Question by queenkeliqua: Has anyone every heard of “Medical” paying for a diabetic pump for at Type 1 Diabetic?
My boyfriend is a complete miracle. He is 42 and is a brittle diabetic. He manages his diabetes with two different insulins, but he can go as low as 40 then as high as 500 all in the span of 24-48 hours. I am not a doctor but I am sure that this can not be healthy. He has had a life full of drinking, unhealthy eating, unmedicated mental illness, and drug abuse. This past year he has cleaned up his act and is really working hard on getting his diabetes under control. I know a pump is his answer. He is regulating his mental illness with medication under the care of a doctor and is doing 95% better as far as eating goes. Because of his bi-polar condition he is on SSI and Medical. I need to know if anyone has heard of Medical covering the Pump or if there are any other options. . .charities, or foundations that supply pumps to those who are in desperate need. I have a few friends who work for a major supplier of “pumps”, but they don’t know either. Please HELP!
Best answer:
Answer by ridicur
okay. here’s the thing. it sounds like he would qualify for the low income type help available. medicare will ultimately cover the cost of the pump and paraphenalia for a type 1 diabetic. from what i understand, it’s actually a rental as of this year, so you don’t really own it. thing is, medicare covers eighty percent of these items and if you don’t have another plan to pick up the balance; it can still be rather costly. medicare also mandates that you be seen four times a year by your endocrinologist before they will cover the pump, insulin and supplies for the pump and blood glucose monitor and supplies.
you need to qualify for an insulin pump. first, he would need an endocrinologist. he/she will likely ask him to record his blood sugars so that they can justify his poor control and how he would benefit from an insulin pump.
i am not familiar with medical. don’t know if it’s a supplmental or gap type coverage or even a low income program. you need to start with a doctor who will work with you and then speak directly to the insurance policy holders to determine if you can do this without cost. i hope you can. he’s lucky to have you.
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