I don't think I've ever been more undecided about a health-care issue than I am right now.
To DexCom or not to DexCom?
Last week, I wrote that I was up in arms about my insurance company saying it wouldn't pay for the DexCom sensors because my policy doesn't have "disposable coverage" and that I was going to fight for the coverage. Today has been a pretty good day, and I've been thinking that I don't really need a CGMS.
I know, that's totally weird coming from someone who has been saying for months how beneficial the system would be to my life.
Late this afternoon my cell phone range. The caller ID showed "Nevada" and the only person I know in Nevada is S, my DexCom rep. It rang and rang while I debated whether to let it go to voice mail. Curiosity got to me and I answered.
After we small talked, S said he was calling because he had gotten a report from the medical supply company they work with saying my claim had essentially been denied. He had some information, he said, and something that might help.
Some policies with my insurance company haven't classified the sensors as durable medical equipment and the company is apparently working on getting the sensors worked in to being part of the approval process. That gave me hope, actually, because I am planning to appeal to the insurance company.
The thing he thought might help is to offer me my first box of sensors for free. If I went ahead and ordered the starter kit and had him send me the first box of sensors then I'd have a month's worth (or more) of sensors and possibly a leg up on an appeal: You've already paid for the machine but you won't pay for the piece that will allow me to use it.
That sounded good, but I didn't want to be left in a position where I've paid my 20% of the machine ($175) and then can't use it because the insurance company still won't pay for the sensors. I had planned to call my insurance company in the next day or two, I told S. And then he reminded me about my deductible and if I don't order the system before the end of the year I may wind up paying more for it next year than I would now (he is a salesman after all).
But do I want to risk wasting $200?
