Hi, I am very frustrated and scared. I received a letter in the mail on Saturday from the vendor that I usually get pod's from (Express Scripts). They stated that the old pods is no longer available and that Insulet does not have them either. It stated that if you are still under warranty they will replace your current PDM for free with the new version. Well...my warranty ran out end of June. I had no idea. Just my luck.
When I called Insulet they told me that I would have to buy a new one. Well the problem is my insurance won't pay until I have had the current one for 5 years, as as you all know, the warranty expires after 4 years, so I have 11 months left. I am not even sure that I can afford my 20% right now.
I do not know where to go or what to do to get pods. I currently have 8 left. I usually reorder when I start my last box, which was the same day I received the letter.
I agree with Rebecca, call everyone. Insurance, Doctor, Insulet, Express Scripts. Be friendly and accommodating to anything they need to help you and they most likely will help out. Maybe not quickly or initially, but you'll probably come out good in the end. Don't expect too much, but do call all of them to find out the best path to take. If you don't get an answer, call again later, and keep calling. But whatever you do, be nice and open to their suggestions. Asking for help usually works better than demanding it.
I also agree. Speak to a supervisor with your insurance company and explain the situation. The policy they have for covering the replacement of pumps after 5 years does not make a lot of sense given your circumstances.
When I spoke to Insulet and Byram Healthcare a couple of weeks ago my understanding is that Byram could get old pods for people out of warranty. I had re-ordered on the original prescription (so that was old pods) and Byram had me call Insulet to verify the PDM warranty *before* they would ship new pods.
I suggest talking to Insulet about getting old pods. If they can't do that it seems ridiculous that they've been shipping new olds to *new* customers since March or earlier - before your warranty expired - and they promised a change-over in March, when they would have replaced the PDM.
Thank you, John. I spoke to them and they are not willing to give me old pods. The lady said that they are no longer available and she does not know when they will become available again. I asked her if they stopped manufacturing them and she said she did not know. So helpful. I do realize that the people answering the phones does not have the answers.
I called my endocrinologist and he was not even aware that the new pods won't work on the old PDM. He called the sales rep and I am expecting a call from him. It is kind of crazy. If they came out with it in March I would not have this issue.
Thank you. I spoke to the insurance and they said that if I provide all the documentation I only have to cover my $350 deductible and my 20%. The total for me last time was $900 without the pods...lucky me! She also said that my plan renew's on 9/1, so if I can wait to order I should since my deductible will 'refresh'. The joys.
I just got my new shipment today from Express Scripts... 4 boxes of old ones. Manufactured 6/2013. I'm still under warranty. They aren't doing a very good job of dealing with these situations.
