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sonatabv@sbcglobal.net - 19 Mar 2008 17:18 GMT

I was wondering if anyone else had run into this or had any ideas.
I'm Type ii diabetic and check my glucose regularly (several times a
day) In October, my internist requested that I change meters and
suggested one which I picked up. Then I submitted the strip request
to my insurance! (and they filled it) They object to the brand of
meter and demand that I choose from one of their two offered. But the
catch is that I have to pay for 3 monthes of strips. While strips are
covered by my insurance, strips are covered at an above premium rate.
This whole scenario seems ludicrous to me. Any suggestions?

Thanks in Advance,

Vickie B.

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Tiger_Lily - 19 Mar 2008 18:15 GMT

> I was wondering if anyone else had run into this or had any ideas.
> I'm Type ii diabetic and check my glucose regularly (several times a
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Vickie B.

go with the 'preferred' meter by your insurance co

the strips have to be the most expensive part of testing :)

i LOVE my LifeScan One Touch Ultra 2 meter (is that one of your choices?)

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Nick Cramer - 20 Mar 2008 04:10 GMT

> > [ . . . ]
> i LOVE my LifeScan One Touch Ultra 2 meter (is that one of your choices?)

I've used LifeScan meters since 1992. When a new one comes out, they send
me a free upgrade and pay the shipping on the return of the old one. I
presently have a One Touch Ultra. Me and my MD can DL the results. Since I
went on Medicare, test strips are free from my PPO's pharmacy. 300 for 3
months right now.

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ray - 19 Mar 2008 22:35 GMT

On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:18:31 -0700, sonatabv wrote:

> I was wondering if anyone else had run into this or had any ideas. I'm
> Type ii diabetic and check my glucose regularly (several times a day)
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Vickie B.

What was the reason the internist requested a change of meters? Unless he/
she requested that to be able to download and analyze your data, I'd
explain the situation and go with what is less expensive. I discovered
last year that there are two or three brands on my insurance company's
formulary - they cost me $30/100 - less expensive than anything else I
could find. Sometimes it is worth checking.

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Julie Bove - 19 Mar 2008 22:50 GMT

>I was wondering if anyone else had run into this or had any ideas.
> I'm Type ii diabetic and check my glucose regularly (several times a
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> covered by my insurance, strips are covered at an above premium rate.
> This whole scenario seems ludicrous to me. Any suggestions?

I have insurance through the military. Mine is such that if I get whatever
meter they have at their own pharmacy, I can get the strips for free. The
catch there is that I do not live anywhere near one of their pharmacies and
driving all the way there and during the hours they are open would be a
royal pain. So I don't do that. I just use the meter I already have and
pay a small price for my strips at the local pharmacy. I don't remember the
exact amount I pay but it works out to something like $10-11 per box.

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