Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by J A Jones on May 24, 2010 at 8:16pm

I am on Federal BCBS and I have had very little trouble with Animas for a Ping Pump and now Dexcom has been added (effective May 1, 2010) as a BCBS provider for a CGM. The cost is well worth the service and coverage. I wear a Ping and a Dexcom Seven+ CGM. I use the Medco mail order test strips and Novolog. I get my lancets from Animas with my pump supplies.

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Permalink Reply by A. Kelsey Metcalf on May 25, 2010 at 8:20am

Are you on the Fed BCBS standard or basic? Yes, I really want the standard plan, but don't think we can justify the cost if we can get similar coverage at $170/month less.

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Permalink Reply by J A Jones on May 27, 2010 at 9:33am

My observations with STANDARD are fewer hassles and wider, easier acceptance. The co-pays also appear lower. Send me a private message and we can discuss further. I am looking out for myself and others.
j

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly on May 25, 2010 at 7:42am

I'm on the Aetna federal CDDF plan (I think it's CDDF - it's consumer-driven deductible something). I've got low premiums, but a higher deductible - I find that doesn't really matter b/c I'm going to spend more than just about any federal plan's deductible in a year anyway. I got approved for a Minimed pump 3 months after diagnosis, didn't have to show any blood sugar records. I then got approved for the Minimed CGM a year later (didn't try to get one before that), and again, no blood sugar logs needed. I switched to the Omnipod, which they didn't pay for b/c it was only 2 years after my first pump. But they cover the quarterly supplies. I just got the Dexcom and they cover that, too. Everything pump- and CGM-related is covered under DME at 90% and prescriptions are $10 co-pay for generic and $20-$40 co-pay for higher level tier brands. I've had no problems whatsoever, and would highly recommend it.

Oh, and I'm single so I have no idea what the costs are for a family plan.

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Permalink Reply by Will on May 29, 2010 at 1:33pm

i am on BCBS Basic, which seemed best, before i got diagnosed (t2) but i have been having a hassle getting my meter and test strips. i am only 2 months in, so maybe it will work out. Just my observations.

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Permalink Reply by Mel on December 1, 2010 at 3:31pm

Hi I was just wondering what decision you ended up making. I am a type I and have been on the standard plan for seven years and have had no problem getting cgm supplies or pump supplies. I was just wondering what plan you ended up going with? If you went with the basic how is that?

Thanks
Mel

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Permalink Reply by A. Kelsey Metcalf on December 1, 2010 at 4:29pm

I went with APWU (American Postal Worker's Union) which is run by Cigna. So far I love it! They've covered, without question, EVERYTHING (except my 10 or 20%) including an MRI. Yesterday I found out that I can use medco (www.medco.com) to order prescriptions online and they'll fill 90 day supplies that way. Plus, according to my calculations, the difference in cost between medco and cvs is $1200 - in my favor - per year. This is for my diabetes medications, humalog, and test strips as well as another prescription for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. Additionally, I've not yet found any doctor's office that doesn't accept it.

So yes, while I've heard BCBS premium is the best - I think APWU is pretty excellent for the difference in cost.

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Permalink Reply by Nell on December 1, 2010 at 4:48pm

I have been on Federal BCBS since 1998 and was on bc most of my career before that. I have the standard. When I worked, I only had to pay 10% for the pump. Now I am on Medicare and BC as secondary and have no co-pay at all.
Yes, it costs the most. But my calculations showed that it paid the most for me and all the meds and pump supplies, etc. I am now paying the full amount for both in retirement and still think I come out even at least in terms of my meds, pump, supplies, and so on. We have an expensive disease.
Compare what they pay. You have all the materials online to do that. And remember, you can change the next November if you feel you made a mistake.

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Permalink Reply by Mel on December 1, 2010 at 5:34pm

Same for me I just got my new pump and cgm three months ago. I am considering the switch to basic I just do not want to get caught with high copays or bing declined for my animus pump supplies, dexcom supplies, and humalog. Is dexcom and animus in network? I am assuming they are not tyical RXs. I guess like you say I can try it this year and switch back next. I have only had my cgm for 3 months now but would be lost without it.

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Permalink Reply by Will on December 1, 2010 at 6:03pm

i stayed with BCBS Basic.. i did some checking, even though the copays on my strips are higher than i like the total package was pretty reasonable.

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Permalink Reply by etta amy on November 23, 2011 at 4:54pm

My husband is a Federal Employee and I'm switching to his health insurance from my State health insurance. He doesn't have any chronic illnesses, but I'm Type 1. I have a Dexcom and plan to start pumping in a couple of months.

After reviewing the 2012 benefits, has anyone changed their opinions on the best Fed health plans for Type 1s who wear a Dex and a pump?

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Permalink Reply by A. Kelsey Metcalf on November 28, 2011 at 8:27pm

Hi Etta,

I saw your note and yes, I'm still very happy with APWU. They've covered 90% of my everything - diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and more. Plus, I just heard that if you do a diabetic-specific program with them where you just call to check in every now and then, they'll cover 100%. I haven't called to start the program yet, but if you do contact them - ask about it.

Good luck!

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