Monday 15 May 2017

The cost of a chronic illness

Insulin and other diabetes medications and supplies can be costly.  Here in the US, insurance status and age (as in Medicare eligibility) can impact both the cost and coverage.  So today, let’s discuss how cost impacts our diabetes care.  Do you have advice to share?  For those outside the US, is cost a concern?  Are there other factors such as accessibility or education that cause barriers to your diabetes care?  (This topic was inspired by suggestions from Rickand Jen.)




An interesting topic for me as here in the UK we have the NHS (for now) and this absorbs a lot of the cost for supplies needed for care. There was a time though when we had to buy plastic syringes if you wanted them instead of using a glass one. Whizz right up to current day and we're in a similar position, pump funding comes from the hospitals and necessary supplies are included in this, cannulas, reservoirs, insulin.

As with most pumps the Medtronic one I'm wearing has the capability to upwork with CGM. In the UK CGM is funded for those planning pregnancy and as such I used mine when carrying my son. As I had some sensors left over I'm still using them up but as soon as my son was born funding was revoked. I think this is quite dangerous as you become reliant upon it to an extent and as such it can be quite a shock to go back to nothing. As they're so expensive self funding isn't really an option and we don't have any other funding options at present. So yes in essence the costs can be great in more ways than one.


                                                      

21 comments:

  1. Oh man that would be frustrating to become used to having a CGM during pregnancy and then be without. I am so reliant on my CGM!

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    1. Its a real pain but I have noted my concerns with my consultant who is amazing. He said he'll consider it further...!

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  2. I agree that not having a CGM is dangerous. I think it's vital to diabetes care, regardless of type!

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    1. I think its vital but more so to wean you off gently if they do decide to remove it! Its like one day you've got it next day your not sure what's going on. x

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  3. Interesting how the UK and AU systems differ slightly! (Nice to see you back by the way :) )

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    1. Yes I've got to say Medtronic in Aus where amazing when my pump broke out there. Three calls and I had a new one in my hand within 24 hours!

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    2. Nice to see you too btw x

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  4. It's great that CGM is funded for pregnancy, its not currently so in Australia. I am scared of becoming too reliant on my FreeStyle Libre, one of the reasons I only use it intermittently.

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    1. Its fab I couldn't have got it without. I must say you do become reliant upon it though

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  5. What is the rationale for revoking after pregnancy? Do they not know that good diabetic control is needed for establishing your breast milk supply, ensuring your baby doesn't need formula and the potential risk for the child of a mom with Type 1 diabetes? Sorry. I'll get off my soap box now.

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    1. I agree, its just to do with a lack of available money and they don't see it as a crisis if baby does end up on formula which mine did.

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  6. Such random, illogical decisions by insurance providers doesn't seem to be limited to the US it wold seem. Good post.

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    1. Glad to see its bot just ours that makes mad choices lol

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  7. That is great that CGMs are provided during pregnancy but quite strange that they're not otherwise... I don't use one at the moment but I can imagine it's quite easy to become reliant on the data they provide.

    Thanks for sharing and nice to meet you!

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    1. Its very easy to become reliant upon them trust me! Nice to meet you too

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  8. CGM's just make life livable. Especially for a young mom

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  9. so many differences across the world. I really need CGM but can not afford it here in Aust - I do around 20+ finger pricks per day instead!

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    1. I was like that before my funding was approved. Its tough isn't it? Dedication to keep it up is hard too x

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  10. I was a hold out on getting a CGM as I didn't want another thing attached to me, but I've been using one for almost a year now and cannot imagine living without it now.

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    1. I was apprehensive but I loved it after a couple of weeks. x

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