If you look back at my previous posts, since going to the Accu-chek combo I have issues and concerns. Latest....Meter is out, they are back ordered with an unknown date of ship. I am getting good at bolus caclulations, but can't go on like this. Is it for sure that insurance companies wont pay for a new pump but every 4 years?
Even if Dr. will approve?
My experience with Medtronic has been that when it blows up, they overnight me a new one. Although, unfortunately, both of my blowups have been on Saturday of 3 day weekends (4th of July, 2011 and Labor Day, 2013...) which means the new pump doesn't arrive until Tuesday. I don't know that much about the Accu-check but I don't pay anything for those replacements. Although right now, I'm contemplating the new sensors vs. a pump that only has a few hundred miles on it, as it were and will probably have to pay something if I want to switch.
Since the brains of the pump are in the meter and there is no bolus calculator on the pump I find that they are back ordered to be completely unacceptable that they cannot overnight you a replacement if your pump is under warranty. If it was me I would tell Accu-chek that unless that situation is rectified immediately you will be filing a formal complaint with the FDA and any other agency you think may be pertinent. That is absolutely appalling.
Is there a local rep you can call? They may have a loaner you can use.
I didn’t answer your question, it’s hard to get insurance to pay for a new pump before your warranty is up. Usually only under extreme medical circumstances and you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get it covered.
Sometimes pump companies have trade in offers for competitor pumps under warranty. Usually if the new model isn’t selling well and they want to entice customers. It’s always a cash deal as it doesn’t go through insurance and you need to check out the terms carefully to make sure it’s a good deal. For example say they are only offering 2 year max warranty but you have 3 years left then you’ll be a year without a warranty which is fine if you’re prepared to go back on shots for a year if something goes wrong. Omnipod has a cut the cord program they run frequently the other pump companies not so much.
Like acidrock23 mentioned, my experience is with Medtronic, and whenever one of my pumps from them has stopped working they airmail me a new one, no questions asked. Next time you can get a new one covered you might consider a different company than you have.
Good luck, roger
Is there any chance you still have that MM pump, Jacky R? Maybe you could use it until your back order from Accu-chek ships. I am surprised that a pump company can't get a loaner, a refurbish, or any help out to you. Good to know, though.
Agree, and I'd call my insurance company as well to let them know the company they are doing business with isn't able to honor their replacement warranty . Horrid.