Hubby can go on a high deductible catastrophic type coverage with an HSA.  We ought to be all covered, at least somewhat, for around $500 a month.  Much more palatable than $1200 a month.  It's still a ridiculous amount, but you really can't go "naked" anymore, since one incident can bankrupt a family. (READ MORE)

healthwarehouse

Since I order new prescriptions usually once a month, I use an online mail order service. It makes it really easy to just type in some numbers and hit enter a few times to have my prescriptions mailed wherever I am at the time. This morning I went to refill my strips prescription (I'm on my last box so I'm a little behind). I know I've tested a lot more than normal lately and my prescription is on the low side (my fault for not updating it), but when I went to refill I double checked the dates to make sure I wasn't going to need to fax in a new prescription. I was fine, I could have ordered them two days ago if I wanted to. (READ MORE)

I spoke with a customer service person at our new insurance company today. The woman was really nice and very helpful. Score: 1 for Nameless Insurance Company.

I talked to her about test strips and insulin and meters and pumps. She told me that meters were covered and when I said we get them free from the endo, she said her mother had type 1 and had a ton in her stash cabinet, too, also free from her doctor. Score: 2 for NIC

She went on to inform me that she didn't see any restrictions as to type of strips they would cover, but that I should call back once I had my actual ID number, just to double check. She also didn't see any restrictions on number of strips dispensed, but again, to call back. No score on that one.

She informed me that all brands of pumps were covered, 100 %, as were pump supplies. Yipee!!!!! Score: 3 for NIC.
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I was a little shocked, actually, to have gotten a real answer instead of a blow off "It's in medical review" answer.

My pump rep and my endo's nurse have jumped through hoops giving my insurance company the information it needs/wants in regard to approving my CGMS claim. I thought there was going to be a conversation between the insurance folks and my doctor's office, not just a flat out "No." I really thought that giving them all this information and stressing that I have hypo unawareness would surely make them say yes. Like I said, I was shocked.

I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand I'm still ready for a fight. I've called my pump rep to fill him in and see where we go from here--not to say, "I give up, thanks for trying." On this hand I feel a little angry that they have all this information detailing medical necessity and still say no. (READ MORE)

ldleeuw

When I was little, I imagined a perfect life. I picked careers, pretended to make life-changing decisions and pictured my future. Nothing was affected by realistic needs and the facts of my life. I could be anything and never worry about discrimination in the workplace. I could live anywhere and not stress over medical access or insurance. My mind was limitless.

Now I make these life-changing decisions for real: I pick future careers, places to live and potential spouses. Now I have limits. My decisions factor in my diabetes and my future with diabetes. I look at things like job requirements, insurance benefits and personal reactions to my diabetes. Everything is affected by it. (READ MORE)

jyyne_2000

I was busy. I thought it'd be here sooner. I just didn't take the time to think about it. The insurance company shouldn't be so slow. I have too many other things to handle. I'm still new to pumping so I haven't realized the increased needs. I couldn't really judge how much was left. (READ MORE)