Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mayumi on December 12, 2010 at 6:53am

 

Prior to July 1st of this year, I was on the OmniPod.  However when I researched staying on the OmniPod after I turned 65 in July 2010 I came up 'empty handed'.  It seems that Medicare does not cover the OmniPod at this time and they don't even recognize it as a 'option' for type 1 diabetics.  Have you considered any other of the pump brands?

Permalink Reply by Lee on December 12, 2010 at 8:52am

Maumi  - Yes, I have decided to take option #2. The  Medtronic pump is consider "safe" by Medicare. I am told I will get the latest pump; not an older one.  Fingers crossed!

My support internist to my PCP and Endo, has taken it upon himself to do all that is necessary for me to have a pump.  He has already helped quite a few diabetics to get a pump through Medicare in our area along the coast of Oregon where specialist are NOT found and very few CDE staffing.  A couple of NP  ere but experience is important - they are learning and I am too!  My endocrinologist is 3 hours one way from my home over two sets of mountains.

 

For your information:  Tests to accompany a request for  a pump are: C-PepTide, GAD,  FBG, are a MUST he says to accompany the request for a pump along with two months worth of  Daily Logs and his rview of the case, along with a history on me. This has already been sent off to Medicare.  Then comes the "discussion"  with Medicare that takes about two months - but worth it all. - I hope! This doctor thinks I have a very good chance if I accept a Medtronic pump.

 

I asked myself what is the ultimate goal?  I have lived 53 years (now 75 yr young) with T1 and intend to give another 20 years a try!  :-))   How?  With the best equipment  available to ME!  We all deserve the best that is possible and sometimes we must consider an alternative to what we want - at first!

 

I do not like wearing tubing but after 53 years with fairly good control, my numbers still vary too much too frequently (an occasionly variance is acceptable but less is better than it is now for me).  Also my system is unpredictable now and more challenged as I age and live longer with T1.  My endo says that due to the fact that my system is super sensitive to insulin and to food intake - we now continually look for what is possible at the time to help me .  MDI injections no longer works b/c the doses of insulin are not small enough - so the tubing an d Medtronic pump - for now!  .

 

So, if in two years OmnPod is still not considered "safe" by Medicare and the FDA - go for number #2.

However, there is always the chance that Medicare may by that time, feel that since you are on the OmniPod - to keep it etc.

 

Here is Hoping they will for you and others

Joan :-)) Type 1 Dx Nov 1957

 

Permalink Reply by Mayumi on December 21, 2010 at 1:39pm

I hope by now you've already started on the pump of your choice.  As of 8-20-2010 I started on the Medtronics Revel 723.  At first I was intimidated by the tubing and always being attached to something 24x7.  Now several months later it is just a part of me.  My A1C is the best it has ever been at 5.9%.  I do have to work hard to keep it that way though.  My body is always giving me new challenges day by day.

Permalink Reply by David Parker on December 21, 2010 at 2:09pm

Omnipod pumps are NOT covered by Medicare. No ifs, ands or buts. I worked the issue very hard and came up empty. The form factor just doesn't fit their prescribed documentation of what a pump should be. I think you'll find their overall cost is higher, too.
(I'm a 30 yr pump user and familiar with most of the manufacturers.)