Sarah. This whole thing bothers me. I wonder whether you and your colleagues are misunderstanding your coverage. If you look at the standard BCBS coverage for diabetes testing supplies it covers 70% in-network after deductible (see http://www.bcbsm.com/myblue/plan_individualcareblue_benefits.shtml). Is it possible that you were told you had to pay the full cost of the test strips and it was not explained that you had not reached your deductible? It is after all only February. If you have a high deductible plan, this may mean that you have to spend a fair bit before reaching the point where you are covered.
This is really scary. BCBS is one of the best insurance companies when it comes to deductibles and handling of medical supply coverages. This really surprises me. I’ve seen the suggestion that you should try to order supplies from a medical supply company and I would take that one. call BCBS (again- haha) and tell them you’re ordering your supplies from _____ and you want to know what your co-payment will be with a 3 month supply of test strips?
Then you can have the company overnight the strips to you.
I hate that you have to know all the loop holes with insurance companies, but… we gotta. you NEED test strips. I would say MORESO than needing the pump.
GM as in General Motors? They should cover it! I do believe that the health insurance between the big 3 was very very similar and I became diabetic when my dad worked at Ford Motor Company and we didn’t have any issues getting 100 a month, but we had to appeal to get me 300 a month and my insulin pump.
I would be fighting them left and right. until then Rite aid has their own brand of meter which is only 5 points more than my freestyle brand, the meter is $20 and 100 test strips is $40 using their rite aid savings card and I use this to supplement my 300
I have now talked to BCBS, BlueCareNetwork and Medco, which is their insurance company. They all three told me the exact same thing. When I pointed out that it was a MI law, they told me I had to file an appeal. I am getting a letter and a prescription from my doctor. Hopefully they will figure out that just like insulin, test strips are vital in the life of a diabetic…
Our plan does not have a deductable, just co-pays. My dad who the insurance is through, already looked into it. this is a NIGHTMARE!
Sarah, I think you are being given the run around. Best I can tell, the test strips are durable medical equipment and are covered. Under BlueCareNetwork (ww.mibcn.com), they are covered. You do need to get your physician to give you a prescription and I believe you may have to procure them from the preferred provider, which from the web site seems to be Northwood (800-667-8496). Why don’t you give them a call and see if they can help. Frankly, you should not have to appeal in order to correct for their incompetence.
Hi Sarah!!
It’s me again … I just saw this article that may help you out (I emailed this to BlueCross Blue Shield and they are now covering my strips!!)
I hope this works for you!!!
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Jerissa