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The Question
04/27/09 11:21 AM

"Is it possible for a type 2 to switch back to oral meds instead of taking insulin. Cost is the main factor because of insurance."
Asked By: darrin  
Category: Insulin

Background Info Hide
type 2 insulin 16 months. Insurance doesn't care what it cost and I am sick of being told to beg for others to help. I pay the premiums but they can change whatever policy they want whenever they want. I cannot beat the insurance company and I don't really want to just die and make them happy.

Expert Answers (1)

04/29/09 09:16 AM

I understand your dilemma, I see this in the pharmacy all the time. There are some options for you. First of all, without knowing more about the type of insulin you take or how your blood sugar control was on oral meds compared to now, I can't give you specific advice. I can however tell you that many companies that make insulin have patient assistance programs that help you pay for your medications. You may want to check with these companies. In addition, it is possible for some patients to achieve good control on oral meds; it just depends on how well your own pancreas still responds. Your medical team can ascess this. Another option is your local ADA, they can provide resources that may help with payment of your medications. Good luck, I know you will find help. Susan
Answered By: susan sloane
Accreditations: B.S.,Rph.,C.D.E.,Nutritionist
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Community Answers (7)

05/07/09 04:54 PM

I am grateful that you checked back in with us and updated us. I am so relieved. You got the bare bones coverage. My sister got that too and she can't afford it either. The site I referred you to is one that was willing to help me get a very expensive med. But they want to see medical records and they can't guarantee privacy of them. I wouldn't have minded that at all except they would have had psychiatric records of mine and that is a whole different ball game. But other med records wouldn't have bothered me. They need to make sure of course. I am glad that you have good insulins. I do use Lantus myself plus two generic oral meds. Mine is pretty close to being controlled again. Thank you for asking. Good luck in the future! Sally
Answered By: copperhairpin
FLAG
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05/06/09 05:38 PM

Thank you Sally, I will look up this site. I tried the other one and was confused, but I will try this one. I take lantus and apidra, so there are no generics for these. It wouldn't matter anyway because the insurance they switched to requires me to pay the first $2500 before they pay anything. I have filed a grievance with my federal congressman and am presently getting free samples from my doctor. Again thank you for your help, God bless you for even caring. Good luck with your diabetes, I hope it is under control.
Answered By: darrin
FLAG
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05/06/09 05:16 PM

I gave you the wrong email site. The one that I really meant to send you is: http://www.pparx.org/prescription_assistance_programs I know how frustrated you are. My prescription Part D plan costs $387 a month I last heard. I am low income so I don't have to pay it. I am on Medicare. It upsets me also that THEY can also cancell out a med from their formulary. They have done that to me recently. Usually you can appeal this with the insurance company and the next step is for doctor to write a letter asking for an exception for you. Contact your insurance and find out the procedure with them. It is well worth the effort. Do not give in to your anger and your pride. You need that energy to fight the system. I don't know about you by I like people to have spunk in that way. If we all just accept what happens when it is unfair change never happens,. Have you talked about alternatives with your doctor? Sometimes there are meds that work pretty good for us out there that are cheaper. That is another option. ON a lot of meds I have gone generic because they work as good as the name brands. Too bad there aren't generic insulins. I guess the point is I am trying to say is insurance companies are trying to cut down the cost to them at our expense. The economy is bad, but what can you do? You have to try to have insurance. I am sorry about the situation you have found yourself in. I definitely understand with the situation I have gone through. Sally
Answered By: copperhairpin
FLAG
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05/06/09 05:16 PM

I gave you the wrong email site. The one that I really meant to send you is: http://www.pparx.org/prescription_assistance_programs I know how frustrated you are. My prescription Part D plan costs $387 a month I last heard. I am low income so I don't have to pay it. I am on Medicare. It upsets me also that THEY can also cancell out a med from their formulary. They have done that to me recently. Usually you can appeal this with the insurance company and the next step is for doctor to write a letter asking for an exception for you. Contact your insurance and find out the procedure with them. It is well worth the effort. Do not give in to your anger and your pride. You need that energy to fight the system. I don't know about you by I like people to have spunk in that way. If we all just accept what happens when it is unfair change never happens,. Have you talked about alternatives with your doctor? Sometimes there are meds that work pretty good for us out there that are cheaper. That is another option. ON a lot of meds I have gone generic because they work as good as the name brands. Too bad there aren't generic insulins. I guess the point is I am trying to say is insurance companies are trying to cut down the cost to them at our expense. The economy is bad, but what can you do? You have to try to have insurance. I am sorry about the situation you have found yourself in. I definitely understand with the situation I have gone through. Sally
Answered By: copperhairpin
FLAG
SourcesShow


05/05/09 11:02 AM

You do have to have a doctor's prescription for the Reli On insulin but it might not be the insulin that you personally need. Does your insurance suggests any others for you to switch to? I also know that with my prescription card my doctor can request an exception when the med doesn't have a generic. I know how you feel feeling that you are begging. You have to realize that it is not begging as much as saving your own life. That puts it in a different category. I have a very good site that you should check out and call. They don't make you feel bad about it. You still need a prescription, but I have a strong feeling that they might be able to help. It is: www.rxamerica.com Their phone number is: 1-888-227-8315 I think for me it was better to call. Sally
Answered By: copperhairpin
FLAG
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05/03/09 10:33 PM

I appreciate the help from the expert and community answer. I spoke with wal-mart and they do not have an over the counter insulin for $23. Nor do they have an insulin that you can get without a prescription. I was on 3 oral meds and they were not working anymore. Losing weight is not a cure for diabetes, I spoke with my doctor about that and although losing weight can help manage it , it is not a cure. The problem is my pancreas is not producing enough insulin and what it is producing is no good. So I appreciate the help but as the doctor said in frank and direct language I WILL DIE WITHOUT INSULIN. I will continue my low carb diet, exercise and insulin therapy with the help of my doctor and the help of the drug companies. And with the help of my friends at dlife. God bless and I pray they one day find a cure for this life sucking disease.
Answered By: darrin
FLAG
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05/03/09 04:54 PM

Were you well controlled on your orals. If so then of course yes you can. If not I would suggest you go to walmart pharmacy or target on line and read there $4.00 meds. It may very well take 2 orals to do it but you might be able to do it, lower your carb intake and up your excercise program and lose weight if need be. If that doesnt work you can buy insulin walmart for $23.00 it may not be what your taking now but you dont need a script for it. Good luck I hope this helps you.
Answered By: furball64801
FLAG
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